### **Match Report: Afghanistan vs England, ICC Champions Trophy 2025**
**Venue:** Lahore
**Date:** February 26, 2025
**Result:** Afghanistan won by 8 runs
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#### **Match Summary**
In a thrilling encounter at Lahore, Afghanistan pulled off a stunning victory against England by 8 runs in the 8th match of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. Batting first, Afghanistan posted a formidable total of **325/7** in their 50 overs, thanks to a magnificent century by **Ibrahim Zadran**. In response, England fought valiantly but fell short, scoring **317** in 49.5 overs, despite a brilliant century by **Joe Root**.
Afghanistan’s bowlers held their nerve in the final overs, with **Azmatullah Omarzai** delivering a match-winning performance, claiming **5 wickets** to seal the victory. This win marks a historic moment for Afghanistan, as they continue to establish themselves as a force to reckon with in international cricket.
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#### **Afghanistan Innings (325/7 in 50 overs)**
Afghanistan’s innings was anchored by a sensational knock from **Ibrahim Zadran**, who scored **177 runs off 146 balls**, including 12 fours and 6 sixes. His innings was the backbone of Afghanistan’s total, as he built crucial partnerships with **Hashmatullah Shahidi (40)** and **Azmatullah Omarzai (41)**.
– **Key Performances:**
– **Ibrahim Zadran:** 177 (146) – Player of the Match
– **Azmatullah Omarzai:** 41 (31) – Quickfire cameo
– **Mohammad Nabi:** 40 (24) – Late flourish
England’s bowlers struggled to contain the Afghan batters, with **Jofra Archer** being the pick of the bowlers, taking **3/64** in his 10 overs. **Liam Livingstone** also chipped in with **2 wickets**, but the rest of the attack was expensive.
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#### **England Innings (317 all out in 49.5 overs)**
England’s chase began shakily, losing **Phil Salt (12)** and **Jamie Smith (9)** early. However, **Joe Root** played a masterful innings, scoring **120 off 111 balls**, keeping England in the hunt. He received support from **Jos Buttler (38)** and **Jamie Overton (32)**, but the middle order failed to capitalize on the platform set by Root.
– **Key Performances:**
– **Joe Root:** 120 (111) – A classy century
– **Jos Buttler:** 38 (42) – Steady contribution
– **Jamie Overton:** 32 (28) – Late resistance
Afghanistan’s bowlers were disciplined under pressure, with **Azmatullah Omarzai** being the standout performer, taking **5/58** in 9.5 overs. **Mohammad Nabi** and **Rashid Khan** also contributed with crucial wickets, while **Fazalhaq Farooqi** and **Gulbadin Naib** provided timely breakthroughs.
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#### **Turning Point**
The game turned in Afghanistan’s favor during the final overs of England’s innings. With Root dismissed in the 46th over, England lost momentum, and Omarzai’s five-wicket haul ensured Afghanistan held their nerve to clinch a memorable victory.
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#### **Player of the Match**
**Ibrahim Zadran** was awarded the Player of the Match for his match-defining innings of **177 runs**, which set the stage for Afghanistan’s victory. H
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#### **Key Stats**
– **Afghanistan’s Total:** 325/7 (50 overs)
– **England’s Total:** 317 (49.5 overs)
– **Top Scorer:** Ibrahim Zadran (177)
– **Top Wicket-taker:** Azmatullah Omarzai (5/58)
– **Partnerships:** Zadran-Shahidi (103 runs), Root-Buttler (83 runs)
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#### **Conclusion**
Afghanistan’s victory over England is a testament to their growing prowess in international cricket. With standout performances from Zadran and Omarzai, they outclassed a strong English side in a high-scoring thriller. This win will undoubtedly boost Afghanistan’s confidence as they progress in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.
England, on the other hand, will rue missed opportunities, particularly their inability to finish the chase despite Root’s heroics. They will need to regroup quickly for their next match.
