ICC CHAMPION TROPHY 2025: England send off with a thrilling win over Afghanistan

by morningsunrise

february 27,2025

Nazat,sandeshkhali1

North24parganas,

Afghanistan defeated England by 8 runs in a tense match. Jos Buttler's team was eliminated from the Champions Trophy due to this defeat. Joe Root's fighting century was of no use. After winning the toss, the Kabuliwala's country scored 325 runs for the loss of 7 wickets. Ibrahim Zadran scored 177 off 146 balls alone. This is the highest score in the history of the Champions Trophy. Earlier, England opener Ben Duckett scored 165 against Australia at the Gaddafi Stadium. Zadran broke that record and took Afghanistan to the mountain of runs. His innings included 12 fours and 6 sixes.

Afghanistan did not start well when they came out to bat first. The Gurbajra were defeated by the pace of Jofra Archer. At one point, they were 37 for 3. England fans were quite happy to see that. But as the game progressed, Zadran's batting showed England's bowling in disarray.

In reply, England lost the wicket of Phil Salt (12) early on. Jamie Smith (9) also failed to capitalize on the opportunity. The asking rate also started to rise as wickets fell one after another. In this situation, Ben Duckett (38) was caught leg before by Rashid Khan's impeccable delivery. Joe Root gave the team confidence under heavy pressure. He completed his century in 98 balls. His 120 runs from 111 balls included 11 fours and a six. After Root returned, Overton (32) and Archer (14) took the team ahead under heavy pressure. 13 were needed in the last over. But there was no final defense. England were stopped for 317 runs. The most successful bowler for the Afghans was Azmatullah Omarzai (5-58).