In the eighth match of the Champions Trophy at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium, Afghanistan secured a thrilling eight-run victory over England, knocking them out of the tournament.
With this win, Afghanistan’s upcoming match against Australia holds the significance of a quarter-final clash.
Batting first, Afghanistan set a formidable total of 325 runs for the loss of seven wickets in their 50 overs. The standout performer was Ibrahim Zadran, who played a remarkable knock of 177 runs.
England, in response, fell short, getting bowled out for 317 runs despite Joe Root’s impressive 120-run innings.
Afghan opener Ibrahim Zadran shattered the Champions Trophy record for the highest individual score, surpassing England’s Ben Duckett, who had previously scored 165 just days earlier.
Zadran also became the first Afghan player to score a century in both the World Cup and the Champions Trophy, earning him the Player of the Match title.
For England, opener Phil Salt was dismissed for 12 runs by Azmatullah Omarzai, while wicketkeeper-batsman Jamie Smith managed only nine runs.
Ben Duckett, who had delivered a record-breaking performance against Australia, was removed for 38 runs by Rashid Khan, whereas Harry Brook was sent back by Mohammad Nabi after scoring 25 runs.
England’s top scorer, Joe Root, contributed 120 runs before being dismissed in the 46th over after facing 111 balls.
Captain Jos Buttler scored 38 runs off 42 balls, while Liam Livingstone managed just 10 runs before getting out.
For Afghanistan, Azmatullah Omarzai led the bowling attack with three wickets, while Mohammad Nabi took two. Rashid Khan and Gulbadin Naib claimed one wicket each.
This match had already stirred controversy before it began. Ahead of the Champions Trophy, more than 150 UK politicians urged the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) to boycott the match against Afghanistan, citing concerns over women’s rights.
However, the ECB ultimately decided against the boycott due to ICC regulations.
Afghanistan’s Innings
Afghanistan’s innings got off to a shaky start when opener Rahmanullah Gurbaz was bowled for six runs by Jofra Archer in the fourth over. Four balls later, Siddiqullah Atal was dismissed LBW for just four runs.
Jofra Archer struck again to claim the third wicket, dismissing Rahmat Shah for four runs at a total score of 37, caught by Rashid Khan.
Despite early setbacks, Afghanistan stabilized with a 103-run partnership between Ibrahim Zadran and captain Hashmatullah Shahidi. Shahidi smashed three sixes and a four in his 41-run innings before falling to Adil Rashid.
Azmatullah Omarzai provided quickfire support with 41 runs off 31 balls, hitting three sixes and a four, while Mohammad Nabi played a blistering 40-run innings off just 24 balls, which included three sixes and two fours.
Ibrahim Zadran, the anchor of Afghanistan’s innings, was dismissed on the first ball of the 50th over. His innings, featuring six sixes and 12 fours, marked his sixth ODI century.
For England, Jofra Archer led the bowling attack with three wickets, while Liam Livingstone took two. Jamie Overton and Adil Rashid picked up one wicket each.
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