Afghanistan’s thrilling eight-run victory over England in the 8th match of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore marked a significant moment in the tournament.
This win not only kept Afghanistan’s hopes alive for a semi-final spot but also eliminated England from the competition.
Here are three key reasons why Afghanistan emerged victorious:
1. Ibrahim Zadran’s Record-Breaking Innings
Ibrahim Zadran’s magnificent 177 off 146 balls was the cornerstone of Afghanistan’s innings. His record-breaking knock helped Afghanistan post a challenging total of 325 for 7 in 50 overs.
Zadran’s innings were characterized by his ability to dominate the English bowlers, setting the stage for a competitive match.
His performance was pivotal in ensuring that Afghanistan had a strong foundation to defend.
2. Azmatullah Omarzai’s All-Round Brilliance
Azmatullah Omarzai, recently named the ICC Men’s ODI Player of the Year, played a crucial role in Afghanistan’s victory.
He contributed 41 runs with the bat, helping stabilize the innings during a critical phase. More importantly, Omarzai took a historic five-wicket haul, dismissing key English batters to restrict their chase.
His all-round performance was instrumental in Afghanistan’s win, as he not only supported the batting but also led the bowling attack effectively.
3. England’s Inability to Capitalize on Key Moments
Despite Joe Root’s impressive century (120 off 111 balls), England failed to capitalize on crucial moments in the match.
The English team faced setbacks, including the injury to Mark Wood, which limited their bowling options.
Additionally, Jofra Archer’s dropped catch of Alex Carey in their previous match against Australia was a costly error, but in this game, England’s inability to convert key opportunities, such as not supporting Root adequately, ultimately led to their downfall.
The pressure of a must-win game also seemed to affect their performance, as they were unable to maintain the required run rate throughout the innings.
