
Azmatullah Omarzai. (Photo Source: ACB/X)
Ibrahim Zadran was the star of the show in the Match 8 of the Champions Trophy 2025 between England and Afghanistan, as the latter emerged victorious by 8 runs in a last-over thriller. Zadran’s 177-run knock set the tone for the Afghans as they were able to post 325/7 in 50 overs, despite losing their three wickets inside the powerplay.
The other batter who played a key part in the first innings was Azmatullah Omarzai, involving in a crucial partnership with Zadran where he himself added 41 runs off just 31 deliveries. Later in the match, Omarzai picked five wickets in the second innings, while also bowling the crucial last over, which got the Afghans over the finishing line in a do-or-die encounter.
Former India cricketer, Mohammad Kaif, said that Omarzai was the true Player of the Match despite Zadran’s impeccable knock. Kaif believes that Omarzai’s runs and five wickets with the ball were more important than Zadran’s blitz with the bat, since he made all-round contributions.
“My Man of the Match is Azmatullah Omarzai. He took five wickets on a pitch that had nothing for the fast bowlers. England almost won the game and he proved to be the difference in the end. Omarzai also scored runs for the team. Five wickets are more important than the runs posted by Zadran,” Mohammad Kaif said on Sports18.
Also Read: Funniest Memes from AFG vs ENG, Match 8
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