Afghanistan pulled off a remarkable eight-run victory over England in Lahore on Wednesday, keeping their hopes alive in Group B of the Champions Trophy. Despite early setbacks, Afghanistan’s stunning fightback secured a memorable win, as England’s struggles with white-ball cricket continued.
England’s Early Domination
England appeared to be in control early on, reducing Afghanistan to a precarious 37 for three. The match seemed to be heading towards an easy English victory, but Afghanistan had other plans.
Ibrahim Zadran’s Brilliant Knock
Opener Ibrahim Zadran played a career-defining innings, scoring a brilliant 177 off 146 balls. His knock included 12 fours and six sixes, leading Afghanistan to a formidable total of 325 for seven. Zadran’s resilience anchored the Afghan innings and set a challenging target for England.
Afghanistan’s Bowlers Keep England at Bay
As England began their chase, the Afghan bowlers continued to take crucial wickets at regular intervals, making it increasingly difficult for the English side to gain momentum. Despite a valiant century from Joe Root, England’s chase faltered.
England’s Sixth Consecutive Defeat
The loss marked England’s fifth consecutive defeat since their India tour, and their sixth overall. This result also eliminated them from the Champions Trophy, further highlighting the team’s struggles in recent white-ball cricket competitions.
Criticism and Praise on Social Media
Former India head coach Ravi Shastri took to social media, praising Afghanistan’s performance. “Afghanistan, you guys rock. Kammaaal Kaardi. For England, take playing in the Subcontinent seriously with no excuses. Only then you will be recognised as a team that can travel,” he wrote, emphasizing the importance of adapting to subcontinental conditions.
Similarly, former England captain Michael Vaughan commented on England’s ongoing struggles in limited-overs cricket. “Brilliant from Afghanistan… thoroughly deserved win. England just haven’t played good enough white-ball cricket for a couple of years. This result isn’t a surprise in these conditions,” Vaughan wrote on X.
England’s Declining White-Ball Form
England’s white-ball performance has taken a downturn since their T20 World Cup victory in 2022. They failed to progress beyond the league stage in both the 2023 ODI World Cup and last year’s T20 World Cup, and now, their defeat in the Champions Trophy further emphasizes their decline.
A Stunning Upset
Afghanistan’s victory over England is a testament to their growing strength in international cricket, while England’s struggles continue to raise questions about their form in global competitions. What do you think of this upset? Can Afghanistan continue their strong showing in the tournament? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!
