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Afghanistan’s Stunning Win Over England Sets Up a Three-Way Race to the Champions Trophy SFs in Group B

Afghanistan’s Stunning Win Over England Sets Up a Three-Way Race to the Semi-Finals in Group B

“We believed, we fought, and we conquered!” – Ibrahim Zadran

Lahore, February 28: Afghanistan kept their semi-final hopes alive with a thrilling eight-run victory over England, knocking the defending champions out of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. With this win, Group B is now a three-way battle between Afghanistan, South Africa, and Sri Lanka for the last semi-final spot.

The victory was built on Ibrahim Zadran’s record-breaking 177 off 146 balls, the highest individual score in Champions Trophy history, and Azmatullah Omarzai’s brilliant five-wicket haul, which derailed England’s chase of 326 at the Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore.

Zadran’s Historic Knock Puts Afghanistan on Top

Winning the toss and batting first, Afghanistan faced early trouble at 37/3, but Zadran anchored the innings with crucial partnerships:

103 runs with Hashmatullah Shahidi (40 off 67)
72 runs with Azmatullah Omarzai (41 off 31)
111 runs with Mohammad Nabi, who provided a late flourish

Zadran’s blazing 177 (12 fours, 6 sixes) surpassed Ben Duckett’s previous record of 165, helping Afghanistan post a commanding 325/7.

Jofra Archer (3/64) and Liam Livingstone (2/28) were the pick of England’s bowlers.

England’s Chase: Azmatullah Omarzai Wreaks Havoc

England’s chase was anchored by Joe Root (120 off 111 balls), but Afghanistan’s bowlers struck at key moments to keep them in the game.

Phil Salt (12) was bowled early by Omarzai
Ben Duckett (38) was trapped lbw by Rashid Khan
Jamie Smith (9) and Harry Brook (25) fell cheaply
Jos Buttler (38) and Root put up an 83-run stand before Omarzai dismissed the England skipper

With 13 needed off the last over, Omarzai held his nerve and dismissed Adil Rashid, sealing a famous victory for Afghanistan.

“We never gave up. This team has the heart to fight till the last ball.” – Azmatullah Omarzai

Group B: A Three-Way Semi-Final Battle

With this result, England is eliminated, and the race for the last semi-final spot is now between:

✅ Afghanistan (1 win, 1 loss)
✅ South Africa (1 win, 1 loss)
✅ Sri Lanka (1 win, 1 loss)

The final round of Group B matches will decide who advances to the semi-finals, making this one of the most intense finishes in Champions Trophy history.