Cricket Highlights, February 26: ICC Champions Trophy 2025 (8th Match) – AFG vs ENG

AFG vs ENG (8th Match) – Highlights

In this article, we will discuss the thrilling 8th match of Group B in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, AFG vs ENG where AFG pulled off a stunning victory over ENG by 8 runs at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore on February 26, 2025. In a high-scoring encounter, Afghanistan posted an impressive 325/7 in their 50 overs, setting a formidable target for England. Despite a valiant chase, England fell just short, getting bowled out for 317 in 49.5 overs. This historic win marked one of Afghanistan’s most significant triumphs on the global stage.

Afghanistan delivered a stunning performance to edge past England by 8 runs in a thrilling Group B encounter of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore. Batting first, Afghanistan posted a formidable total of 325/7 in their 50 overs, powered by a breathtaking innings from Ibrahim Zadran, who scored a magnificent 177 off 146 balls, including 12 fours and 6 sixes.

Despite losing early wickets, with Rahmanullah Gurbaz (6), Sediqullah Atal (4), and Rahmat Shah (4) falling cheaply to Jofra Archer, Zadran anchored the innings brilliantly. He found crucial support from Captain Hashmatullah Shahidi (40 off 67), who steadied the middle order. The momentum shifted towards AFG when Azmatullah Omarzai played a brisk knock of 41 off 31 balls, followed by Mohammad Nabi, who smashed a quick-fire 40 off 24, accelerating the scoring rate in the death overs. 

Jofra Archer was the pick of the English bowlers, claiming 3/64 in his 10 overs, while Liam Livingstone (2/28) and Jamie Overton (1/72) chipped in with key wickets, but England struggled to contain the Afghan batters in the latter half.

In response, the ENG chase started shakily as Phil Salt (12) was dismissed early by Azmatullah Omarzai, who was exceptional with the ball. Jamie Smith (9) followed soon after, falling to Mohammad Nabi, leaving England at 30/2. Ben Duckett (38 off 45) tried to stabilize the innings but was trapped lbw by Rashid Khan. 

The chase was kept alive by a valiant 120 off 111 balls from Joe Root, who played a masterful innings under pressure, striking 11 fours and 1 six. He received some support from Harry Brook (25) and Jos Buttler (38), but wickets continued to fall at crucial junctures. Omarzai returned to dismiss Buttler and later got the big wicket of Root, turning the tide in Afghanistan’s favor. 

Despite some late fireworks from Jamie Overton (32 off 28) and Jofra Archer (14 off 8), England fell short, being bowled out for 317 in 49.5 overs. Azmatullah Omarzai was the star with the ball, delivering a match-winning spell of 5/58 in 9.5 overs, while Mohammad Nabi (2/57) and Gulbadin Naib (1/16) provided crucial breakthroughs. 

This thrilling victory not only showcased Afghanistan’s rising prowess in world cricket but also marked a significant moment as they defended a competitive total against a formidable English side.

Afghanistan vs England Scoreboard

Afghanistan – 325/7

England – 317(49.5/50)

Result – Afghanistan won by 8 runs

Player of the Match – Ibrahim Zadran

AFG vs ENG Playing Eleven

Afghanistan

Rahmanullah Gurbaz(WK), Ibrahim Zadran, Sediqullah Atal, Rahmat Shah, Hashmatullah Shahidi(C), Azmatullah Omarzai, Mohammad Nabi, Gulbadin Naib, Rashid Khan, Noor Ahmad, Fazalhaq Farooqi

England

Phil Salt, Ben Duckett, Jamie Smith(WK), Joe Root, Harry Brook, Jos   Buttler(C), Liam Livingstone, Jamie Overton, Jofra Archer, Adil Rashid, Mark Wood

Disclaimer: These match highlights reflect the author’s insights and analysis. Readers are encouraged to consider the points discussed and form their own conclusions.

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