By Zainab Shafiq 
Afghanistan pulled off a sensational victory over England in Lahore, winning by 8 runs in a high-scoring contest at the ICC Champions Trophy. Ibrahim Zadran’s career-best 177 powered Afghanistan to 325/7 before their bowlers held their nerve in the final overs to secure a famous win.
Batting first, Afghanistan suffered early setbacks, losing three wickets inside nine overs. However, Zadran took control with a majestic knock, stitching vital partnerships with captain Hashmatullah Shahidi (40) and Azmatullah Omarzai (41). His 146-ball masterclass, featuring 12 fours and 6 sixes, ensured Afghanistan posted a formidable total. Late cameos from Mohammad Nabi (40 off 24) and Omarzai propelled them past the 300-run mark.
Champions Trophy 2025: Afghanistan vs England match, Ibrahim’s century highlights
England’s chase started positively, but Afghanistan struck early. Azmatullah Omarzai’s brilliant spell (5/58) removed Phil Salt, Joe Root, and Jos Buttler at crucial stages. Root’s fighting 120 off 111 balls kept England in contention, but he fell in the 46th over, leaving too much for the lower order.
Jofra Archer (14 off 8) and Jamie Overton (32 off 28) tried to pull off a late heist, but Fazalhaq Farooqi and Omarzai closed out the game, bowling England out for 317 in 49.5 overs.
This win keeps Afghanistan’s semi-final hopes alive, while England’s campaign faces an uphill battle.
Also, see:
Champions Trophy 2025: Ibrahim Zadran registers record, surpasses cricket legends