Afghanistan has kept their ICC Champions Trophy 2025 hopes alive with a breathtaking victory against defending champions England. After a tough opening loss against South Africa, Afghanistan found themselves in a must-win scenario—and they delivered in spectacular fashion. Led by a record-breaking 177-run knock from Ibrahim Zadran, the Afghan team posted a formidable 325-run total before their bowlers held their nerve to defend it against a determined English batting lineup.
This victory is not just about two points—it is a statement that Afghanistan belongs among cricket’s elite. Their win has set the stage for a do-or-die clash against Australia, a match that will determine whether they reach the semifinals or bow out of the tournament.
With momentum on their side, Afghanistan will look to create yet another historic moment when they take on the mighty Australian team. And if cricket legend Wasim Akram’s prediction is anything to go by, Afghanistan could be on the brink of something special.
Ibrahim Zadran’s Heroic Knock of 177 Runs
Ibrahim Zadran’s innings against England will be remembered for years to come. The opener delivered a masterclass in batting, scoring 177 runs—the highest individual score by an Afghan batter in ODIs.
His innings was a tale of resilience, class, and calculated aggression. Coming in after Afghanistan lost two quick wickets, Zadran took control, anchoring the innings while accelerating at crucial moments. His knock included:
12 fours
6 sixes
Strike rate of over 100
Zadran’s ability to handle pressure and adapt to the situation showcased the maturity of a world-class batter. His celebration after reaching his century—mimicking a leg-spin bowling action before folding his hands in gratitude towards Rashid Khan—added an emotional touch, as he later revealed that a pre-match conversation with Rashid had inspired him to perform.
With his return to form after a seven-month absence from international cricket, Zadran has not only proved his mettle but also emerged as Afghanistan’s biggest hope for the do-or-die encounter against Australia.
Afghanistan’s Bowling Brilliance: Defending 325 with a Wet Ball
While Zadran’s knock provided the foundation, Afghanistan’s bowlers were the real heroes in the second innings. Defending a total of 325 against a strong English batting unit was never going to be easy—especially with the challenge of bowling with a wet ball due to dew.
Yet, Afghanistan’s bowlers showed remarkable control, adaptability, and fight:
- Fazalhaq Farooqi provided early breakthroughs
- Rashid Khan and Mujeeb Ur Rahman applied pressure in the middle overs
- Naveen-ul-Haq held his nerve in the death overs
Despite Joe Root’s valiant century, England fell short, marking a historic win for Afghanistan. This victory not only boosts Afghanistan’s semifinal chances but also sends a strong message to the cricketing world: this team can defeat the best on their day.
Next Challenge: A High-Stakes Clash Against Australia
Afghanistan’s journey in the Champions Trophy 2025 now comes down to a single match—a do-or-die clash against Australia. The equation is simple:
✔ Win, and they qualify for the semifinals
❌ Lose, and they are out of the tournament
Facing Australia will be Afghanistan’s toughest test yet. The Aussies have been one of the most dominant teams in the tournament, boasting a squad filled with world-class players. Afghanistan will need to play at their absolute best if they are to pull off another upset.
Key Factors for Afghanistan’s Success Against Australia:
🏏 Top-order stability – Zadran and Rahmanullah Gurbaz need to provide a strong start.
🔥 Middle-order contribution – Afghanistan must ensure they don’t collapse in the middle overs.
⚡ Spin attack dominance – Rashid Khan and Mujeeb will be crucial against Australia’s batters.
🎯 Death bowling execution – Naveen-ul-Haq and Farooqi must handle pressure well in the final overs.
The stakes couldn’t be higher, and Afghanistan will need to summon their best cricket to overcome Australia.
Wasim Akram’s Bold Prediction: Afghanistan Can Upset Australia
Pakistan cricket legend Wasim Akram has thrown his support behind Afghanistan, predicting that they can cause another major upset by defeating Australia.
Speaking on Ten Sports, Akram praised Afghanistan’s performance against England and backed them to continue their winning momentum into the Australia match.
🗣 “Surely Afghanistan’s team can beat Australia. The way Afghanistan defeated England, I am sure they can overpower Australia too.”
Akram particularly highlighted how Afghanistan’s mentality and hunger for success make them a dangerous team.
🗣 “Losing two wickets early, then Ibrahim Zadran scoring 177, and later the bowlers defending 325 runs with a wet ball—this was amazing. As a team, Afghanistan’s players have gained confidence that they can now win big matches.”
While Akram acknowledged that Australia is the favorite on paper, he stressed that if Afghanistan plays with the same passion and intensity, they can pull off another historic win.
Afghanistan’s Hunger to Prove Themselves on the Big Stage
One of the defining aspects of Afghanistan’s rise in world cricket has been their sheer hunger and determination.
Wasim Akram pointed out that Afghanistan’s players have a fire to prove themselves against top teams, which makes them dangerous opponents.
🗣 “The hunger to win against big teams is clearly visible in Afghanistan’s players. When they come to bat and bowl, their intent is to give their 100 percent. It is fun to watch.”
Afghanistan has built a reputation as giant killers, having defeated teams like Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and now England in major tournaments. They will look to add Australia to that list when they step onto the field for the most important match in their history.
Can Afghanistan Create History?
As Afghanistan prepares for their high-stakes encounter with Australia, the world watches with bated breath. Will they pull off another stunning victory and march into the semifinals, or will Australia prove too strong?
With momentum on their side, a hungry team determined to prove itself, and a world-class spin attack, Afghanistan has all the ingredients to create history.
One thing is for sure—this match is set to be an electrifying battle, and cricket fans around the world won’t want to miss it.
🏏🔥 Afghanistan vs. Australia—A match that could define the future of Afghan cricket.
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