Cricket is a game of heartbeats, where every run, wicket, and moment can turn the tide. On February 26, 2025, the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore, Pakistan, witnessed one such unforgettable encounter between the Afghanistan National Cricket Team and the England Cricket Team during the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. It was a match that had everything—brilliant batting, disciplined bowling, nail-biting tension, and a result that left fans on the edge of their seats. Afghanistan pulled off a stunning 8-run victory, knocking England out of the tournament and keeping their own semifinal hopes alive. Let’s dive into the story of this epic clash, break down the scorecard, and relive the moments that made it a classic.

The Build-Up: A Must-Win Match for Afghanistan National Cricket Team vs England Cricket Team Match Scorecard  Both Teams

The 8th match of Group B in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 was a do-or-die affair for both Afghanistan National Cricket Team vs England Cricket Team Match Scorecard. Both teams had lost their opening matches—Afghanistan to South Africa and England to Australia—making this game critical for their chances of reaching the semifinals. The stakes were high, and the atmosphere in Lahore was electric, with a passionate crowd cheering for Afghanistan, who enjoyed a de facto home advantage due to their familiarity with subcontinental conditions.

Afghanistan, led by captain Hashmatullah Shahidi, had a point to prove after their historic 69-run victory over England in the 2023 Cricket World Cup. That win had showcased their growing prowess, particularly in white-ball cricket. England, under Jos Buttler’s leadership, were desperate to avoid another upset and keep their campaign alive. With both teams fielding strong line-ups and the pitch at Gaddafi Stadium favoring high-scoring games, fans were in for a treat.

The Toss and Team Line-Ups Afghanistan National Cricket Team vs England Cricket Team Match Scorecard

Afghanistan won the toss and elected to bat first, a bold decision given the dew factor that could aid the chasing team later. Shahidi later explained that the team wanted to play to their strengths, banking on their batsmen to set a challenging total. Afghanistan fielded an unchanged XI, relying on their spin-heavy attack and a batting line-up led by the talented Ibrahim Zadran. England, meanwhile, made one change, bringing in Jamie Overton for the injured Brydon Carse.

Here’s how the teams lined up:

Afghanistan Playing XI: Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk), Ibrahim Zadran, Sediqullah Atal, Rahmat Shah, Hashmatullah Shahidi (c), Azmatullah Omarzai, Mohammad Nabi, Gulbadin Naib, Rashid Khan, Noor Ahmad, Fazalhaq Farooqi.

England Playing XI: Philip Salt, Ben Duckett, Jamie Smith (wk), Joe Root, Harry Brook, Jos Buttler (c), Liam Livingstone, Jofra Archer, Jamie Overton, Adil Rashid, Mark Wood.

The stage was set for a blockbuster encounter, with Afghanistan’s spin trio of Rashid Khan, Mohammad Nabi, and Noor Ahmad pitted against England’s aggressive batsmen.

Afghanistan’s Innings: Ibrahim Zadran’s Historic Knock

Afghanistan’s innings got off to a shaky start. Jofra Archer, England’s pace spearhead, struck early, removing openers Rahmanullah Gurbaz (6 runs) and Sediqullah Atal (4 runs) in the same over. Rahmat Shah followed soon after for just 3 runs, leaving Afghanistan reeling at 37/3 in the ninth over. It looked like England’s bowlers, led by Archer’s fiery spell, were in complete control.

Enter Ibrahim Zadran, Afghanistan’s young batting star. With the team in trouble, Zadran anchored the innings with remarkable composure. He stitched together a crucial 103-run partnership with captain Hashmatullah Shahidi, who scored a steady 40 off 67 balls. Shahidi’s gritty knock provided stability, allowing Zadran to play his natural game. After Shahidi’s dismissal, Zadran found able partners in Azmatullah Omarzai (41 off 31 balls) and Mohammad Nabi (40 off 24 balls). The duo’s aggressive strokeplay in the middle and death overs propelled Afghanistan to a formidable total.

Zadran’s innings was the highlight of the day. He scored a magnificent 177 runs off 146 balls, including several boundaries and a few towering sixes. His knock was not only the highest individual score of the 2025 Champions Trophy but also a testament to his growth as a batsman. By the time he was dismissed, Afghanistan had posted a daunting 325/7 in their 50 overs.

Key Performances in Afghanistan’s Batting

• Ibrahim Zadran: 177 runs (146 balls, highest ODI score for an Afghan player in the tournament)
• Azmatullah Omarzai: 41 runs (31 balls, quick cameo)
• Mohammad Nabi: 40 runs (24 balls, aggressive finish)
• Hashmatullah Shahidi: 40 runs (67 balls, steady support)

England’s bowlers struggled to contain Afghanistan in the final 10 overs, conceding 113 runs. Jofra Archer was the pick of the bowlers with 3/64, but the rest, including Mark Wood and Adil Rashid, were expensive. The dew factor and part-time bowling options, due to Wood’s injury, didn’t help England’s cause.

England’s Chase: Joe Root’s Heroics in Vain

Chasing 326 was always going to be a tall order, but England’s batting line-up, known for its depth and aggression, was up for the challenge. However, Afghanistan’s bowlers had other plans. Azmatullah Omarzai struck early, dismissing Phil Salt for 12 runs in the fourth over. Mohammad Nabi then removed Jamie Smith (9 runs), leaving England at 30/2.

Ben Duckett and Joe Root steadied the ship with a 68-run partnership for the third wicket. Duckett looked fluent, scoring 38 off 38 balls, but Rashid Khan’s guile got the better of him, trapping him LBW. Harry Brook (25 runs) showed promise but fell to a soft dismissal, chipping a return catch to Nabi. At 133/4, England were under pressure, but Joe Root, the backbone of their batting, was still at the crease.

Root, playing a classic ODI innings, found an able partner in Jos Buttler. The duo added 83 runs for the fifth wicket, with Buttler playing an attacking 38 off 34 balls. Just when it seemed England were gaining momentum, Omarzai struck again, inducing a top edge from Buttler that was caught at deep square leg. Liam Livingstone’s brief cameo (10 runs) ended with a rash shot off Gulbadin Naib, leaving England at 233/6.

Root, however, was unstoppable. He reached his 17th ODI century off 98 balls, keeping England in the hunt. With Jamie Overton providing support (32 off 28 balls), England needed 39 runs off the last five overs. The game was on a knife’s edge, but Omarzai turned it in Afghanistan’s favor. He dismissed Root for 120, caught behind, and then accounted for Overton, who holed out to long-on. With Jofra Archer (2 runs) and Adil Rashid (4 runs) unable to close the gap, Afghanistan sealed the victory. Rashid’s final swing was caught at long-on, and England finished at 317/10, falling 8 runs short.

Key Performances in England’s Batting

• Joe Root: 120 runs (111 balls, a valiant century)
• Jos Buttler: 38 runs (34 balls, aggressive but short-lived)
• Ben Duckett: 38 runs (38 balls, steady start)
• Jamie Overton: 32 runs (28 balls, late fight)

Azmatullah Omarzai was the star with the ball, finishing with a sensational 5/58. His ability to strike at crucial moments, especially dismissing Root and Buttler, was the difference. Rashid Khan (1/54) and Mohammad Nabi (2/46) kept the pressure on, while Fazalhaq Farooqi chipped in with Archer’s wicket.

The Scorecard: A Detailed Breakdown

Below is the full scorecard of the Afghanistan National Cricket Team vs England Cricket Team Match Scorecard match, capturing every run, wicket, and key moment.

The Turning Points Afghanistan National Cricket Team vs England Cricket Team Match Scorecard

Several moments defined this thrilling encounter:

1. Ibrahim Zadran’s Century: Zadran’s 177 was the cornerstone of Afghanistan’s total. His ability to rebuild after a top-order collapse and accelerate in the death overs set a challenging target.
2. Jofra Archer’s Early Strikes: Archer’s fiery opening spell (3/64) gave England hope, but their inability to maintain pressure in the middle overs allowed Afghanistan to recover.
3. Azmatullah Omarzai’s Fifer: Omarzai’s 5/58, including the wickets of Root and Buttler, turned the game in Afghanistan’s favor at critical junctures.
4. Joe Root’s Lone Battle: Root’s 120 was a masterclass, but the lack of support from other batsmen meant England fell agonizingly short.
5. The Final Overs: With 12 runs needed off the last 5 balls, Omarzai held his nerve, dismissing Adil Rashid to seal the victory.

What This Means for Afghanistan National Cricket Team vs England Cricket Team Match Scorecard Both Teams

For Afghanistan, this win was a historic milestone. It not only kept their semifinal hopes alive but also reinforced their reputation as giant-killers. Ibrahim Zadran’s record-breaking knock and Omarzai’s all-round heroics were celebrated across the cricketing world. Captain Shahidi praised the team’s resilience, saying, “The entire nation will be happy for this win as an underdog has rewritten history again.” Their next challenge? A blockbuster clash against Australia, with a chance to make more history.

For England, the defeat was a bitter pill. It marked their elimination from the Champions Trophy and raised questions about Jos Buttler’s captaincy. Buttler himself hinted at considering “all possibilities” regarding his future as captain. Joe Root’s valiant effort was a silver lining, but England’s struggles in white-ball cricket—losing nine of their last ten matches—highlighted deeper issues.

Why This Match Matters

This match wasn’t just about runs and wickets; it was a story of grit, belief, and the rise of Afghanistan as a cricketing force. For a team that began its journey in refugee camps and gained ICC Associate Membership in 2013, defeating a powerhouse like England in a major tournament is a testament to their progress. The match also showcased the beauty of 50-over cricket—strategy, patience, and explosive moments all rolled into one.

For fans, it was a reminder of why we love cricket. The Gaddafi Stadium buzzed with energy, and the world watched as Afghanistan scripted another chapter in their inspiring journey. Whether you’re a young fan just learning the game or a seasoned follower, this match was a perfect blend of drama and skill.

Final Thoughts

The Afghanistan National Cricket Team vs England Cricket Team Match Scorecard clash at the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy will be remembered as one of the tournament’s defining moments. Ibrahim Zadran’s 177, Azmatullah Omarzai’s five-wicket haul, and Joe Root’s fighting century made it a game for the ages. Afghanistan’s 8-run victory was a triumph of heart and strategy, proving that in cricket, anything is possible.