Lahore: In a thrilling Champions Trophy encounter at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium, Afghanistan defeated England by eight runs, knocking the 2019 World Champions out of the semi-final race.

Despite a brilliant century from Joe Root, who scored 120 runs off 111 balls, England fell short. Root’s valiant knock was not enough, as he received little support from the other end. England was eventually bowled out for 317 while chasing a target of 326, effectively ending their hopes of advancing in the tournament. Meanwhile, Afghanistan kept their semi-final dreams alive with this dramatic victory.

Earlier, Ibrahim Zadran smashed a historic 177 off 146 balls-the highest individual score in ICC Champions Trophy history-as Afghanistan posted a competitive 325/7 against England in Lahore. Zadran’s innings, featuring 12 fours and six sixes at a strike rate of 121.23, provided stability after early wickets. He built a crucial 129-run partnership with captain Hashmatullah Shahidi (40) before accelerating in the latter stages. Late cameos from Azmatullah Omarzai (41 off 31) and Mohammad Nabi (40 off 24) pushed Afghanistan past 300, with the team scoring 59 runs in the last five overs. England’s Jofra Archer (3/64) was the pick of the bowlers, while Liam Livingstone (2/28) struck twice in the final over to remove Nabi and Zadran.  England faces a stiff chase against a determined Afghan side eager to pull off an upset.