Win Projections to be updated soon
England’s hopes of qualifying for the 2025 Champions Trophy were dashed on Wednesday, February 26, as Afghanistan (AFG) achieved a flawless victory despite fiercely contesting a 326-run goal. Due to many wicket losses, the 2019 World Cup winners were unable to maintain the target and suffered a devastating defeat.
They were consequently eliminated from the Champions Trophy as a result. Remarkably, no other batter was able to surpass the 40-run deficit, even though Joe Root scored an outstanding 120 from 111 balls. The sole noteworthy contributors were Jamie Overton (32) and Jos Buttler (38), as well as Ben Duckett (38). Afghanistan ultimately achieved a spectacular triumph when England was bowled out.
There was too much for England’s bottom order to handle, and leg-spinner Adil Rashid—who has a stellar record of ten first-class hundreds—was under tremendous pressure to lead the team to an unexpected victory in the final two overs. But he was only able to get five runs off of seven balls.
Regarding Rashid’s first-class batting abilities, former cricket greats Wasim Akram and Sunil Gavaskar also shared a humorous and amusing moment.
Adil Rashid has ten first-class hundreds, the stats guy keeps reminding me every time I enter the commentary box. “You didn’t look like a person with ten hundred tonight,” Akram said on the Sports Central program. “I’m sorry, Adil.
“How can he reach 100 if he’s batting at No. 9? He ought to be the first batsman. Gavaskar responded to Akram’s comments by saying, “Someone should tell England’s management—he has 10 centuries, he should be their opener!”
After Zadran’s momentous knock, Afghanistan achieved a commanding total.
Talking about the game, Afghanistan overcame a poor start to score a respectable 325 runs, thanks to Ibrahim Zadran’s historic 177 off 146 balls. Ben Duckett’s record was surpassed by the Afghan batter, who ultimately achieved the greatest individual score in Champions Trophy history. A crucial all-rounder, Azmatullah Omarzai destroyed England with a spectacular five-wicket haul after blasting an incredible 41 off 31 balls.
India
