“Thoroughly Deserved Win” – Vaughan Lauds Afghanistan as England Crash Out of Champions Trophy

Afghanistan’s historic victory sparks nostalgia, while England’s white-ball struggles continue

New Delhi, February 26: Former England captain Michael Vaughan said he wasn’t surprised to see England crash out of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 after their shocking eight-run defeat to Afghanistan in Lahore. Vaughan believes England’s declining white-ball form made their early exit inevitable.

“England just haven’t played good enough white-ball cricket for a couple of years… this result isn’t a surprise in these conditions,” Vaughan wrote on X.

Afghanistan’s thrilling victory at Gaddafi Stadium mirrored their famous triumph over England in the 2023 ODI World Cup in Delhi. The match was a run-fest that kept fans on the edge of their seats, but Afghanistan’s bowlers held their nerve to pull off a stunning win.

Zadran’s Record-Breaking Knock Lays the Foundation

Batting first, Afghanistan faced early setbacks but found a savior in Ibrahim Zadran, who smashed a tournament-record 177 off 146 balls. His record-breaking innings was the highest individual score in Champions Trophy history.

Zadran’s heroics were well-supported by:

• Azmatullah Omarzai (41 off 31) – Injected momentum in the middle overs
• Gulbadin Naib (40 off 28) – Provided late acceleration

Afghanistan posted a formidable 325/7, putting England under immense pressure.

England’s Fightback Falls Short

In response, Joe Root (118 off 111) led England’s charge, but regular wickets dented their chase. Omarzai was England’s tormentor-in-chief with a sensational five-wicket haul (5/58)—the best bowling figures for Afghanistan in an ICC ODI event.

Despite late resistance from Jamie Overton (32) and Jofra Archer (14), England fell just eight runs short, confirming their shock group-stage exit.

“Brilliant from Afghanistan… Thoroughly deserved win,” Vaughan concluded.

Brilliant from Afghanistan .. Throughly deserved win .. England just haven’t played good enough white ball cricket for a couple of years .. this result isn’t a surprise in these conditions .. #ChampionsTrophy2025

— Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) February 26, 2025

What’s Next?

With England eliminated, Group B now has a three-way battle for the final semi-final spot between:

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

Afghanistan’s victory keeps their dream alive, making their final group-stage match a must-win encounter.

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