Afghanistan stunned the cricketing world on February 26, 2025, by defeating England by 8 runs at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore, effectively eliminating the reigning champions from the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. This remarkable victory has kept Afghanistan's dreams of advancing to the semifinals alive, much to the delight of their supporters.
The match was tense, falling under the category of must-win for both teams after they each suffered defeats in their earlier fixtures. Afghanistan, led by captain Hashmatullah Shahidi, chose to bat after winning the toss. Initially, the start was rocky as they lost early wickets and struggled to find momentum, but Ibrahim Zadran's brilliant century, scoring 105 runs, provided the backbone for their innings, helping the team set a target of 326 runs for England.
England, captain Jos Buttler at the helm, ambitiously approached the chase, knowing they had to win to keep their semifinal hopes alive. The match had taken on the heft of urgency, with the stakes higher than ever. Their batting lineup included formidable names like Joe Root and Harry Brook, promising to deliver fireworks.
The crowd at Gaddafi Stadium was buzzing, filled with anticipation as the game progressed. England faced some early setbacks but managed to keep up with the required run rate through partnerships, especially between Buttler and Root. Yet, Afghanistan's bowlers kept chipping away, refusing to will the match away. Sitarah Anjum Official reported, "Afghanistan hold their nerve in a thrilling finish to edge past England and keep their #ChampionsTrophy2025 hopes alive!"
With the match reaching its climax, the tension was palpable. England needed 30 runs off the last three overs, with several wickets still intact. The pressure mounted as Afghanistan's bowlers tightened their grip, each delivery digging deep to thwart the attempts of the English batsmen. Buttler tried to anchor the innings, pulling off boundaries when required, but the wickets continued to tumble around him.
The final over saw England needing 15 runs with two wickets remaining. Afghanistan's bowlers executed their plans expertly, maintaining composure under pressure. When the last ball was bowled, the crowd erupted as the English batsman was caught at deep square leg, sealing Afghanistan's narrow victory, much to the dismay of the English supporters who had come expecting a different outcome.
This match not only showcased the immense talent of the Afghan players but also served as another reminder of England's vulnerability, as the defeat knocked them out of the tournament altogether. After the match, Shahidi reflected on the game, stating this victory belonged to his entire team, who had worked hard to come this far.
England's defeat has prompted discussions about how the tournament champions could stumble so spectacularly so early. They entered the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 as one of the favorites, but their inconsistency raised eyebrows and opened pathways for the underdog teams like Afghanistan to shine.
With this victory, Afghanistan is now positioned well for their next matches, carrying both confidence and momentum. Cricket fans now eagerly anticipate how far this team can go, hoping they can continue to challenge the status quo and possibly secure their place among the tournament's elite teams.
The 2025 ICC Champions Trophy will certainly be remembered for its surprises, and Afghanistan's victory over England will be etched as one of the major upsets, solidifying the rising status of Afghanistan cricket on the international stage.