Honestly, if you still think Afghanistan beating a major cricketing nation is a "fluke," you haven't been paying attention. The Afghanistan vs England ICC Champions Trophy clash in early 2025 wasn't just another game. It was a cold, hard statement. It was the moment the "underdog" tag finally felt insulting.
When the two sides met at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore on February 26, 2025, England fans were probably expecting a rebound. Jos Buttler’s men were hurting after a loss to Australia. Instead, they walked into a buzzsaw. Afghanistan didn't just win by 8 runs; they systematically dismantled the English psyche in a way that felt eerily familiar to the 2023 World Cup upset in Delhi.
The Ibrahim Zadran Masterclass Nobody Saw Coming
You’ve got to talk about Ibrahim Zadran. Most openers try to survive the first ten overs against Jofra Archer. Ibrahim? He decided to rewrite the record books. He smashed a career-best 177 off 146 balls. That isn't just a high score; it's the highest individual score in the history of the Champions Trophy. Ever.
Archer was steaming in, breathing fire. He actually took three wickets in the powerplay, leaving Afghanistan reeling at 39/3. It looked like the game would be over by lunch. But Zadran just... anchored. He sat there, weathered the storm, and then started launching. By the time he was done, he’d hit 12 fours and 6 sixes.
Afghanistan finished on 325/7. On a flat Lahore deck, that’s a competitive score, but with England’s batting depth? Most people still had their money on the Three Lions.
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Why England’s "Bazball" Approach Faltered
England's chase was a mess of "almosts." They have this philosophy of never backing down, which is great until you’re facing Rashid Khan and Mohammad Nabi on a pitch that’s starting to grip.
Joe Root was the only one who seemed to be playing a different sport. He looked sublime, gritting through leg cramps to notch his 17th ODI century. He ended up with 122, and for a good thirty minutes, it felt like he would single-handedly drag England across the line.
But then there's Azmatullah Omarzai.
The guy is a genuine match-winner. He took a five-wicket haul (5/58) and specifically got the big ones. He removed Buttler for 38 just as the captain was looking dangerous. Then, the dagger: he got Root. When Root fell in the 46th over, the air went out of the English camp.
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The Final Over Drama
It came down to 13 runs needed off the final 6 balls. Azmatullah had the ball. Adil Rashid and Mark Wood were at the crease.
- 49.1: Single.
- 49.2: Single.
- 49.3: Single.
- 49.4: Single.
Four balls, four singles. The pressure was suffocating. On the fifth ball, Adil Rashid tried to go big over long-off. He didn't get enough of it. Ibrahim Zadran—the hero of the first innings—ran back, settled himself, and took the catch.
England was all out for 317. Afghanistan had done it again.
Head-to-Head: A Shift in Power?
If you look at the stats now, the Afghanistan vs England ICC Champions Trophy rivalry is becoming one of the most balanced in world cricket.
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| Tournament | Winner | Margin |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 World Cup | England | 150 Runs |
| 2023 World Cup | Afghanistan | 69 Runs |
| 2025 Champions Trophy | Afghanistan | 8 Runs |
In ODIs, they are now tied 2-2 in their last four meetings. England still dominates the T20 format, sure. But in the 50-over game? Afghanistan has figured them out. They know England struggles when the run rate requirement climbs and the spin starts to bite.
What This Means for the Future of Both Teams
For England, this loss was catastrophic. It knocked them out of the 2025 Champions Trophy and put Jos Buttler’s captaincy under a microscope. There’s a lot of talk in the UK media right now about whether the "white-ball reset" actually happened or if they're just clinging to the ghosts of 2019.
For Afghanistan, the win was a ticket to respectability. They proved they can post 320+ scores and defend them against the best in the world. With young talents like Sediqullah Atal coming through the ranks and veterans like Nabi still performing, they aren't going anywhere.
Key Takeaways from the Lahore Clash
- Ibrahim Zadran is Elite: He is no longer just a "promising" player. He’s a world-class anchor who can accelerate.
- England’s Death Bowling: Without a fit Mark Wood (who suffered a knee injury mid-match), England's death bowling looked toothless. They conceded 111 runs in the last 10 overs.
- The Spin Trap: Rashid Khan didn't even have to take five wickets to be effective. His economy rate kept the pressure high enough for Omarzai to reap the rewards at the other end.
If you're looking to understand the current state of global cricket, stop looking at the old "Big Three" rankings. The gap is gone. The next time these two face off, don't be surprised if Afghanistan is the betting favorite.
To stay ahead of the curve on the next tournament cycle, keep a close eye on the fitness of Afghanistan's pace battery—specifically Fazalhaq Farooqi and Omarzai—as their ability to supplement the world-class spinners is what makes them a championship-threat team.