Hashmatullah Shahidi declares Ibrahim Zadran’s ton as 'one of the greatest' after knocking ENG out of CT 2025

In the 8th match of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, the Hashmatullah Shahidi-led Afghanistan National Cricket Team were in action on Wednesday, February 26.

Hashmatullah Shahidi-led Afghanistan National Cricket Team took on the Jos Buttler-led England National Cricket Team at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore.

Also Read: ICC Champions Trophy Points Table 2025: Updated Standings After Afghanistan vs England, Match 8

As a team we are happy - Hashmatullah Shahidi

Batting first in the match, Afghanistan posted a huge total of 325/7 on the board and they defended it quite well, bundling out England for 317 in 49.5 overs.

Speaking after the match, Hashmatullah Shahidi said that they were delighted with the win and labeled Ibrahim Zadran's 177-run knock as one of the best ODI innings of all time. Hashmatullah Shahidi stated:

"As a team we are happy. Our nation will be happy with this win. Moving on to the next game. We beat them the first time in 2023. We are improving day by day.

"Today was a tense game. We controlled it well. I am happy with the result. Zadran is a talented guy. We were three down at the beginning and the pressure was on. The partnership between me and him was crucial. One of the best ODI knocks that I have seen."

Azmat played a good knock - Hashmatullah Shahidi

Shahidi further lauded Azmatullah Omarzai for his all-round heroics. He said:

"Azmat played a good knock. Played with positive intent. He bowled crucial overs as well. We have talented youngsters and some senior guys. Everyone knows their role. Everyone is doing good."

Hashmatullah Shahidi added that the victory over England will give them great confidence heading into the match against Australia. He stated:

"Hopefully, we will take the momentum to the game versus Australia. It will give us confidence but it will be a new day. That game will decide who will go to the semis. We will do what is good for us on that day."

How did Afghanistan perform in the previous ODI match against England?

Afghanistan delivered a performance for the ages in their previous ODI match against England. They humbled the defending champions with a sensational 69-run win in Delhi on October 15, during the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023.

Afghanistan opener Rahmanullah Gurbaz, who hammered 80 runs off just 57 balls, laid the foundation for a big total with his explosive batting performance.

He put the Afghans in a dominant position with his aggressive knock and received great support from Ikram Alikhil, who chipped in with a crucial 58-run innings.

From the lower order, Mujeeb Ur Rahman played a blistering knock of 28 off 16 balls, and Rashid Khan smashed 23 runs off 22 balls as the Afghanistan team ended up with a total of 284 runs on the board in 49.5 overs.

Defending the total, Afghanistan’s bowlers were ruthless. Mujeeb Ur Rahman (3/51) and Rashid Khan (3/37) spun England into trouble and Mohammad Nabi (2/16) controlled the middle overs brilliantly. Fazalhaq Farooqi and Naveen-ul-Haq also picked one wicket each and bowled out England for 215 runs in 40.3 overs to pull off one of the biggest upsets incricket history.