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

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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.

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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

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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.

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Tags: Afghanistan vs England, ICC Champions Trophy, Ibrahim Zadran, Azmatullah Omarzai, Cricket Records, Joe Root, Jofra Archer, England Cricket, Afghanistan Cricket, Semi-Final Race