KARACHI, Pakistan — Afghanistan secured a dramatic eight-run victory over England in the ICC Champions Trophy, knocking the defending champions out of the tournament and keeping their own hopes alive.
This marks Afghanistan’s first win in the competition after suffering a defeat against South Africa in their opening match.
Zadran’s record-breaking performance
Batting first, Afghanistan posted a formidable 326 for six in their 50 overs, powered by an outstanding innings from Ibrahim Zadran, who scored 177 off 144 balls—the highest individual score for Afghanistan in an ODI tournament.
Azmatullah Omarzai contributed 41 runs off 31 balls and then delivered a match-winning bowling performance, taking five wickets for 58 runs.
Mohammad Nabi and Hashmatullah Shahidi each added 40 runs, with Nabi also taking two wickets.
England collapse as Afghanistan seals historic win
Despite a strong start, England faltered under pressure, losing all 10 wickets in their chase and failing to reach the target.
With 13 runs needed off the final over, England’s lower order crumbled. Jofra Archer attempted a boundary to ease the pressure but could only find Mohammad Nabi at long-on. Mark Wood, struggling with an injury, was left to face the final deliveries, but Afghanistan held firm.
In a crucial late moment, Gulbadin Naib, who had barely been involved in the game until the final overs, dismissed Liam Livingstone with a sharp length ball outside off stump, caught behind by Rahmanullah Gurbaz. With Joe Root as England’s last major hope, Afghanistan’s bowlers tightened their grip, securing the historic win.
England’s white-ball decline
The defeat marks a rapid fall from grace for England, who just 18 months ago held both the ODI and T20 World Cup titles. Now, they exit the tournament without making the knockout rounds.
With this victory, Afghanistan earned two points, while England’s campaign came to a disappointing end. Ibrahim Zadran was named Player of the Match for his exceptional batting performance.
