Zadran’s 177 & Omarzai’s Five-Wicket Haul Propel Afghanistan to Thrilling Victory Over England in Champions Trophy
- Abeera Marium Siddiqui
- February 28, 2025
- 1:30 pm
- 52
- Sports
Afghanistan vs England Champions Trophy match turned into a historic night in Lahore. Ibrahim Zadran’s brilliant 177 and Azmatullah Omarzai’s five-wicket haul led Afghanistan to a thrilling eight-run victory. England, despite Joe Root’s fighting 120, fell short in the chase. This defeat knocked England out of the tournament, marking their second ODI loss to Afghanistan in less than a year.
Zadran’s Masterclass Sets the Stage
Afghanistan won the toss and chose to bat first. Their start was shaky. Jofra Archer’s fiery spell reduced them to 37/3 inside nine overs. But Zadran and captain Hashmatullah Shahidi rescued the innings with a crucial 103-run stand. Shahidi scored 40 before falling to Adil Rashid.
Zadran then shifted gears. He built a 111-run partnership with Mohammad Nabi, who smashed 40 off 24 balls. Zadran’s innings, featuring 12 fours and six sixes, broke records. His 177 became the highest individual score by an Afghan batter in ODIs and the best-ever knock in Champions Trophy history, surpassing Ben Duckett’s 165 against Australia.
England’s Chase: Root Stands Tall Amidst Chaos
Chasing 326, England had a poor start. Phil Salt fell early to Omarzai. Jamie Smith misread a delivery from Nabi and was dismissed. England’s top order collapsed under pressure.
Root and Duckett tried to rebuild with a 68-run partnership. But Rashid Khan trapped Duckett lbw for 38. Harry Brook looked promising but gifted a simple return catch to Nabi. England’s middle order crumbled.
With wickets falling, Root took charge. He reached his first century in almost five years. His 83-run stand with Jos Buttler gave England hope. But Omarzai struck again. He removed Buttler for 38 and dismissed Liam Livingstone soon after.
Omarzai’s Late Strikes Seal Afghanistan’s Win
Root fought hard, reaching 120 off 111 balls. England still had a chance. But Omarzai delivered the knockout punch. He found Root’s outside edge, sending him back.
Craig Overton played a quick 32 off 28 balls, keeping England in the hunt. But one mistimed shot cost him his wicket. With 17 runs needed, Archer tried to finish the match. He swung hard but couldn’t find the big shots.
With 13 required off the final over, England had only one wicket left. Omarzai bowled brilliantly, conceding just four runs. He dismissed Adil Rashid, sealing a historic win for Afghanistan.
The Afghan players erupted in celebration. England became the third team eliminated from the Champions Trophy, after Pakistan and Bangladesh. Afghanistan had once again proved their strength on the biggest stage.
