Afghanistan delivered a stunning upset against England during the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, knocking the defending champions out of the tournament with an exhilarating eight-run victory on February 26 at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore.
Ibrahim Zadran was the star of the show, scoring a remarkable 177 runs off 146 balls, setting not only the highest individual score by any Afghan player but also breaking records to become the youngest player to score more than 150 runs during the competition. Afghanistan set England a hefty target of 326 runs after recovering from a precarious position of 37/3, thanks to Zadran’s brilliant performance and solid partnerships with teammates including Hashmatullah Shahidi, who contributed 40 runs, and Azmatullah Omarzai and Mohammad Nabi, who each added 41 runs and 40 runs, respectively.
Zadran's feat was momentous; it placed him alongside cricketing greats. With his 177 runs, he became the first Afghan batter to score over 150 runs in any ICC tournament, and his record eclipsed previous milestones held by cricket legends like Sachin Tendulkar. “I haven’t played ODI cricket for one year. So I was trying to put pressure on myself,” Zadran mentioned during his mid-game interview with Star Sports, highlighting his impressive return to the international stage.
England entered the match needing to win to keep their semifinal hopes alive after losing their first game to Australia by five wickets. Chasing the target set by Afghanistan, they faltered at key moments, struggling to find momentum against Afghanistan's potent bowling attack and eventually falling short with only 317 runs on the scoreboard. Despite Ben Duckett’s formidable 85 runs and contributions from other players, England’s failure to chase down the target concluded their ICC Champions Trophy 2025 campaign.
This match carried substantial significance not just for the teams involved but also for the cricket world. Afghanistan's victory reshaped the competitive dynamics of Group B, leaving South Africa, Australia, and Afghanistan still vying for qualification to the semifinals, whereas England was unceremoniously eliminated primarily due to this loss. The outcome was particularly shocking considering England’s status as one of the pre-tournament favorites.
Looking at the records, Zadran's innings was not just impactful for this game; it established him as one of the key players for Afghanistan's cricket future. His impressive run included 12 boundaries and six sixes, showcasing his aggressive but controlled batting style. Zadran's history-making knock solidified his legacy as not only the first Afghan to hit a century during the Champions Trophy but also the youngest player to achieve such extraordinary feats before turning 25.
The match results revealed the volatile nature of competitive cricket, where fortunes can shift remarkably within the span of hours. Following this game, Afghanistan continues to stand resiliently as they prepare for their next encounter against Australia, where they will need to win to keep their semifinal hopes alive. Meanwhile, England's early exit raises questions about their form and strategy going forward, marking this tournament as one for reflection.
Afghanistan's cricket team has historically faced challenges, but this victory against England is yet another feather in their cap, embodying their growth and determination on the international stage. With players like Ibrahim Zadran leading the way, Afghanistan emerges as not just participants but serious contenders, ready to make their mark on the world cricketing stage.