Afghanistan won by 8 runs, nearing semis. England is out of the Champions Trophy.
Highlights:
- Afghanistan knocked England out of the Champions Trophy with a thrilling win.
- Afghanistan edged past England by 8 runs, nearing the semis.
Afghanistan stunned England with a thrilling 8-run win at Gaddafi Stadium, defending 325 and bowling them out for 317 to edge closer to the semifinals.
Afghanistan’s thrilling win eliminates England from the Champions Trophy.
Joe Root’s brilliant century, a resilient 120 that helped stabilize England’s innings after an early collapse at 133/4, ultimately proved insufficient as Afghanistan’s determined bowling attack delivered a match-winning performance, securing a thrilling victory and knocking England out of the Champions Trophy.
England fell short while chasing 326, despite Joe Root’s 120 off 111 balls. Azmatullah Omarzai’s five-wicket haul turned the game in Afghanistan’s favor. His crucial wickets in the final over sealed a thrilling 8-run win. Ibrahim Zadran’s record 177 set up Afghanistan’s historic victory. England crashed out of the semi-final race.
Ibrahim Zadran smashed a record 177 runs, the highest in tournament history, surpassing Ben Duckett’s 165. His 146-ball knock, featuring 12 fours and 6 sixes, kept England’s bowlers under pressure. Key partnerships with Shahidi, Omarzai, and Nabi powered Afghanistan to 325/7.
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Jofra Archer was England’s best bowler with three wickets, but all struggled as Afghanistan’s batters scored freely, maintaining an economy rate above six runs per over.
Afghanistan will face Australia on February 28, with the winner securing a spot in the Champions Trophy 2025 semifinal. Meanwhile, England will take on South Africa on March 1.
