Afghanistan National Cricket Team vs England Cricket Team Match Scorecard

In one of the most thrilling encounters of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, the Afghanistan National Cricket Team vs England Cricket Team Match Scorecard told a story of resilience, dominance, and an unforgettable underdog triumph. This high-voltage clash, which took place at the iconic Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore, showcased an electrifying display of ballebaazzi (batting power) from Ibrahim Zadran and a determined bowling attack that stunned the cricketing world. Fans across the globe were treated to a classic, as Afghanistan pulled off a historic win, and the detailed match scorecard reflects every twist and turn of this unforgettable showdown.

Afghanistan Sets a Towering Total: 325/7

Batting first after winning the toss, Afghanistan faced an early scare as they lost both openers cheaply with the score at just 11. Jofra Archer struck early blows, dismissing Rahmanullah Gurbaz for 6 and Sediqullah Atal for 4. But what followed was an astonishing rescue act by young opener Ibrahim Zadran, who played the innings of a lifetime.

Zadran hammered a majestic 177 runs off 146 balls, an innings laced with 12 boundaries and six huge sixes. It was the highest individual score ever recorded in the history of the Champions Trophy, surpassing previous records with class and composure. He built crucial partnerships with Hashmatullah Shahidi (40) and Azmatullah Omarzai (41 off 31), keeping the scoreboard ticking and the pressure on the English bowlers.

The finishing touches were provided by the experienced Mohammad Nabi, who smashed 40 off just 24 balls to help Afghanistan post a formidable 325 for 7 in their 50 overs.

England’s bowling lacked consistency, though Jofra Archer picked up 3 wickets for 64 runs. Adil Rashid chipped in with 1 for 60, but the rest of the bowling lineup struggled to contain the flow of runs.

England’s Chase: Root’s Century Goes in Vain

Chasing a daunting target of 326, England started their innings cautiously. Philip Salt fell early for 12, and Ben Duckett added a valuable 38 before getting out. The pillar of the English chase was veteran batsman Joe Root, who brought up a magnificent 120 off 111 deliveries. Root's 17th ODI century was a masterclass in timing, placement, and temperament, and it seemed at one point that he would guide England to a comfortable win.

However, Afghanistan’s bowlers had other plans.

Azmatullah Omarzai delivered a stunning all-round performance, not only contributing with the bat but also wreaking havoc with the ball. He picked up 5 crucial wickets for 58 runs, including that of Joe Root at a critical juncture. Once Root fell, the tide began to turn, and England’s middle and lower order couldn’t withstand the Afghan pressure.

Despite some resistance from Jos Buttler (38), the lack of partnerships in the lower order proved fatal. England were bowled out for 317 in 49.4 overs, falling just eight runs short of victory.

Mohammad Nabi supported Omarzai well with 2 wickets, while Rashid Khan and Gulbadin Naib chipped in with a wicket each. Fazalhaq Farooqi also played a key role by keeping things tight in the death overs.

Turning Point of the Match

The turning point came in the final 10 overs of the England innings. At one stage, England needed just under 7 runs per over with six wickets in hand. But Afghanistan’s disciplined bowling, sharp fielding, and Azmatullah’s fiery spell shattered England’s momentum.

Joe Root’s dismissal, which came from a clever change of pace, was the game-changer. Once he departed, the rest of the English lineup collapsed under pressure.

A Landmark Victory for Afghanistan

This victory was more than just two points on the scoreboard for Afghanistan—it was a statement. It showcased their growth in international cricket and their ability to go toe-to-toe with the world’s best. Ibrahim Zadran was deservedly named Player of the Match for his extraordinary innings.

Captain Hashmatullah Shahidi praised his team’s resilience and composure under pressure, emphasizing the unity and hunger within the squad. He hailed Zadran’s innings as one of the best ever played for Afghanistan in an ICC event.

Azmatullah Omarzai's all-round display earned him widespread praise as well. His maturity with both bat and ball proved crucial in shaping the match’s outcome.

England’s Disappointment and Questions Ahead

For England, this loss marked their early exit from the Champions Trophy—a major disappointment for one of cricket’s powerhouses. Captain Jos Buttler admitted the team’s shortcomings, especially in death bowling and lack of support for Root’s efforts. Injuries, tactical missteps, and inconsistency plagued their campaign.

The defeat raised serious questions about England’s white-ball strategies and the future of key players. Critics have called for structural changes and a fresh approach ahead of upcoming tournaments.

Conclusion

The Afghanistan vs England clash in the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy will be remembered as one of the most thrilling encounters in the tournament’s history. Afghanistan’s spirited performance, led by Ibrahim Zadran’s record-breaking century and Azmatullah Omarzai’s all-round brilliance, etched a golden chapter in their cricketing journey.

It was a game of courage, nerves, and stunning performances—proving once again that in cricket, no match is won until the final ball is bowled. Afghanistan’s triumph over England stands tall as a symbol of belief, hard work, and the beautiful unpredictability of the sport.