New Delhi, Feb 27: Afghanistan’s meteoric rise in international cricket took another significant leap as they secured a thrilling eight-run victory over England in the Champions Trophy 2025, prompting cricketing greats to acknowledge their growing dominance.
Batting first in Lahore on Wednesday, Afghanistan’s innings was anchored by opener Ibrahim Zadran, who played a sensational knock of 177 off 146 balls, powering his team to a formidable 325 for seven. In response, England faltered against Azmatullah Omarzai’s lethal spell of 5/58, folding for 317 all out, keeping Afghanistan’s semifinal hopes alive.
Batting first in Lahore on Wednesday, Afghanistan’s innings was anchored by opener Ibrahim Zadran, who played a sensational knock of 177 off 146 balls, powering his team to a formidable 325 for seven. In response, England faltered against Azmatullah Omarzai’s lethal spell of 5/58, folding for 317 all out, keeping Afghanistan’s semifinal hopes alive.
Tendulkar: "Afghanistan's Wins No Longer Upsets"
Cricket icon Sachin Tendulkar led the wave of appreciation, asserting that Afghanistan’s victories can no longer be termed as "upsets.""Afghanistan's steady and consistent rise in international cricket has been inspiring! You can't term their wins as upsets anymore, they've made this a habit now," Tendulkar wrote on X.
"A superb century by @IZadran18 and a wonderful five-for by @AzmatOmarzay, sealed another memorable win for Afghanistan. Well played!"
Shastri Takes a Dig at England’s Subcontinent Struggles
Former India coach Ravi Shastri commended Afghanistan's dominance while criticizing England’s struggles in subcontinent conditions."Afghanistan. You guys rock. Kammaaal Kaardi! For England, take playing in the Subcontinent seriously with no excuses. Only then will you be recognized as a team that can TRAVEL. #AFGvENG #ChampionsTrophy2025," Shastri remarked.
Jadeja and Akhtar Back Afghanistan for Greater Glory
Former Indian cricketer Ajay Jadeja, who previously worked with Afghanistan as a mentor during the 2023 World Cup, also lauded the team’s achievement.Pakistani pace legend Shoaib Akhtar went a step further, expressing confidence in Afghanistan’s ability to progress beyond the semifinal stage."Afghanistan fans deserve this victory as they are the most passionate & humble cricket fans around the world. #AFGvENG," Jadeja posted.
Vaughan: England's Struggles No Surprise
Former England captain Michael Vaughan acknowledged Afghanistan’s deserving victory, admitting England's poor performance in white-ball cricket.With this win, Afghanistan continues to solidify its status as a formidable force in world cricket, sending a clear message that they are here to stay."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. #ChampionsTrophy2025," Vaughan commented.
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