Afghanistan has once again demonstrated that their advancements extend beyond T20 cricket, proving their capability to triumph over any team in ODIs when conditions favour them. In what is arguably the most discussed outcome of the 2025 Champions Trophy, Afghanistan secured a thrilling victory against England by a margin of eight runs in Lahore. Renowned Indian cricketer Sachin Tendulkar remarked that such victories can no longer be classified as upsets.

Tendulkar specifically highlighted the performance of Ibrahim Zadran, who set a new record for the highest individual score in Champions Trophy history with an impressive 177 runs off 146 deliveries, as well as Azmatullah Omarzai, whose five-wicket haul was pivotal in Afghanistan's success. "Afghanistan’s consistent and steady ascent in international cricket is truly inspiring! Their victories can no longer be considered upsets; they have made winning a regular occurrence. A remarkable century by @IZadran18 and an outstanding five-wicket performance by @AzmatOmarzay contributed to yet another memorable victory for Afghanistan. Well played!" Tendulkar expressed in his post on X.

Zadran's innings of 177 helped Afghanistan reach a total of 325/7. Although it appeared that England might successfully chase down the target, with Joe Root scoring an impressive 120 runs off 111 balls, his dismissal by Azmatullah Omarzai initiated a dramatic collapse, ultimately resulting in Afghanistan's narrow victory by eight runs. Omarzai concluded the match with impressive bowling figures of 5/58. This defeat marked England's second consecutive loss to Afghanistan in ODIs and their sixth straight defeat in this format.

Ibrahim Zadran says Tendulkar means a lot to him and Afghanistan cricket

Zadran responded to Tendulkar's acknowledgement with a message of his own. "It is a tremendous honour to receive praise from the very individual who has inspired countless generations to take up the bat, @sachin_rt. Your words hold significant meaning for me and for cricket in Afghanistan. Thank you, sir," he expressed.

At one point, Afghanistan found themselves at 37/3; however, Zadran subsequently formed substantial partnerships with Hashmatullah Shahidi, Omarzai, and Mohammad Nabi. Omarzai played a crucial role, initially scoring 41 runs off 31 deliveries and later claiming five important wickets. Among his notable dismissals were Phil Salt, England's captain Jos Buttler, and centurion Joe Root.

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