Afghanistan vs England Live Score: England 259/6 in 42.2 overs (Target 326) in a must-win Group B encounter of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 at Lahore's Gaddafi Stadium.


Joe Root brings up his first ODI century in nearly five years, anchoring England's chase in style. The former skipper reached the milestone in 100 balls, ensuring his team stays in the hunt for victory. The dressing room applauds as Root acknowledges the moment. However, with 75 runs needed off 48 balls, England still have a task ahead. Jamie Overton will need to step up and support Root as Afghanistan looks to tighten the screws.
England 251/6 after 42 overs (Target 326) Joe Root 101* Jamie Overton 7*
CAUGHT BEHIND! Liam Livingstone departs as Gulbadin Naib strikes in his very first over! England were looking to accelerate, but Livingstone's aggressive approach backfires. Attempting a forceful slap at a delivery outside off, he only manages to edge it through to keeper Gurbaz, who makes no mistake. A huge moment as England lose back-to-back wickets, further denting their chase. The Afghan supporters erupt in joy, sensing a real opportunity here. England are now 235/6 after 39 overs, with Joe Root holding firm on 90*.
OUT! Big breakthrough for Afghanistan as Azmatullah Omarzai (7-0-32-2) dismisses Jos Buttler (38 off 42). The England skipper fell into the short-ball trap, miscuing a pull shot straight to deep square leg, where Rahmat made no mistake. This wicket halts England's momentum at 220/5 in 37 overs.
Liam Livingstone opened his account with an edgy four, while Joe Root remains unbeaten on 84(87). With 13 overs to go, England still has a platform, but Afghanistan will look to build on this key wicket.
England 228/5 after 38 overs (Target 326) Joe Root 90* Liam Livingstone 4*;ENG need 98 runs in 72 balls
England continue to build towards the target steadily, reaching 208/4 in 35 overs. Joe Root (78 off 81) and Jos Buttler (36 off 37) have added crucial runs, keeping England in control. Buttler, in particular, has looked more aggressive, smashing a huge six off Nabi in the 32nd over. Afghanistan tried breaking the partnership with Rashid Khan and Noor Ahmad, but the batters rotated strike well.
Azmatullah Omarzai bowled a tight 35th over, conceding just 5 runs and picking up a wicket. England still holds the edge, but Afghanistan needs quick breakthroughs.
England continues to rebuild through Root and Buttler, with Root reaching his half-century. The duo has kept the scoreboard ticking, with Root finding boundaries while Buttler broke free with a big six off Nabi. Noor Ahmad and Rashid Khan have kept things tight, but Afghanistan needs a breakthrough to regain control.
Score after 31 overs:ENG 181-4
🏏 Joe Root 69*(68) | Jos Buttler 19*(26)
🎯 Target: 352
🔹 Noor Ahmad: 7-0-35-0 | Mohammad Nabi: 7-0-48-2
A steady over from Rashid Khan, conceding just four runs. Joe Root brought up his fifty with a clip to deep square leg, playing the anchor role in England's chase. Buttler is still finding his rhythm, managing a few singles but unable to break free.
Rashid has varied his lengths well, keeping the batters in check. England needs to accelerate, with the required rate climbing. Root and Buttler must build a solid partnership to keep their chase on track while 150 comes up!
England 153/4 after 27 overs (Target 326) Joe Root 52* Jos Buttler 9*
OUT! Harry Brook (25 off 21) fell to Mohammad Nabi, chipping a simple return catch. Root continues to anchor the innings, while Buttler has just arrived. Nabi (5-0-32-2) has been Afghanistan's key bowler, varying his pace effectively. With 191 runs still needed, England needs a solid partnership to keep the chase on track.
England 135/4 after 22 overs (Target 326) Joe Root 43* Jos Buttler 1*

WICKET! Ben Duckett (38 off 45) was dismissed LBW by Rashid Khan after Afghanistan successfully reviewed the decision. Joe Root (32*) remains at the crease, joined by Harry Brook. The last five overs have yielded 28 runs for the loss of one wicket. Rashid Khan (2.4-0-18-1) and Fazalhaq Farooqi (6-0-29-0) continue to apply pressure. England must rebuild with smart batting from here.England is 98/3 after 16.4 overs, needing 228 more runs at a required rate of 6.84.
England's chase remains on course as Joe Root and Ben Duckett continue their measured approach. The duo has rotated the strike well, mixing caution with timely aggression against Afghanistan's spinners and seamers.
Root has looked in control, finding boundaries when needed, including a well-timed cut shot off Rashid Khan. Duckett, on the other hand, survived a major scare when he was dropped by Hashmatullah Shahidi at mid-off, a moment that could prove costly for Afghanistan.
Fazalhaq Farooqi has been economical but hasn't found a breakthrough, while Rashid Khan's introduction briefly applied some pressure before Root eased it with a boundary. England stands at 97/2 after 16 overs, with Duckett on 38* and Root on 32*, keeping the chase steady.
After losing Phil Salt and Jamie Smith early, Joe Root and Ben Duckett have taken control of England's innings, steadily rebuilding the chase. Root has been proactive, using his sweeps and deft touches to manipulate the field. He reverse-swept Mohammad Nabi for four in the 9th over and timed his shots well through the gaps.
Duckett, after a cautious start, played some crisp strokes, including a well-placed drive past mid-off against Azmatullah Omarzai. He also took on Nabi, smashing a lofted shot over extra cover. Despite a few mistimed attempts, he has looked composed.
The partnership has added 38 runs so far, with England at 68/2 after 11 overs, needing to keep the momentum going.
OUT! Mohammad Nabi makes an immediate impact, removing Jamie Smith (9 off 13) with his very first delivery. Smith charged down the track, attempting an aggressive shot, but the ball drifted away and took the outside half of the bat. Azmatullah Omarzai at backward point took a safe catch, handing Afghanistan their second breakthrough.
England 39/2 after 7 overs, with Ben Duckett (8 off 13) and Joe Root (5 off 3) at the crease. Nabi's introduction has already put England on the back foot.
Afghanistan strike early as Phil Salt (12 off 13) is bowled by Azmatullah Omarzai in the fourth over. Trying an ill-advised swipe across the line to a good-length delivery, Salt completely missed, and the ball crashed into the top of middle and off stump.
England 19/1 after 4 overs, with Ben Duckett (7 off 8) and new batter Jamie Smith (0 off 3) at the crease. Omarzai has been impressive, conceding just 6 runs in 2 overs while picking up the big wicket.
England begin their run chase on a positive note, reaching 8/0 after 1 over. Phil Salt (8 off 6) got going with two crisp boundaries, driving and punching confidently against Fazalhaq Farooqi (1-0-8-0).
Farooqi generated some movement, beating Salt's outside edge once and striking him on the pads, but the batter looked composed. Ben Duckett (0 off 0) is yet to face a ball. England will aim for a strong powerplay to keep up with the required rate.

Afghanistan finished their innings at 325/7, powered by Ibrahim Zadran's sensational 177 off 146 balls, now the highest individual score by an Afghan batter in ODIs. His innings included 12 fours and 6 sixes, and he was finally dismissed in the final over by Liam Livingstone.
Zadran found strong support from Mohammad Nabi (40 off 24), who added quick runs before falling to Livingstone in the last over. England's bowlers struggled, with Overton (10-0-72-1) and Archer (10-0-64-3) proving expensive.
With 326 needed for victory, England will have to chase smartly against Afghanistan's spin-heavy attack.
Ibrahim Zadran has etched his name in the history books, registering the highest individual score in Champions Trophy history (167 off 141 balls), surpassing Ben Duckett's 165 earlier in the tournament.
Afghanistan accelerated in the last few overs, with 23 runs off Joe Root's 47th over, including two sixes and two fours from Mohammad Nabi. Zadran followed up with a massive six off Jofra Archer in the 48th over.
Despite Archer striking Nabi on the helmet with a sharp bouncer, Afghanistan remains in complete control at 309/5 with two overs to go. A huge total is on the cards.

150! Ibrahim Zadran has brought up a magnificent 150 off 136 balls, anchoring Afghanistan's innings with class and composure. The entire Afghan camp stood to applaud as he reached the milestone, with Mohammad Nabi embracing him in celebration.
Zadran and Nabi kept the scoreboard ticking, running well between the wickets while also finding boundaries. Nabi added a six off Adil Rashid, taking his score to 19 off 14 balls. With four overs to go, Afghanistan will aim for a big finish, already in a strong position at 276/5 in 46 overs.
Afghanistan have crossed the 250-run mark as Ibrahim Zadran put on a batting masterclass, hammering Jofra Archer for 20 runs in the 44th over. Zadran, now on 142 off 129 balls, struck three boundaries and a six in the over, displaying exquisite placement and power. Mohammad Nabi is at the other end on 10 (9).
Archer's figures took a hit, now reading 9-0-54-3, while Mark Wood struggled with fitness concerns and left the field after his eighth over. Afghanistan will look to push past 300 with six overs to go.
AFG 256/5 in 44 oversIbrahim Zadran 142* Mohammad Nabi 10
WICKET!Jamie Overton breaks the partnership! Azmatullah Omarzai (41 off 31) departs while trying to force the issue. With just four runs off the last 11 balls, pressure mounted, and Overton smartly bowled a slower delivery at 123.6 km/h. Omarzai couldn't generate the power or timing, mistiming the lofted shot to long-on, where substitute fielder Tom Banton took an easy catch. Afghanistan lose their fifth wicket at 212 in the 40th over. Ibrahim Zadran remains unbeaten on 109.

CENTURY! Ibrahim Zadran has brought up a superb century, showcasing his temperament on the big stage once again. The Afghan opener, who previously scored a ton against Australia in the 2023 World Cup, reached the landmark in 106 balls, nudging a single to square leg off Livingstone. He removed his helmet and acknowledged the dressing room with a special gesture.
Azmatullah Omarzai has provided the much-needed momentum, smashing a six off Livingstone's over. Meanwhile, England received a boost as Mark Wood returned to bowl after an injury scare, touching 145+ kph a few times. Afghanistan will be eyeing a strong finish in the final overs.
Afghanistan 200/4 in 37.2 overs Ibrahim Zadran 100*(83) Azmatullah Omarzai 39*(24)

Adil Rashid strikes immediately upon his return, bowling Hashmatullah Shahidi for 40 (67). England needed that breakthrough, as Afghanistan was steadily accelerating. Azmatullah Omarzai now joins Ibrahim Zadran at the crease.Shahidi's dismissal might slow Afghanistan's charge. England will be hoping Rashid can provide more breakthroughs.
Afghanistan 143/4 in 30 oversIbrahim Zadran 82*(83)Azmatullah Omarzai 2*(2)
A massive over for Afghanistan as they take 16 runs off Overton's over, shifting the momentum. Ibrahim Zadran was the aggressor, smashing a six and two fours, reaching 79 off 80 balls. Shahidi remains steady at 35 off 60.
Mark Wood is back on the field, but England needs a breakthrough soon. Joe Root's previous over was economical, conceding just five runs. Afghanistan is steadily building, with Zadran looking increasingly dangerous.
Afghanistan 133/3 after 28 oversIbrahim Zadran: 79*(80)Hashmatullah Shahidi: 35*(60); Jamie Overton: 6-0-37-0Joe Root: 5-0-18-0

Half Century for Ibrahim Zadran!Afghanistan is progressing steadily but needs to accelerate, reaching 98/3 after 24 overs. Ibrahim Zadran brought up his eighth ODI fifty (51 off 66), playing a composed knock. He looked to up the ante with a well-placed four in the 22nd over and a six off Rashid in the 20th over. However, England's spin duo, Joe Root (3-0-8-0) and Liam Livingstone (2-0-11-0), have kept things tight, conceding just 14 runs in the last four overs. Afghanistan will need to push on from here to post a competitive total.
Afghanistan's batters have been kept in check by England's disciplined bowling attack. With just 15 runs coming off the last five overs, the required acceleration hasn't arrived yet. Ibrahim Zadran remains solid at the crease with 34 off 53 balls, while Hashmatullah Shahidi has moved to 18 off 33 deliveries. However, their partnership lacks fluency, with England's spinners applying the squeeze.
Joe Root's off-breaks were introduced into the attack, and he immediately found tight lines, conceding just two runs in his first over. Meanwhile, Adil Rashid has continued to trouble the Afghan batters with his variations, keeping the scoring rate under control.
With 19 overs gone, Afghanistan will need to start shifting gears if they want to post a competitive total. England, on the other hand, will be aiming to break this partnership soon and expose the middle order.
Afghanistan 71/3 in 19 oversIbrahim Zadran 34*(53)Hashmatullah Shahidi 18*(33)🎯 Joe Root 1-0-2-0,Adil Rashid 4-0-19-0
Afghanistan have crossed the 50-run mark, but England remains in firm control. Jofra Archer's fiery spell rattled the top order, picking up 3 wickets, including Rahmat Shah's dismissal off a sharp bouncer. Ibrahim Zadran has been the steady presence at the crease, finding gaps and rotating the strike, while Hashmatullah Shahidi looks to settle in.
England's bowlers have kept things tight, with Adil Rashid and Jamie Overton applying pressure in the middle overs. Rashid's variations are testing the batters, while Overton's extra bounce is making stroke play difficult. The next phase of the innings will be crucial for Afghanistan-they need a solid partnership to build a competitive total.
Afghanistan 51/3 after 14 oversIbrahim Zadran 27*(40)Hashmatullah Shahidi 5*(16)
Jofra Archer 6-0-22-3, Adil Rashid 2-0-10-0

WICKET! Jofra Archer Strikes Again! 🎯Rahmat Shah falls to a well-directed short ball! The 144kph bouncer rushes him into an awkward hook shot, and he top-edges it towards fine leg. Adil Rashid sprints in and takes a well-judged low catch.
Afghanistan 37/3 after 8.5 oversIbrahim Zadran 20*(25)Hashmatullah Shahidi 0* (0)Jofra Archer 4.5-0-21-3
Mark Wood heads to the dressing room after completing his fourth over, with concerns over his left knee. England will be hoping it's not a serious issue.Meanwhile, Afghanistan cautiously adds runs, with Zadran guiding one to third man and driving for a single.
Afghanistan 35/2 after 8.3 oversIbrahim Zadran 20*(25)Rahmat Shah 2*(7)Jofra Archer 4.3-0-19-2

Match momentarily halted as Mark Wood walks gingerly, prompting the physio to rush in. With his history of injuries, England will be hoping it's nothing serious. He lies down for treatment, getting his left knee stretched.
Before the break, Afghanistan added three runs, with Zadran driving through covers for a couple and Rahmat Shah guiding one to third man.
Afghanistan 33/2 after 7.4 oversIbrahim Zadran 18*(21)Rahmat Shah 2*(6)Mark Wood 3.4-0-14-0
4 4! Ibrahim Zadran steadies Afghanistan with a couple of classy boundaries, driving Archer straight past the bowler before cutting him fiercely past point. His confidence is growing after an earlier six off Mark Wood. Rahmat Shah is settling in, cautiously playing out Archer's pace. England, however, remains on top with two early wickets.
Afghanistan 30/2 after 7 oversIbrahim Zadran 16*(19)Rahmat Shah 1*(4)

Jofra Archer is on fire! He strikes again, trapping Sediqullah Atal (4 runs off 4 balls) plumb in front. The left-hander reviewed the decision, but replays confirmed three reds, with the ball crashing into the middle of middle. Atal had earlier flicked a classy boundary but couldn't capitalize, falling for just 4.
England's pacers are dictating terms early, putting Afghanistan under pressure. Ibrahim Zadran now shoulders the responsibility of rebuilding the innings.
Afghanistan 15/2 in 4.5 oversIbrahim Zadran 2*(10)
Jofra Archer 2.5-0-9-2
Breakthrough for England! Jofra Archer strikes as he cleans up Rahmanullah Gurbaz. A full delivery swinging in, and with minimal foot movement, Gurbaz only manages an inside edge that crashes into the leg stump. England's pace attack is making life difficult for Afghanistan's batters, with Mark Wood consistently bowling over 150kph in the previous over. Ibrahim Zadran remains at the crease, looking to steady the innings.
Afghanistan 11/1 in 4.1 oversIbrahim Zadran 2*(10) Sediqullah Atal 0 (0)*
Jofra Archer 2.1-0-5-1
With both teams winless so far, a defeat here would effectively eliminate one from semifinal contention. England, still reeling from a five-wicket loss to Australia despite posting a formidable 351, have been left questioning how their best efforts still fall short.
Ben Duckett's record-breaking 165 was not enough as their bowlers, spearheaded by Jofra Archer and Mark Wood, failed to defend the total. Afghanistan, meanwhile, enter the match on the back of a disappointing 107-run defeat to South Africa, where their batting crumbled inside the first 15 overs. Rahmat Shah's resilient 90 was the lone bright spot in an otherwise forgettable outing.
This fixture carries added significance following Afghanistan's historic win over England at the 2023 World Cup. That stunning upset in Delhi exposed England's vulnerabilities against spin and showcased Afghanistan's growing prowess in global cricket. With Rashid Khan, Mohammad Nabi, and Noor Ahmad leading their spin attack, Afghanistan will aim to exploit those weaknesses again.
For England, questions remain over their white-ball approach under Jos Buttler's leadership. Their aggressive, pace-heavy strategy has produced mixed results, and Mark Wood's express deliveries-though lethal at times-have also proven costly. The lack of consistency has seen England lose five consecutive ODIs, a worrying trend for the 2019 champions.
The political backdrop surrounding this fixture, including concerns over Afghanistan's cricketing status under the Taliban regime, has dominated headlines in recent weeks. However, both teams have emphasized their focus on cricket, aiming to put aside external distractions and deliver on the field.
As for team news, England will be forced to make at least one change following Brydon Carse's injury, with Jamie Overton likely to step in. Afghanistan are expected to retain the same XI despite their struggles against South Africa, banking on their spin attack to unsettle England's lineup.
Lahore's conditions favor high-scoring encounters, as seen in England's opening game against Australia. However, cloud cover could offer some assistance to fast bowlers early on.
With both teams desperate for victory, expect a fiercely contested battle where every run, wicket, and missed chance could decide the fate of their Champions Trophy campaign. Stay tuned for live updates from Lahore as Afghanistan and England fight to keep their tournament hopes alive.