In the 2025 Champions Trophy, Afghanistan defeats England in a dramatic last-over victory.

Afghanistan outclassed England in a thrilling last-over finish in the Champions Trophy 2025, securing a victory by 8 runs: England found themselves in a precarious situation after losing their initial match to Australia. Afghanistan, on the other hand, not only secured a historic victory but also kept their hopes alive in the race for the semi-finals. Chasing 326 for victory, Joe Root played a brilliant knock of 120 off 111 balls, keeping England’s hopes alive despite regular wickets falling. England came close to victory several times, but Root, struggling with cramps, was dismissed in the 46th over. Jofra Archer (14 off 8) and Jamie Overton (32 off 28) were unable to complete the task because no boundaries were broken in the final 15 deliveries. England was bowled out for 317 with just one ball to spare. Afghanistan’s win was largely thanks to Azmatullah Omarzai’s remarkable 5-58 and Ibrahim Zadran’s stunning 177, which set new Champions Trophy and Afghanistan ODI records. At the Gaddafi Stadium on Wednesday, Afghanistan defeated England by 325 runs in a crucial Champions Trophy 2025 match thanks to Ibrahim Zadran's breathtaking 177-run innings. Zadran’s sixth ODI century, adorned with 12 boundaries and six sixes, marked a historic milestone as his first ton against England in 35 ODIs.

When Afghanistan decided to bat first after winning the toss, their innings got off to a rocky start. Jofra Archer’s devastating spell claimed three top-order wickets, dismissing Rahmanullah Gurbaz (6), Sediqullah Atal (4), and Rehmat Shah (4). However, opener Ibrahim Zadran, supported by the middle order Hashmatullah Shahidi, Azmatullah Omarzai, and Mohammad Nabi, steered the innings toward safer waters. The crucial partnership between Zadran and Shahidi repaired the early damage and brought Afghanistan to a competitive total. Because the team that loses this crucial match will be eliminated from the tournament, it is a race against time for both teams. Earlier, England lost their opening game to Australia by five wickets on Saturday after setting the 50-overs world champions a target of 352. However, England's performances have decreased since Buttler assumed captaincy, and the team has failed to defend its T20 and 50-over World Cup titles. They also face an early exit from the Champions Trophy unless they quickly turn things around, starting with their game against Afghanistan today. Also read: Champions Trophy 2025: Semi-final qualification scenario after SA v AUS game result With the Aussies and Proteas now at three points each, they remain favourites to advance to the semi-finals from Group B. Following Wednesday’s abandoned clash, England and Afghanistan find themselves in deep trouble, as the loser will crash out of the tournament. However, if rain prevents play, both teams will still have a slim chance of qualifying for the semi-finals. other three times in the ODI format with England winning two and Afghanistan victorious in one Afghanistan Hashmatullah Shahidi (c), Ibrahim Zadran, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Sediqullah Atal, Rahmat Shah, Ikram Alikhil, Gulbadin Naib, Azmatullah Omarzai, Mohammad Nabi, Rashid Khan, Nangyal Kharoti, Noor Ahmad, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Farid Malik, Naveed Zadran. Reserves: Darwish Rasooli, Bilal Sami. England Jos Buttler (captain), Jofra Archer, Gus Atkinson, Tom Banton, Harry Brook, Rehan Ahmed, Ben Duckett, Jamie Overton, Jamie Smith, Liam Livingstone, Adil Rashid, Joe Root, Saqib Mahmood, Phil Salt, Mark Wood, and Saqib Mahmood are the other players.