In a thrilling encounter at the Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore, Afghanistan stunned England by 8 runs in a memorable ICC Champions Trophy match, knocking their opponents out of the tournament. The victory was largely powered by a sensational innings from Ibrahim Zadran, who played a record-breaking knock of 177 off 146 balls, steering his team from a perilous situation to a commanding total.
Electing to bat first, Afghanistan faced early trouble as Jofra Archer’s fiery opening spell reduced them to 37/3. However, Zadran anchored the innings brilliantly, launching a stunning counterattack. The 23-year-old showcased a masterclass of batting, smashing 12 boundaries and six towering sixes. His remarkable innings not only rescued Afghanistan but also set a new benchmark in ICC Champions Trophy history, surpassing the previous highest score of 165 by England’s Ben Duckett against Australia.
Supported by crucial partnerships in the middle order, Zadran’s heroics propelled Afghanistan to a challenging total of 325/7. Despite Archer’s impressive 3-wicket haul, the English bowlers struggled to contain Zadran’s onslaught.
Chasing 326, England fought valiantly, with Joe Root and Ben Stokes leading the charge. Root’s composed 120 and Stokes’ aggressive 75 kept England in contention. However, Afghanistan’s bowlers held their nerve in the death overs, particularly Fazalhaq Farooqi and Rashid Khan, who delivered tight spells, restricting England to 317 in 49.5 overs.
Rashid Khan’s tactical brilliance and the disciplined bowling unit ensured Afghanistan defended their total, sealing a famous victory. Zadran was rightfully named the Player of the Match for his historic innings, which not only set records but also revived Afghanistan’s hopes in the tournament.This memorable win marked a turning point for Afghanistan cricket, showcasing their rising prowess on the global stage while sending England packing from the competition.
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