AFG vs ENG today | AFG Stuns ENG in Thriller – Champions Trophy 2025 Showdown

AFG Stuns ENG in High-Octane Champions Trophy 2025 Thriller

Cricket fans were treated to an electrifying contest at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore, as AFG scripted a stunning triumph over ENG in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. The match saw a spectacular display of grit and determination, culminating in a nerve-wracking finish where ENG fell just short of their target.

AFG's Batting Masterclass – Zadran Steals the Show

Winning the toss, AFG opted to bat first, and their innings was nothing short of a rollercoaster. The early dismissal of Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Sediqullah Atal put AFG in a tricky position, but Ibrahim Zadran took charge with a mesmerizing knock. Smashing 177 runs off 146 balls, Zadran exhibited a perfect blend of power and precision, dismantling the ENG bowling attack.

Contributions from Azmatullah Omarzai (41 off 31) and Mohammad Nabi (40 off 24) further strengthened AFG’s innings, propelling them to an imposing total of 325/7 in 50 overs. Jofra Archer stood out for ENG, scalping three crucial wickets and maintaining a tight economy.

ENG’s Chase – Fighting but Falling Short

Chasing a stiff target of 326, ENG started aggressively but stumbled early as Philip Salt and Jamie Smith departed cheaply. Ben Duckett (38 off 45) and Joe Root (120 off 111) tried to stabilize the innings, with Root playing a masterful knock, keeping ENG’s hopes alive. However, the turning point came when Rashid Khan and Mohammad Nabi dismantled the middle order, taking crucial wickets at crucial moments.

Jos Buttler’s 38 off 42 and Liam Livingstone’s 10 off 8 provided some resistance, but as the pressure mounted, ENG found themselves needing 25 runs off the last 18 balls. With Jamie Overton and Jofra Archer at the crease, the task looked achievable, but AFG bowlers held their nerve to seal a historic win.

Key Performances & Match-Winning Moments

• Ibrahim Zadran (AFG): 177 off 146 balls, leading AFG’s charge.

• Joe Root (ENG): 120 off 111, a valiant effort in a losing cause.

• Jofra Archer (ENG): 3/64, spearheading the bowling attack.

• Azmatullah Omarzai (AFG): Crucial all-round contribution, 3 wickets and 41 runs.

What This Means for the Tournament

With this thrilling victory, AFG strengthens its position in Group B, proving that they are a formidable side in this tournament. ENG, on the other hand, faces an uphill task to stay in contention, making their upcoming matches even more crucial.

As the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 unfolds, the competition is heating up, and matches like these remind fans why cricket remains one of the most unpredictable and exciting sports.