Zardan’s century, Omarzai’s fifer knock England out of Champions Trophy 2025
Lahore: Before a Group B clash of the Champions Trophy 2025 between Afghanistan and England at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium, there were apprehensions that the Hashmatullah Shahidi-led might stage an upset in the tournament, given their previous record against the English side.
Opener Ibrahim Zadran (177) and all-rounder Azmatullah Omarzai (41 and 58/5) overshadowed a brilliant century by Joe Root (120) and proved those apprehensions right when their team defeated the Joss Buttler-side by eight runs, ending England’s campaign in the tournament.
In the 2023 World Cup played in India, Afghanistan had also defeated the English side by 69 runs.
After winning the toss, Afghanistan decided to bat first, but Jofra Archer completely dominated the first hour of the match by removing three Afghan batter for just 37 runs. Rahmanullah Gurbaz (6), Sediqullah Atal (4), and Rahmat Shah (4) were the victims of Archer’s superb bowling.
Taking charge, Zadran stitched a 103-run partnership with Hashmatullah Shahidi (40) before the latter was dismissed by Adil Rashid, who ended up conceding 60 runs in his 10 overs.
Zadran then built the innings with Omarzai and Mohammad Nabi, who scored a quick-fire 40 off 23 balls. Before returning to the pavilion in the final over of the innings, he dispatched the ball to the boundary 12 times. His innings, which included six maximums, helped Afghanistan reach a commanding total of 325 runs for the loss of seven wickets.
While chasing the mammoth total, England lost their first two wickets – Phil Salt (12) and Jamie Smith (9) – for just 30 runs. Apart from Joe Root, skipper Joss Buttler (38) and Jamie Overton (32) were the only batter to cross the 30-run mark. Afghanistan veteran Nabi made a useful contribution with the ball, picking up two important wickets.
‘Bazball’ Strategy Under Question
With this defeat, England have been knocked out of the Champions Trophy 2025. Before arriving at the ICC tournament, the English side lost a one-day series to India. Their “Bazball” strategy has been questioned, especially in ODIs, as the English side has failed to make it to the semifinals in both the World Cup 2023, and now in Champions Trophy 2025.
Afghanistan to Play Against Australia in Next Match
Meanwhile, Afghanistan have seen a rise in their performance as they have been giving a stiff competition to mighty teams. With this win, their chances of securing a spot in the semifinals have become stronger. They will play against Australia on Friday in a Champions Trophy 2025 group stage game at Lahore.
In the World Cup 2023, Australia had a narrow escape against Afghanistan when an astonishing innings by Glen Maxwell saved the day for his team. This time, Australia, which lack main star players like Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins, and Josh Hazlewood, can’t afford to take Afghanistan lightly. Australia’s last match against South Africa was washed out due to rain. Now, Australia have 3 points, with South Africa having same points.
