CT shock: Afghanistan keep hopes alive, England out

Wed, 26 February 2025

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22:55

Afghanistan keep their hopes alive, England out

England 317 all out (49.5 Ovs) vs Afg 325-7 | Scorecard

Afghanistan keep their tournament hopes alive, while England are out of Champions Trophy! The team they overcame in the 2023 World Cup has exacted revenge in emphatic fashion.

Ibrahim Zadran laid the foundation with a superb knock, while Azmatullah Omarzai delivered a match-winning all-round performance-a crucial cameo with the bat and a stunning five-wicket haul to seal the victory.

A statement win for Afghanistan!

22:47

Afghanistan stun England

England 317 all out (49.5 Ovs) vs Afg 325-7 | Scorecard

Azmatullah to bowl the final over.

Rashid takes a single to start. Wood follows with another singleEngland need 11 from 4 balls.

Rashid picks up another single, and Wood does the same. 9 needed off 2 balls.

Rashid skies it and Zadran makes no mistake!

Rashid departs for 5 off 7 balls, and England are all out!

Afghanistan pull off a stunning victory!

22:41

A down-to-the-wire thriller

England 313-9 (49 Ovs) vs Afg 325-7 | Scorecard

Farooqi returns for his final over.

Rashid defends the first ball and then picks up a single. Archer faces a low full toss but can only manage one run. A slight misfield, but Rashid chooses to settle for another single.

WICKET! Archer skies it, and guess who's under it? Nabi again! He makes no mistake, and Archer departs for 14 off 8 balls.

England now need 13 runs from 7 balls.

Mark Wood, the last man in. He calmly taps the ball down but chooses not to run, ensuring Rashid keeps the strike for the final over.

England need 13 runs from 6 balls.

22:34

Overton departs, England 8 down

England 310-8 (48 Ovs) vs Afg 325-7 | Scorecard

Azmatullah returns to the attack. He starts with a high deliverywide called.

Archer skies it! Rashid Khan sprints, dives but can't complete the catch! Archer survives and picks up a single.

He makes the most of his luck, slamming the next ball for four runs! Overton rotates the strike with a single, followed by another single from Archer.

Big moment! Overton skies one, and Nabi makes no mistake! He takes a safe catch, sending Overton back for 32 off 28 balls.

England now need 17 runs from 13 balls.

Adil Rashid is the new batter and he is off the mark with a single.

England need 16 off 12 balls.

22:29

300 comes up for England

England 301-7 (47 Ovs) vs Afg 325-7 | Scorecard

Farooqi continues as England now need 35 runs from 24 balls. Overton works it towards long-on for a single, bringing Archer on strike. Archer finds the gap and picks up two runs, then follows it up with a crisp boundary, keeping England in the hunt. He rotates the strike with a single, before Overton capitalizes on a low full toss, adding two more runs to the total. The over ends with a dot ball.

A valuable 10 runs from the over-after 47 overs, England are 301-7, needing 25 runs from 18 balls.

22:22

Root departs, England 7 down

England 291-7 (46 Ovs) vs Afg 325-7 | Scorecard

Farooqi continues. Root goes big! A huge six to start the over, sending the pressure back to Afghanistan. He follows it up with a single through the covers.

Overton mistimes his shot-no run. He then manages to push one for two more runs, but Root seems a bit uncomfortable at the crease.

Overton works it towards extra cover for a single.

Edge but it doesn't carry! A lucky escape for Root. The over ends with a dot ball.

10 runs from the over. After 45 overs, England are 278-6, needing 48 runs from 30 balls.

Azmatullah Omarzai returns. Overton starts with a well-placed shot, picking up two runs. He follows it up with a single to rotate the strike.

Root looks uncomfortable but stands firm. He doesn't want to run-so he slams a boundary instead! Pressure back on Afghanistan.

England need 41 from 27 balls.

Root nudges one for two more runs. But then-edge and gone!

Big wicket! Root departs for 120 off 111 balls. A crucial breakthrough for Afghanistan!

Arche ris the new batter and he is off the mark with a boundary.

22:11

England need 58 from final 6

England 268-6 (44 Ovs) vs Afg 325-7 | Scorecard

Farooqi returns to the attack. Overton welcomes him in styleback-to-back boundaries! A confident start to the over. He then drives one towards cover for a single.

Root keeps the strike rotating with a single towards point. Overton watches the next delivery through to the keeper and blocks the last ball.

10 runs from the over. After 43 overs, England are 261-6, needing 63 runs from 42 balls.

Rashid Khan comes in for his final over.

Root pulls it away and scampers back for two runs after a slight fumble in the field. The batters keep the scoreboard ticking, rotating the strike with seven singles throughout the over.

Seven runs from it. After 44 overs, England are 268-6, needing 58 runs from 36 balls.

22:03

Joe Root brings up his 100

England 251-6 (42 Ovs) vs Afg 325-7 | Scorecard

Noor Ahmad continues. Root starts with a solid defense. He then takes a single, moving into the nervous nineties. Overton watches out the rest of the over.

Just 1 run from it. After 40 overs, England are 236-6, needing 86 runs from 54 balls.

Gulbadin Naib continues. Root pulls it away for a boundary! A perfectly timed shot. He follows it up with a single. Three more runs come off the over as Root inches closer to his century.

After 41 overs, England are 245-6.

Rashid Khan returns. Root carefully blocks the first ball. Then, with a well-placed single, he reaches his century off 98 balls!

That's Root's 17th ODI hundred! A crucial innings under pressure.

Overton and Root pile on a few more singles.

21:54

England lose quick wkts, in trouble

England 235-6 (39 Ovs) vs Afg 325-7 | Scorecard

Noor Ahmad continues. Root and Livingstone rotate strike with a single each. Root finishes the over with a well-timed boundary to keep England's chase alive.

Eight runs from the over. After 38 overs, England are 228-5.

Gulbadin Naib into the attack. Livingstone starts with a solid defense before smashing a boundary off the next ball. A delivery drifts down leg, and the umpire signals wide.

WICKET! Edge and taken! Keeper Rahmanullah Gurbaz makes no mistake, and Livingstone is gone for 10 off 8 balls!

Jamie Overton is the new batter. He starts cautiously, defending before getting off the mark with a couple of runs.

Seven runs and a wicket from the over. After 39 overs, England are 235-6, needing 91 runs from 66 balls.

21:37

Buttler departs, England 5 down

England 220-5 (37 Ovs) vs Afg 325-7 | Scorecard

Rashid Khan continues. Root works one towards the leg side for a single. The batters keep the scoreboard ticking, exchanging more singles throughout the over.

Six runs from it. After 34 overs, England are 203-4.

Azmatullah Omarzai returns to the attack. The batters continue rotating strike, picking up singles.

Five runs off the over. After 35 overs, England are 208-4.

Rashid Khan continues. Root and Buttler exchange a single each before Root defends a few deliveries. He finishes the over with a well-placed boundary to keep the momentum going.

After 36 overs, England are 214-4.

Azmatullah continues. Buttler starts with a solid defense. Root and Buttler add a single each.

WICKET! A superb short ball from Omarzairight at Buttlers body! He top-edges it straight to Rahmat Shah at deep square leg!

The crowd erupts! Buttler is gone for 38 off 42 balls.

Liam Livingstone is the new batter. He wastes no time and gets off the mark with a boundary.

Six runs and a wicket from the over. After 37 overs, England are 220-5, needing 105 runs from 77 balls.

21:18

Root, Butter rally England

England 197-4 (33 Ovs) vs Afg 325-7 | Scorecard

Noor Ahmad continues. Root starts with a solid defense before taking a single. Buttler follows with a single of his own. A leg bye adds another run to the total. Buttler misses the last delivery but survives.

Just 3 runs from the over. After 29 overs, England are 163-4.

Mohammad Nabi continues.

Root plays towards the leg side but finds no run. The batters then exchange a single each before Buttler launches a massive six to finish the over.

Nine runs from it. After 30 overs, England are 172-4.

Noor Ahmad returns. Root starts the over with a crisp boundary, then backs it up with a well-placed two. Three more singles follow as England continues to build momentum.

After 31 overs, England are 181-4.

Buttler steps up! He slams a huge six, adding pressure back on Afghanistans bowlers.

Nine runs from the over. After 32 overs, England are 190-4.

Noor Ahmad continues. The batters rotate strike, collecting singles throughout the over.

Seven runs from it. After 33 overs, England are 197-4, needing 129 runs from 17 overs.

Drinks are called!

20:55

Root brings up his fifty

England 160-4 (28 Ovs) vs Afg 325-7 | Scorecard

Noor Ahmad continues. Root drives towards short midwicket but finds no run. He and Buttler then rotate strike with a few singles, keeping the scoreboard ticking.

Five runs off the over. After 25 overs, England are 147-4, needing 179 from 25 overs.

Rashid Khan continues. Root ducks under a sharp bouncer before nudging a single to bring up his fifty. Buttler follows with a single of his own.

Root drives straight down the ground for another single. Buttler stays back and carefully defends before jabbing towards point for a quick single.

Four runs off the over. After 26 overs, England are 151-4.

Noor Ahmad continues. Buttler plays the first ball straight to the fielder. A well-disguised googly follows, and Root manages a single. Buttler defends solidly for the rest of the over.

Just 2 runs off it. After 27 overs, England are 153-4.

Mohammad Nabi returns to the attack.

Root plays one across the field but cant get a run. He then guides the next delivery towards deep point for a couple, before sweeping low for another single.

Big appeal for LBW! Nabi pleads with umpire Joel Wilson, but the decision is not out. Afghanistan reviews it.

Ball-tracking shows its hitting in-line but only clipping the top of leg stumpumpires call stands! Buttler breathes a sigh of relief and adds two more to end the over.

Seven runs from it. After 28 overs, England are 160-4.

20:40

Nabi removes Brook, Eng 4 down

England 142-4 (24 Ovs) vs Afg 325-7 | Scorecard

Noor Ahmad continues. Root pushes one towards long-on for an easy single. A delivery drifts down leg, and the umpire signals wide.

Buttler remains cautious, defending the rest of the over.

Just 2 runs from it. After 23 overs, England are 137-4, needing 189 from 27 overs.

Rashid Khan returns to the attack. Root starts with solid defense on the first two deliveries. The batters then rotate strike, exchanging a single each.

A tight over-just 4 runs from it. After 24 overs, England are 142-4.

20:39

Nabi removes Brook, Eng 4 down

England 135-4 (22 Ovs) vs Afg 325-7 | Scorecard

Change of ends for Noor Ahmad.

Brook starts by pushing towards mid-on but finds no run. He then cuts the next delivery towards backward point for a single.

Root nudges towards point but can't get a run before working the next ball to long-on for an easy single.

Brook drives through midwicket for another single, and Root finishes the over with a well-timed boundary.

Seven runs off the over. After 21 overs, England are 131-3.

Nabi continues. Brook defends the first ball before taking a single. Root follows with a single of his own.

WICKET! Brook is caught in two minds and ends up lobbing a simple return catch off the splice of the bat. Nabi strikes again!

Afghanistan have their fourth wicket as Brook departs for 25 off 21 balls.

Jos Buttler is the new batter at the crease. He gets off the mark with a single.

Root follows up with a well-timed straight drive for another single. The rest of the over is kept tight.

Just 4 runs and a wicket from the over. After 22 overs, England are 135-4.

20:24

England's batters under pressure

England 124-3 (20 Ovs) vs Afg 325-7 | Scorecard

Noor Ahmad comes into the attack with a slip in place. A short ball allows Root to guide it towards deep point for a single.

Brook follows up with a cracking boundary but then blocks the next delivery. He rotates the strike with a single towards the leg side, and the batters exchange another single each before the over ends.

Eight runs off it. After 18 overs, England are 110-3.

Rashid Khan continues. Brook flicks the first ball but finds no run. The batters then rotate strike with a single each. Brook adds a couple more with smart placement before finishing the over with a well-timed boundary.

10 runs from the over. After 19 overs, England are 120-3, needing 206 from 31 overs.

Mohammad Nabi returns to the attack. Root finds the fielder with his first shot but then works the next delivery to long-on for a single. Brook defends solidly before showing sharp running to collect two.

A delivery strikes the pads, but no run is taken. Brook finishes the over with a single.

Just four runs off it. After 20 overs, England are 124-3, needing 202 from 30 overs.

20:17

Rashid removes Duckett, Eng 3 down

England 102-3 (17 Ovs) vs Afg 325-7 | Scorecard

Rashid Khan continues. Root begins cautiously, defending the first two deliveries. The next one strikes his pads, and he scampers for a single'"leg bye signaled.

Big appeal for LBW! The umpire says not out, but Afghanistan opts for a review.

UltraEdge confirms no bat involved as Duckett attempted to work it through mid-on. Ball-tracking shows it pitched in line and was heading towards middle and leg-OUT!

Duckett departs for 38 off 45 balls- a huge moment in the game! It looked tight in real time, but the review does the job.

Harry Brook walks in at No. 5 for England. He gets off the mark in style, dispatching his first ball for a boundary. He then sees off the final delivery with a solid defense.

Five runs and a wicket from the over. After 17 overs, England are 102-3.

20:10

Root, Duckett rally England

England 97-2 (16 Ovs) vs Afg 325-7 | Scorecard

Rashid Khan is introduced into the attack with a slip in place. Root works the first ball for a single. Duckett follows up with a crisp boundary.

A short googly allows Root to adjust and play it off the pitch, collecting three runs. Another short ball, but Duckett can only manage a single. A dot ball ends the over.

10 runs from it. After 13 overs, England are 80-2.

Farooqi continues. A leading edgebut dropped! A lucky escape for Duckett. He then guides one towards third man for a couple. A delivery strays down leg, and the umpire signals wide.

Duckett defends the next two before the batters exchange a single each.

After 14 overs, England are 85-2.

Rashid Khan continues. A few singles keep the scoreboard ticking before Root finishes the over in style, driving a boundary.

Eight runs off the over. After 15 overs, England are 93-2.

Farooqi back into the attack. Duckett collects a single. Root pushes one straight to the fielder. Three more singles follow as England keeps things steady.

After 16 overs, England are 97-2. Time for drinks!

19:50

Eng looking to rebuild their chase

England 70-2 (12 Ovs) vs Afg 325-7 | Scorecard

Nabi continues. Root pushes the first ball towards long-on for a single. Duckett returns it straight back to the bowler. The batters rotate strike with a few more singles before Root capitalizes on a fuller delivery, executing a firm sweep for four runs.

Eight runs from the over. After 11 overs, England are 68-2, needing 258 from 39 overs.

Farooqi returns to the attack. Duckett cuts into the pitch for a single. Root defends the next two deliveries before guiding one into square leg for another single. Duckett sees off the final two balls with solid defense.

Just two runs off the over. After 12 overs, England are 70-2.

19:43

Eng looking to rebuild their chase

England 60-2 (10 Ovs) vs Afg 325-7 | Scorecard

Joe Root is the new batter at the crease. He starts by driving straight to the fielder but follows it up with a classy boundary. A single off the next delivery rotates the strike.

Duckett defends solidly before a fortunate moment for Englandan edge sneaks past the keeper and runs away for four!

Nine runs come off the over. After seven overs, England are 39-2.

Azmatullah Omarzai continues, and Root stays watchful, defending to mid-on. He blocks four more deliveries before finally breaking free with a well-timed boundary. The final ball is defended straight back to the bowler.

Just four runs off the over. After eight overs, England are 43-2.

Nabi continues. Duckett works the first ball for a couple of runs before defending the next two deliveries. He then finds the gap, slamming a boundary. A single brings up Englands 50. Root finishes the over in style, driving another boundary.

A productive 11-run over for England. After nine overs, they are 54-2.

Azmatullah returns for the final over of the Powerplay. Duckett manages a boundary and adds a couple more runs, keeping the scoreboard ticking.

Powerplay done!

After 10 overs, England are 60-2, looking to rebuild their chase.

19:23

Dream start for Afg, Eng lose 2 wkts

England 30-2 (6.1 Ovs) vs Afg 325-7 | Scorecard

The pressure mounts on Englands batters as Farooqi continues. Duckett rotates the strike with a single. Smith defends the next delivery before easing the pressure with a superb boundary- what a way to respond! He then safely negotiates the remaining deliveries.

After five overs, England are 24-1.

Azmatullah Omarzai continues. He strikes Duckett on the pads- leg bye signaled as they sneak a single. Duckett then showcases brilliant wristwork, flicking it for a boundary. He sends the next ball straight back to the bowler. A thick outside edge follows, but it rolls safely to third man for a single.

Six runs come off the over. After six overs, England are 30-1.

The first sign of spin, and its Mohammad Nabi-and he strikes immediately!

A mistimed shot from Smith flies to backward point, where Azmatullah Omarzai takes a sitter! Smith departs for 9 off 13 balls. England lose their second wicket!

19:15

Dream start for Afg, Salt departs

England 19-1 (4 Ovs) vs Afg 325-7 | Scorecard

Salt then finds a gap, driving it towards deep fine leg for a couple. A dot ball follows. Farooqi goes fuller, and Salt works it fine for a single.

Duckett finishes the over with a well-placed flick towards square leg, collecting two runs.

Five runs come off the over. After three overs, England are 17-0.

Azmatullah Omarzai continues, and Salt guides the first ball towards third man for a single. Duckett follows with a neat tuck into the leg side for another single.

WICKET! BOWLED! Azmatullah strikes! A brilliant delivery crashes into the stumps, sending Salt back for 12 off 13 balls.

England lose their first wicket.

Jamie Smith walks in at No. 3 and carefully negotiates the remaining deliveries, defending solidly.

Just two runs and a wicket from the over. After four overs, England are 19-1, needing 307 more from 46 overs.

19:03

England off to a good start

England 12-0 (2 Ovs) vs Afg 325-7 | Scorecard

Afghanistan gathers in a huddle, preparing to defend their formidable total of 325. Out walk Phil Salt and Ben Duckett to open England's chase, with Salt taking strike. Fazalhaq Farooqi is handed the new ball.

Salt wastes no time, sending the very first delivery racing to the boundary for four! He carefully defends the next two before finding the ropes again with another crisp shot. Farooqi responds with a well-directed delivery, earning an approving nod from Salt. The final ball is defended solidly.

At the end of the first over, England are 8-0.

Azmat Omarzai takes the ball from the other end, coming over the wicket to Ben Duckett, who faces his first delivery of the innings. Duckett stands firm in defense. The next ball is worked to midwicket but finds no run. Another dot follows.

Duckett then pounces on a loose delivery, smashing it to the boundary! With that, he reaches 1,000 runs in ODIs-a fine milestone. He defends the last two balls of the over.

Just four runs come off the second over. After two overs, England are 12-0.

18:28

Afghanistan 325-7 (50 Ovs) vs Eng | Scorecard

Afghanistan have set a challenging target of 326, leaving England with a must-win chase to keep their Champions Trophy campaign alive and eliminate Afghanistan.

At 37 for 3 in the ninth over, Afghanistan were in deep trouble, but a superb 103-run partnership between Ibrahim Zadran and Hashmatullah Shahidi turned the game around, laying a solid foundation for a strong finish.

Zadran's record-breaking 177-the highest individual score in Champions Trophy history-was the cornerstone of Afghanistan's innings. His brilliance was complemented by crucial cameos from Azmatullah Omarzai and Mohammad Nabi, powering Afghanistan to a formidable total.

Now, all eyes are on England-can they chase it down and keep their tournament hopes alive?

18:25

Zadran heroics power Afghans to 325/7

Afghanistan 325-7 (50 Ovs) vs Eng | Scorecard

Nabi removes his helmet as the physio rushes in for a concussion test-fortunately, he looks good to continue.

Overton takes charge for the 49th over. Zadran starts with a single towards long-on, followed by a couple of runs for Nabi. A well-executed yorker cramps him, but he manages a leg-bye single, with the umpire signaling wide for a delivery straying down the leg side.

Overton fires in another yorker, and Zadran squeezes out two runs. Then, a moment of brillianceZadran slams a huge six, sending the crowd into a frenzy!

A dot ball to end the over, but a productive one for Afghanistan.

After 49 overs, they are 323-5.

Livingstone returns to bowl the final over, back on the field after dealing with a niggle.

First ball-Zadran skies it! The ball soars high, but Archer settles under it and takes a clean catch at the boundary. Zadran's marathon innings comes to an end-a magnificent 177 off 146 balls.

What a performance! Take a bow, Ibrahim Zadran! He has played a truly special knock, guiding Afghanistan to a formidable total.

Galbadin is the next batter. Nabi also goes for the big shot. Root takes it at midwicket. Nabi departs for 40 off 24 balls.

Rashid Kahn is the new batter, manages just a single. Gulbadin can't connect and with that Afghanistan finish at 325-7.

18:09

Afghanistan cross 300

Afghanistan 309-5 (48 Ovs) vs Eng | Scorecard

Just three overs to go- Archer returns to the attack. Nabi and Zadran exchange singles before Zadran breaks Duckett's record!

And what a way to do it! A slower ball from Archer, but Zadran reads it perfectly and launches it over long-on for a massive six!

Follows it up with a single towards long-on. Nabi sees out the over, ducking under a bouncer.

A solid 10-run over for Afghanistan. After 48 overs, they are 309-5.

18:05

Zadran reaches 150!

Afghanistan 299-5 (47 Ovs) vs Eng | Scorecard

Overton is back into the attack.

Zadran flicks it away towards deep backward square for a couple of runs.

He nudges it down to long-on for another two.

A powerful drive to deep midwicket-and he races back for two more to reach 150!

A brilliant knock! Younis Khan applauds from the balcony.

Meanwhile, Livingstone heads off for treatment-England's injury troubles continue.

Wood also hasn't looked comfortable.

The batters exchange singles before Zadran plays towards long-on, where Root misfields, allowing them to run two more.

With Wood and Livingstone off the field and Rashid bowled out, Root comes in to bowl.

And Nabi takes full advantage! He swings hard-six runs!

And another one! The crowd erupts, chanting "Nabi! Nabi!"

He follows it up with a boundary, thanks to a misfield from Duckett.

A single brings Zadran on strike, and he capitalizes on poor bowling with a four!

Plays towards the leg side and runs two more. A massive over for Afghanistan- 23 runs came off it!

After 47 overs, Afghanistan are 299-5.

17:56

Zadran turns up the heat!

Afghanistan 266-5 (45 Ovs) vs Eng | Scorecard

Archer continues, but Zadran is in destructive form! He launches it over midwicket for a huge six!

A flick over cover doesnt get him any runs, but he follows it up with a couple towards deep point. Back-to-back boundaries!

And a hat trick of boundaries! Zadran is on fire! A massive over- 20 runs off it!

Not a great one for Archer, but Afghanistan will take it. After 44 overs, Afghanistan are 256-5.

Rashid Continues, but Afghanistan Keep Going! Nabi starts with a dot ball.

Then, he sits deep in the crease and hauls it away for six!

No chance for Salt to stop that one. The 50-run partnership comes up in just 26 balls!

Zadran and Nabi exchange singles. Two more singles to end the over.

A strong finish-10 runs from it. After 45 overs, Afghanistan are 266-5.

17:46

Zadran must explode now!

Nabi walks in at No. 7, Adil Rashid continues.

Zadran plays it towards midwicket for a couple of runs and follows it up with a single to long off.

Nabi defends two deliveries before finally getting off the mark with a single.

Zadran adds one more to the total. A tidy over-five runs from it.

After 41 overs, Afghanistan are 217-5.

Overton steams in. Zadran swings towards deep square-it's in the air but Archer doesn't go for it!

Overton doesnt look pleased. A wide is called for going down leg.

Nabi and Zadran rotate the strike with singles.

Nabi powers it towards deep square leg for two and then follows up with a boundary!

He ducks under a bouncer to end the over. A good over for Afghanistan-10 runs off it. After 42 overs, Afghanistan are 227-5.

Wood returns to the attack. Zadran and Nabi pick up a single each.

Zadran slams a boundary! He needs to accelerate now. A slower ball follows, and he settles for a single. A risky single for Nabi, but he makes it safely.

Another single to end the over. After 43 overs, Afghanistan are 236-5.

17:32

Azmatullah departs, Afghanistan 5 down

Afghanistan 212-5 (40 Ovs) vs Eng | Scorecard

Wood returns despite struggling with his knee. Azmatullah welcomes him with a boundary!

He follows it up with a massive six!

The batters exchange a few more singles. Zadran drives through the covers for four! A single to end the over.

After 38 overs, Afghanistan are 208-4.

Rashid returns to the attack. Zadran defends.

He comes down the track but settles for a single.

Azmatullah pushes it back to the bowler, then defends two deliveries.

A single to end the over. A tight over from Rashid- just two runs.

After 39 overs, Afghanistan are 210-4.

Overton is back. Azmatullah plays towards cover-no run.

He tucks the next ball towards long leg for a single.

Zadran defends two deliveries before picking up a single.

WICKET! Azmatullah mistimes it, and substitute fielder Banton makes no mistake! He departs for 41 off 31 balls.

After 40 overs, Afghanistan are 212-5.

17:19

Zadran brings up his century

Afghanistan 190-4 (37 Ovs) vs Eng | Scorecard

Wood returns to the attack. He's back on the field long enough to bowl again, but he's not moving freely and has heavy strapping on his left knee.

A tight over, conceding just two runs. After 34 overs, Afghanistan are 167-4.

Livingstone returns with a short mid-off in place. Azmatullah and Zadran continue to rotate the strike well.

A steady over, yielding five runs. After 35 overs, Afghanistan are 172-4.

Wood continues. Azmatullah and Zadran exchange a few singles, keeping the scoreboard ticking.

Eight runs from the over. Wood looks to be struggling physically.

After 36 overs, Afghanistan are 180-4.

Livingstone continues. The batters rotate the strike well, running singles efficiently.

Tip-and-run to midwicket, and Zadran races through to reach three figures!

Ibrahim Zadran becomes the first Afghan batter to score a Champions Trophy century!

He celebrates by slamming a huge six!

A single to end the over. 10 runs from it. After 37 overs, Afghanistan are 190-4.

17:16

Zadran powers Afghan comeback

Afghanistan 165-4 (33 Ovs) vs Eng | Scorecard

Archer returns to the attack. Azmatullah takes a single to get off the mark.

Zadran defends solidly before picking up a single. Archer strays down leg-wide called.

Three more singles to end the over. Six runs from it. After 31 overs, Afghanistan are 149-4.

Rashid continues. Azmatullah plays toward the leg side but finds no run. He drives to long-off for a single.

Zadran and Azmatullah rotate strike well, picking up a single each.

Azmatullah finishes the over with a huge six! 10 runs from it.

After 32 overs, Afghanistan are 159-4.

Archer continues. Azmatullah and Zadran keep the scoreboard ticking, exchanging a single each.

These two have been rotating strike well. Six runs from the over.

After 33 overs, Afghanistan are 165-4.

16:56

Rashid strikes, Afghanistan 4 down

Afghanistan 143-4 (30 Ovs) vs Eng | Scorecard

Overton returns to the attack. Zadran drives it straight down the ground for four. He follows up with a single.

Four more singles come off the over. After 26 overs, Afghanistan are 112-3.

Root continues. Another tight over, conceding just five singles.

After 27 overs, Afghanistan are 117-3.

Overton continues. Zadran goes big- a glorious six! He follows it up with a boundary.

Another boundary to end the over! 16 runs from ita much-needed boost for Afghanistan.

After 28 overs, Afghanistan are 133-3.

Root continues. He remains economical.

Hashmatullah defends before smashing a boundary. The batters exchange a single each.

Six runs from the over. After 29 overs, Afghanistan are 139-3.

Rashid replaces Overton. Zadran takes a single.

Hashmatullah tries to find the gap but can't beat the fielder- no run.

BOWLED! Hashmatullah misjudges the length as he attempts a reverse sweep. The ball squeezes under his bat and crashes into the stumps!

Hashmatullah departs for 40 off 67 balls.

Azmatullah Omarzai is the new batter, he is off the mark with a single.

16:24

100 comes up for Afghanistan

Afghanistan 103-3 (25 Ovs) vs Eng | Scorecard

Livingstone replaces Adil Rashid, looking to break the partnership.

Hashmatullah sends the first ball straight back to the bowler. He pushes to covers but finds no run.

A couple of runs follow, and Zadran ends the over with a boundary.

Seven runs from it. After 22 overs, Afghanistan are 91-3.

Root continues. Another tight over, giving away just three runs.

After 23 overs, Afghanistan are 94-3.

Livingstone continues.

Zadran and Hashmatullah rotate strike well, exchanging singles.

Four singles in total from the over. After 24 overs, Afghanistan are 98-3.

Root continues. Zadran takes a single.

Hashmatullah slams a boundary, bringing up Afghanistans 100 in style!

He defends the rest of the over. After 25 overs, Afghanistan are 103-3.

16:07

Spot-on England bowling

Afghanistan 84-3 (21 Ovs) vs Eng | Scorecard

Joe Root replaces Overton in the attack. Hashmatullah drives through extra cover for a single.

Zadran defends two deliveries before taking a quick single.

Hashmatullah keeps it out and sends it straight back to the bowler.

Just two runs off the over.

After 19 overs, Afghanistan are 71-3.

Rashid continues. Zadran defends toward the leg side before launching a massive six- the first of the match!

He follows it up with a single, and the batters rotate strike well, exchanging a few more singles.

A much-needed big over for Afghanistan- 10 runs from it.

After 20 overs, Afghanistan are 81-3.

Root continues. He delivers another tight over, conceding just three runs.

After 21 overs, Afghanistan are 84-3.

16:01

Spot-on England bowling

Afghanistan 69-3 (18 Ovs) vs Eng | Scorecard

Adil Rashid continues after the drinks break.Hashmatullah and Zadran rotate the strike well, picking up a single each.

Hashmatullah goes for the reverse sweep and collects a couple. He pushes one toward midwicket but finds no run.

A single to end the over.

Five runs from it. After 16 overs, Afghanistan are 61-3.

Overton continues. Hashmatullah plays toward backward point- no run. He works the next toward deep square leg for a single.

Zadran guides one to third man for another single. The batters exchange a single each again.

Hashmatullah jabs one straight to the fielder- dot ball to end the over.

After 17 overs, Afghanistan are 65-3.

Rashid continues. Zadran drives down the ground, but the bowler collects itno run. He then beats the fielder at point but still cant get a run.

A jabbed shot toward long-on earns him a single. Hashmatullah follows with a single to the same region.

Zadran flicks one toward square leg for a couple and pushes the last ball toward midwicket for no run.

Just four runs from the over. After 18 overs, Afghanistan are 69-3.

15:53

50 comes up for Afghanistan

Afghanistan 56-3 (15 Ovs) vs Eng | Scorecard

Hashmatullah swings and misses outside off stump but manages to guide the next ball down to deep third with an open face for a single.

Zadran defends the rest of the over.

After 13 overs, Afghanistan are 43-3.

Rashid continues. Hashmatullah and Zadran rotate the strike well, keeping the scoreboard ticking. An extra comes in the form of a wide.

Eight runs from the over. After 14 overs, Afghanistan are 51-3.

Overton continues. Hashmatullah flicks one toward point but finds no run. He follows up with a crisp boundary, finding the gap beautifully.

Two solid defensive strokes follow before he drives one toward point for a quick single. A dot ball to end the over.

Five runs from it. After 15 overs, Afghanistan are 56-3. Drinks are called in.

15:37

Afghan batter's under pressure

Afghanistan 42-3 (12 Ovs) vs Eng | Scorecard

Archer continues and delivers an excellent over. Hashmatullah stays watchful, defending solidly. He's struck by a sharp bouncer but ducks just in time.

Just a single from the over.

After 11 overs, Afghanistan are 40-3.

Bowling change Rashid into the attack. A slip in place.

Zadran defends the first three deliveries before driving one to long off for a single.

Hashmatullah stays cautious, defending well before taking a single off the last ball.

Just two runs from the over.

After 12 overs, Afghanistan are 42-3.

15:21

Archer removes Rahmat, Afghans 3 down

Afghanistan 37-3 (9 Ovs) vs Eng | Scorecard

Wood continues. Rahmat plays it away but finds no run. He guides one toward third man for a single, then drives through covers for a couple.

A jabbed shot follows, with Wood fielding off his own bowling- but he's in trouble. The physio rushes in. After a quick check, Wood is back on his feet.

Zadran plays one to the leg side for no run and ends the over with a single.

Just four runs off it. After eight overs, Afghanistan are 34-2.

Wood has gone off, with Banton coming in as the substitute fielder.

Archer continues. Zadran defends solidly before nudging one to third man for a single.

Rahmat stands firm in defense, then pushes one toward point for a couple.

WICKET! Top edge- taken at long leg! Rashid makes no mistake.

Rahmat departs for 4 off 9 balls.

Hashmatullah is the new batter, he defends the last off the over.

15:08

Archer bags two in an over

Afghanistan 30-2 (7 Ovs) vs Eng | Scorecard

Wood continues, and Zadran remains solid in defense against this pace onslaught. Excellent bowling from both ends.

Zadran finally opens the face and attempts an upper-cut-chance at deep third, but Archer can't get a hand on it!

Wood digs one in short, extracting good bounce. Zadran is beaten off the last ball.

After six overs, Afghanistan are 21-2.

Archer continues. Rahmat plays it down safely and jumps to defend the next delivery. He takes a single off the following ball.

Zadran finds his rhythm-back-to-back boundaries! He then ducks under a sharp bouncer.

A dot ball to end the over.

Nine runs come off it. After seven overs, Afghanistan are 30-2.

15:01

Archer bags two in an over

Afghanistan 15-2 (5 Ovs) vs Eng | Scorecard

Two slips in place for Mark Wood. Gurbaz defends the first two deliveries. A risky single follows- there's a direct hit, but Zadran's full-length dive ensures he's safely home.

Zadran plays out the rest of the over cautiously. Just one run from it. After two overs, Afghanistan are 5-0.

Archer continues. Gurbaz starts with a solid defense, then finds a gap on the leg side for a couple. He blocks the last two deliveries- just two runs from the over. After three overs, Afghanistan are 7-0.

Wood keeps it tight, conceding only two runs in his over.

Archer charges in again- and strikes! Clean bowled! Gurbaz departs for 6 off 15 balls.

Atal walks in at No. 3 and defends the first delivery. He gets off the mark in style, driving a boundary-the first of the match.

A leading edge follows, but it doesn't carry.

Archer strikes again! Huge appeal for LBW-and the finger goes up! Atal reviews.

Ball-tracking shows it's pitching in line-just barely-and crashing into middle stump halfway up. The decision stands!

Archer has two in the over. Atal departs for 4 off 5 balls.

Rahmat Shah walks in at No. 4 and safely blocks the last ball of the over.

After five overs, Afghanistan are 15-2.

14:37

Afghanistan off to a cautious start

Afghanistan 4-0 (1 Ovs) vs Eng | Scorecard

Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Ibrahim Zadran take their positions at the crease. Gurbaz is on strike, and Jofra Archer has the new ball.

Gurbaz gets off the mark with a single. Zadran plays it safe, defending the next three deliveries. He then nudges one towards fine leg for a single.

Archer strays down the leg side-wide called. Zadran picks up another single to end the over. Just four runs from the first over.

14:28

Here are the playing XIs

Teams:

England: Philip Salt, Ben Duckett, Jamie Smith(w), Joe Root, Harry Brook, Jos Buttler(c), Liam Livingstone, Jofra Archer, Jamie Overton, Adil Rashid, Mark Wood

Afghanistan: Rahmanullah Gurbaz(w), Ibrahim Zadran, Sediqullah Atal, Rahmat Shah, Hashmatullah Shahidi(c), Azmatullah Omarzai, Mohammad Nabi, Gulbadin Naib, Rashid Khan, Noor Ahmad, Fazalhaq Farooqi

14:08

Afghanistan win toss, opt to bat vs England

Afghanistan have won the toss and have opted to bat.

Afghanistan captain Shahidi said, We'll bat first on a good wicket that may slow down later for our spinners. Dew is uncertain, but we hope it stays away. Same team as last game.

England captain Buttler said, We would have batted first too. The wicket looks good, and dew played a role last game. One changeOverton replaces the injured Carse. Expectations are high, and we aim to deliver our best. Ready to charge in today'

13:50

England face must-win clash vs Afghanistan

A bruised England will fight to keep their Champions Trophy hopes alive when they take on a dangerous Afghanistan in a crucial Group B clash on Wednesday in Lahore.

With South Africa and Australia already on the board, a second defeat could all but end Englands semi-final chances. Their white-ball dominance is a distant memory, highlighted by their failure to defend 350+ against an understrength Australia.

Englands biggest test will be Afghanistans spin trioRashid Khan, Noor Ahmad, and Mohammad Nabiagainst whom their recent struggles are glaring. To bolster their spin attack, England have replaced injured all-rounder Brydon Carse with leg-spinner Rehan Ahmed.

Phil Salt and Harry Brooks inconsistency compounds Englands woes. Salt hasnt converted starts since 2022, while Brooks issues against spin have persisted since his struggles in India. Against Afghanistans world-class spinners, they must deliver.

Afghanistan, however, have their own problems after a crushing 107-run loss to South Africa. Their T20 World Cup semi-final run showcased talent, but ODIs demand greater consistency. To exploit Englands vulnerabilities, they must execute with precision.

For both teams, its now or never.

CT shock: Afghanistan keep hopes alive, England out

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