AFGHANISTAN beat ENGLAND by 8 runs! England Eliminated, Afghanistan Alive; Check the Updated ICC Champions Trophy Points table 2025

AFG vs ENG: What a Thriller! AFGHANISTAN have defeated ENGLAND in the last ball thriller and the doors of Semifinal Qualification are still open for the Afghans. Incredible scenes from LAHORE and Afghanistan have done it again in another ICC event.

That is what happens when two quality international teams clash in an all-important match. A record-breaking innings from Zadran, followed by a crucial 5-wicket haul by Azmattulah Omarzai, helped Afghanistan to get the better of England in an important match. 

Let's take a look at the Match report of AFGHANISTAN vs ENGLAND match and ICC Champions Trophy Points table 2025:

AFG vs ENG Match Report

Afghanistan’s innings began with a challenging start as they lost three early wickets for just 37 runs. Jofra Archer bowled a fiery opening spell, dismissing Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Sediqullah Atal, and Rahmat Shah. Facing this early setback, Ibrahim Zadran and captain Hashmatullah Shahidi worked to stabilize the innings.

Zadran reached his half-century in 65 balls, but after a steady partnership, Shahidi fell for 40 while trying to play an unorthodox shot against Adil Rashid. Azmatullah Omarzai then played a quick cameo, scoring 41 off 31 balls, keeping the scoreboard moving despite England's pace attack.  

As Zadran settled in, he shifted gears after his century, needing just 28 more balls to reach 150. He, along with Mohammad Nabi, punished England’s bowlers, taking full advantage of missed chances and sloppy fielding. Zadran’s powerful stroke play, including a six and three consecutive boundaries off Archer, helped Afghanistan accelerate in the final overs.

Nabi also played a vital role, smashing Joe Root for two sixes. Despite a tight final over by Liam Livingstone, Afghanistan managed to score 113 runs in the last 10 overs, finishing their innings at a competitive 325 for 7. Ibrahim Zadran’s incredible 177 set a new ICC Champions Trophy record, surpassing the previous best. His knock also made him the second player in this edition to cross 150, after Duckett’s 165.

In the chase, again, it was a sloppy start for England as they lost Phil Salt and Jamie Smith under 30 runs. Then, Duckett and Joe Root ensured the next 10 overs with no casualties. Last match hero Ben Duckett just started to accelerate when Rashid Khan found his leg before the wickets. 

Harry Brook got a good start again but failed to capitalize on it. England were under pressure all of a sudden, but Jos Buttler came, poured calmness, and put the pressure back on Afghanistan. Azmatullah was exceptional today as he got the crucial wickets of Jos Buttler in the middle and Joe Root in the death overs. Joe Root, before getting out, smashed an exceptional century with a strike rate over 100. 

It looked for once that Afghanistan might pull it after Root's wicket, but Jamie Overton and Jofra Archer added valuable runs, and England were on the top! Just then, threw a regulation catch to the long on, and Afghanistan were pumped again. Fazalhaq and Omarzai didn't give any pace to the ball, and Jofra lost his wicket in search of a SIX as well. 

It was all done and dusted for them and disciplined bowling from Afghan bowlers didn't make any mistake! Afghanistan defeated England by 8 runs. England are now eliminated from the semifinal race.

ICC CHAMPIONS TROPHY POINTS TABLE 2025