Afghanistan has once again made headlines on the international cricket stage, claiming a dominant victory over England during the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. Held at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore, on February 26, Afghanistan showcased its growing cricketing prowess with an impressive batting display, culminating in a commanding total of 325 runs for 7 wickets.
The star of the day was none other than Afghanistan opener Ibrahim Zadran, whose stellar performance not only led his team to triumph but also etched his name in the history books. Zadran's breathtaking 177 runs off 146 balls set the record for the highest individual score in ICC Champions Trophy history, surpassing the previous record held by England's Ben Duckett, who scored 165 runs.
Choosing to bat first after winning the toss, Afghanistan experienced early hiccups as opener Rahmanullah Gurbaz managed only 6 runs before Jofra Archer dismissed him, leaving the team at 11 for 1. The middle order was put under pressure with Sediqullah Atal and Rahmat Shah both falling cheaply, leaving Afghanistan struggling at 37 for 3. It was at this juncture Zadran stepped up to take control of the innings.
Partnering with skipper Hashmatullah Shahidi, who contributed 40 runs off 67 balls, Zadran engineered a 103-run partnership, which steadied the turbulent Afghan innings. Their collaboration brought much-needed stability and strategy as they pushed past the 200-run mark by the 37th over. Zadran’s performance was especially memorable; he hit 12 fours and 6 sixes, showcasing his power and precision.
Following Shahidi's dismissal to Adil Rashid, Zadran continued to accelerate the scoring alongside Azmatullah Omarzai, who added 41 runs off just 31 balls, including three sixes. They formed another significant partnership of 72 runs, setting Afghanistan on track to surpass their total from the previous match against South Africa, where they were bowled out for 208.
With Afghanistan's innings culminating at 325, England faced the monumental task of chasing down 326 runs to stay alive in the tournament. Their hopes evaporated quickly as Phil Salt, chasing the ball with determination, succumbed early to Azmatullah Omarzai, who impressed with the ball, sending Salt’s stumps flying after he managed just 12 runs.
Despite the setback, England’s top order tussled onwards against the Afghan bowlers. Jofra Archer remained economically impactful for England, concluding with figures of 3 for 64, even as the team confronted relentless pressure from Afghanistan's bowlers.
Afghanistan's performance wasn’t just about numbers; it represented growth and grit on the world cricket stage. This match served as proof of their development and burgeoning talent. Zadran’s historical innings symbolizes the bright future of Afghan cricket, positioning them as formidable contenders on the international scene.
Overall, Afghanistan's victory over England not only highlights their batting capabilities but also reflects their resilience and skill under pressure. It sets the tone for the remainder of the ICC Champions Trophy, as they look to build on this momentum moving forward. With every match, Afghanistan is carving out its legacy on the world cricket stage, bringing pride to their nation and their fans.