(Image source from: x.com/ICC)
Ibrahim Zadran showcased a remarkable innings of 177 runs, complemented by Azmatullah Omarzai’s impressive five-wicket haul, leading Afghanistan to a thrilling 8-run victory over England, which was marked by Joe Root's outstanding century. This win pushes England out of the Champions Trophy on Wednesday, leaving them without a victory after their first two matches. In their final Group B encounter, they will face South Africa, who sit on three points alongside Australia. Afghanistan, having secured two points, must triumph over Australia in their last group match to keep their hopes of advancing to the knockout stage alive.
England's pursuit of the target got off to a shaky start with early dismissals of Phil Salt and Jamie Smith, leaving them at 30 for 2. They ultimately collapsed for 317 all out, one ball remaining, with Omarzai delivering crucial blows and finishing with figures of 5 for 58. Root, with a score of 120, provided much-needed stability to the innings through two partnerships: one of 68 runs with Ben Duckett, who scored 38 but was given a lifeline when he was dropped on 29, and another of 83 runs with captain Jos Buttler. Although these partnerships were not explosive, they kept England within striking distance of the target. However, the loss of both Duckett and Buttler disrupted the rhythm, leaving Root to carry the team's hopes alone.
Root's innings was characterized by his careful approach; he rarely played aggressively yet managed to maintain a strike rate close to 100, sometimes exceeding it. His innings featured subtle yet significant touches, including a reverse sweep for four off Noor Ahmad and a scooped six off Fazalhaq Farooqi. He reached his 17th ODI century by nudging a single off Rashid Khan but soon after fell to a tired ramp shot off Omarzai, taken by wicketkeeper Rahmanullah Gurbaz. Jamie Overton contributed a quickfire 32 runs from 28 balls but was dismissed after adding a vital 54 runs for the seventh wicket, ultimately marking the end of England's campaign in the tournament.
Prior to this, Zadran's extraordinary performance had propelled Afghanistan to a total of 325 for seven. His century, compiled off 146 deliveries and including 12 fours and 6 sixes, was supported well by captain Hashmathullah Shahidi, who scored 40 runs off 67 balls, forming a 103-run partnership for the fourth wicket, and Azmatullah Omarzai, who scored 41 runs off 31 balls for the fifth wicket. Zadran also forged a formidable partnership worth 111 runs for the sixth wicket with Mohammed Nabi, who contributed 40 runs off 24 balls, putting significant pressure on the England bowlers. However, Afghanistan's start was precarious, having chosen to bat first, as Jofra Archer's accurate pace bowling (3 for 64) put them in trouble within the first ten overs on an excellent batting pitch.
Rahmanullah Gurbaz was bowled by an Archer delivery as he attempted a drive, while Sediquallah Atal found himself leg before wicket. Rahmat Shah's pull shot went directly to Adil Rashid positioned at square leg, contributing to Afghanistan's precarious score of 37 for three during the Power Play. Zadran initiated a recovery alongside Shahidi, adopting a cautious approach. However, upon reaching his half-century off 65 balls, Zadran began to accelerate, hitting Jamie Overton for a couple of boundaries, indicating a change in strategy. Shahidi, unfortunately, got out attempting a reverse sweep against leg-spinner Rashid, who bowled a delivery that shattered the stumps. Meanwhile, Zadran continued to thrive with Omarzai, putting pressure on the English bowlers. Additionally, England faced the challenge of a knee injury to pacer Mark Wood, who managed to bowl only eight overs after briefly leaving the field during Afghanistan's innings.
