Afghanistan Stun England in Thriller to Keep CT 2025 Semifinal Hopes Alive:

Afghanistan Stun England With Thrilling 8-Run Victory in Champions Trophy 2025

Lahore: Afghanistan pulled off a historic 8-run win over England in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 Group B clash on Wednesday, February 26, keeping their semi-final hopes alive while sending Jos Buttler’s men crashing out of the tournament.

Despite Joe Root’s valiant 120, England failed to chase 326, joining Pakistan and Bangladesh on the list of teams officially eliminated from the competition.

England’s Run-Chase: A Rollercoaster Battle

England began their high-pressure chase with intent, as Phil Salt and Ben Duckett came out aggressively. However, Azmatullah Omarzai dealt an early blow by dismissing Phil Salt.

Jamie Smith’s experiment up the order failed as he fell for 9 off the first ball from Mohammad Nabi.
Ben Duckett (38) and Harry Brook (25) got starts but couldn’t capitalize.
At 133/4, England’s hopes rested on captain Jos Buttler and Joe Root.

The pair steadied the innings, adding 83 runs for the fifth wicket, but Afghanistan fought back brilliantly, dismissing Buttler and Liam Livingstone at crucial moments.

Root, however, rolled back the years with his first ODI century in six years, anchoring the chase with a masterful 120.

Last-Over Drama: Afghanistan Hold Their Nerve

With England still in the hunt, late cameos from Jamie Overton and Jofra Archer kept them in contention. However, Afghanistan delivered a stunning turnaround in the final three overs, ensuring England’s exit from the tournament.

Wickets fell at regular intervals, preventing England from building momentum.
Azmatullah Omarzai (5/58) emerged as the hero, striking at crucial moments.

Afghanistan’s disciplined death bowling sealed a famous win, keeping their semi-final dreams alive.