Fancied England Outclassed
The much fancied Team England were knocked out of the Champions Trophy by a brave and belligerent Afghan Team, who after a mauling at the hands of South Africa produced a brilliant performance to outclass England and stay alive in the Tournament.
Gaddafi Stadium Bears Witness To A Fine Game
The Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore was witness to a close, pulsating game last night wherein the Afghans took the honours at the expense of a below par performing England whose white ball fortunes are witnessing a major downward slide. However, the match belonged to one resolute, skillful and talented Ibrahim Zadran.
Scintillating Ibrahim Zadran
The innings of 177 runs of just 146 deliveries studded with 12 fours and 6 sixes will go down as one of the finest ODI innings witnessed in the history of the game. Zadran opened the Afghan innings, played through and got out in the 50th over, not before he had put Afghanistan in a good position with a challenging 325 runs in their allotted quota.
Crucial Partnerships For Afghanistan
Zadran”s three crucial partnerships with captain Shahidi (103), Omarzai (72) and the pace setting and blistering one with Nabi for 111 runs off just 55 balls gave Afghanistan the much needed momentum going into the second innings.
England’s Inept Batting
England’s weakness against spin and lack of batting ability on slow pitches proved their downfall once again. The English batting line-up boasting of some great talents like Harry Brook and Jos Buttler, suffered due to their inconsistent form and the oft happening failures of the highly over-rated Liam Livingstone. Joe Root stood like a rock in the chase with a fine ton, but his departure at a crucial juncture was enough for Afghanistan to push for victory.
Afghans Prevail
The Afghan Tigers fought hard in the end and eventually prevailed, winning the exciting contest by 8 runs and pushing England out of the Champions Trophy.
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