England’s heartbreaking exit from the 2025 Champions Trophy came after a narrow eight-run loss to Afghanistan in Lahore on Wednesday. Captain Jos Buttler, visibly disappointed, shared that he would refrain from making any “emotional statements” about his future as captain but acknowledged that “all possibilities” were on the table.
A Hard-Fought Defeat
England, chasing 326 to stay alive in the tournament, fell short, finishing at 317 all out. Despite Joe Root’s brilliant century (120), England’s efforts crumbled under pressure, especially during the final overs. Afghanistan’s Azmatullah Omarzai claimed five wickets, and opener Ibrahim Zadran’s incredible 177 runs set a solid foundation for their victory.
Buttler expressed his frustration after the loss, emphasizing the team’s missed chances, particularly in the final 10 overs. “They got away from us there in the last 10 overs. Credit to Ibrahim, he played a fantastic innings. That last push of 113 runs in the final overs really set the game in their favour,” he said in the post-match presentation.
Reflecting on Leadership
Buttler, who has led England in three consecutive ICC tournaments now, admitted the team’s ongoing struggles. Following an early exit from both the 2023 ODI World Cup in India and the 2024 T20 World Cup, England’s Champions Trophy failure added more pressure on Buttler’s leadership.
“It’s really disappointing,” Buttler remarked. “I thought we had our chances in the game. Another fantastic game of cricket, but disappointing to come out on the wrong side.” He added that England was still in the contest until the 48th over when Jamie Overton’s wicket fell, derailing their chase.
A Standout Effort by Root
Root’s composure throughout the chase was one of the few highlights for England. Buttler praised his teammate’s handling of the pressure, acknowledging that Root’s performance was vital in keeping England in the game. “He played an unbelievable innings tonight. The way he handled pressure in a run-chase was outstanding,” said Buttler. “We needed one of the other top six batters to stay with him and take the game deeper.”
Looking Ahead
As England reflects on their disappointing performance, Buttler hinted that changes might be needed going forward. “I think for myself and the other guys at the top, we should consider all possibilities,” he said, indicating that his leadership might be under review.
England’s tournament journey ended prematurely, but Buttler’s introspection suggests that the team may undergo a period of self-evaluation to rebuild for the future. The loss to Afghanistan marks another significant setback in what has been a turbulent period for England’s white-ball cricket.
