The Afghanistan national cricket team scripted history in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 by defeating the England cricket team in a thrilling encounter. The match, played at a packed stadium, saw Ibrahim Zadran delivering an extraordinary performance, leading Afghanistan to a crucial win in the tournament. With this victory, Afghanistan climbed up the Champions Trophy 2025 points table, intensifying the competition for a semi-final spot.
Ibrahim Zadran’s Record-Breaking Performance
Here’s what you need to know:
Ibrahim Zadran, the opening batsman of the Afghanistan national cricket team, played a sensational innings, scoring 177 runs, the highest individual score in the history of the ICC Champions Trophy. His innings powered Afghanistan to a formidable total, putting England under immense pressure. Zadran’s knock, comprising 12 fours and six sixes, was a masterclass in stroke-making, resilience, and composure.
His partnership with Hashmatullah Shahidi, who contributed 40 crucial runs, stabilized Afghanistan’s innings after early setbacks. The duo built a strong platform, ensuring that Afghanistan posted a competitive total on the board.
Afghanistan vs England: Match Scorecard
Afghanistan Innings:
- Ibrahim Zadran – 177 (146)
- Hashmatullah Shahidi – 40 (52)
- Azmatullah Omarzai – 38* (22)
England Bowling:
- Jamie Overton – 3/54
- Joe Root – 1/30
- Phil Salt – 0/25
England, in reply, put up a valiant effort but fell short of the target, despite crucial contributions from Ben Duckett and Jonathan Trott.
England’s Chase and Afghanistan’s Bowling Brilliance
Chasing 326 runs, England got off to a shaky start as Afghanistan’s pacers, led by Azmatullah Omarzai, rattled the top order. England lost early wickets, with Joe Root and Phil Salt struggling to build momentum against Afghanistan’s disciplined bowling attack. Ben Duckett fought hard with a well-made 85 runs, but his dismissal tilted the game in Afghanistan’s favor.
Afghanistan’s bowlers kept the pressure on with precise line and length, and despite a late flourish from England’s lower order, Afghanistan clinched a memorable 8-run victory. This win eliminated England from the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 and propelled Afghanistan closer to the semi-final stage.
Impact on the Champions Trophy Points Table
With this victory, Afghanistan moved up in the Champions Trophy 2025 points table, keeping their semi-final hopes alive. England, on the other hand, faced elimination after failing to secure crucial wins in the tournament. The latest Afghanistan vs England standings highlight Afghanistan’s rapid rise in international cricket.
Afghanistan vs England Live Match & Where to Watch
Cricket fans worldwide tuned in for the AFG vs ENG live match through various broadcasting channels. The match was available on popular streaming platforms, ensuring that fans did not miss a moment of the high-octane clash.
For those wondering where to watch Afghanistan national cricket team vs England cricket team, official broadcasters such as Sky Sports, Star Sports, and ICC TV provided live streaming options across different regions.
The Rise of Afghanistan Cricket
Afghanistan’s win against England is a testament to their growing prowess in international cricket. Over the past decade, Afghanistan has transformed from an underdog team to a competitive force in world cricket. Players like Ibrahim Zadran, Rashid Khan, and Azmatullah Omarzai have consistently delivered match-winning performances, making Afghanistan a formidable side.
The team’s success in the Champions Trophy is a reflection of their dedication, hard work, and the strong leadership of their captain. Hashmatullah Shahidi has played a crucial role in guiding Afghanistan’s young talents, ensuring a well-balanced team.
Upcoming Matches: Afghanistan vs Australia
Following their victory against England, Afghanistan now prepares for their next big challenge against Australia. The upcoming AFG vs AUS match is expected to be another intense battle, with Afghanistan looking to maintain their winning momentum.
Meanwhile, England will look to regroup as they reflect on their early exit from the tournament. The Champions Trophy 2025 schedule includes several other thrilling encounters, keeping cricket enthusiasts engaged.
Key Players to Watch in Afghanistan vs Australia
- Ibrahim Zadran – Fresh off a record-breaking knock, he will be key to Afghanistan’s success against Australia.
- Rashid Khan – Afghanistan’s star leg-spinner will play a crucial role in restricting Australia’s strong batting lineup.
- Azmatullah Omarzai – His all-round abilities provide Afghanistan with the balance needed to challenge Australia.
A Defining Moment for Afghanistan Cricket
Afghanistan’s victory over England in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 marks a significant milestone in their cricketing journey. Ibrahim Zadran’s heroic innings, coupled with a disciplined bowling effort, showcased Afghanistan’s potential on the global stage. With Azmatullah Omarzai, Hashmatullah Shahidi, and Ibrahim Zadran leading the charge, Afghanistan remains a strong contender for the tournament’s semi-finals.
As the competition heats up, fans eagerly await the next set of matches, including Afghanistan vs Australia, which promises another thrilling contest in this year’s Champions Trophy. With Afghanistan’s growing stature in world cricket, their performance in CT 2025 could redefine their future in international cricket.
The cricketing world will closely watch Afghanistan’s progress, and if they continue their dominant performances, a historic tournament win might not be far away. Their win against England is not just a victory but a statement to the cricketing world – Afghanistan is here to compete at the highest level.