Afghanistan knock England out in Champions Trophy thriller

Afghanistan knocked England out of the Champions Trophy after a thrilling contest in the eighth match of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.

Afghanistan captain, Hashmatullah Shahidi won the toss at Lahore's Gaddafi Stadium and elected to bat first. The Afghan team posted a competitive total of 325 runs in their allotted 50 overs. In response, England's entire team hung on almost till the end, getting bowled out for 317 runs in 49.5 overs.

Afghanistan's batting lineup faced early trouble, losing two wickets for just 15 runs. However, Ibrahim Zadran steadied the innings after coming to the crease, helping Afghanistan reach 325/7 in 50 overs.

Ibrahim Zadran played a phenomenal knock of 177 runs of 146, hitting six sixes and 12 fours.

For England, Jofra Archer took three wickets, while Liam Livingstone claimed two, and Adil Rashid picked up one.

Chasing the target, England's team was bowled out for 317 runs. While wickets kept falling at one end, Joe Root played a brilliant innings of 120 runs on 111 balls and built partnerships with other players.

Azmatullah Omarzai took five wickets for Afghanistan.