Champions Trophy 2025: From Tendulkar to Bishop - How Cricketing World Reacted to Afghanistan's Win Against England

Afghanistan continued making big strides in a short span as they stunned England in the Champions Trophy 2025 to win their first-ever match in the ICC tournament and also kept their hopes alive of a semi-final spot.

After Ibrahim Zadran's brilliant 177 off 146 balls helped Afghanistan post 325 for seven in their allotted 50 overs at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore on Wednesday (February 26), Azmatullah Omarzai's (5/58) exploits with the ball restricted England to 317 all out.

Legendary Sachin Tendulkar led the cricket world in showering praise on Afghanistan for their stunning eight-run victory over England in the Champions Trophy 2025, saying their wins "can't be termed as upsets anymore."

"Afghanistan's steady and consistent rise in international cricket has been inspiring! You can't term their wins as upsets anymore, they've made this a habit now. A superb century by @IZadran18 and wonderful five-for by @AzmatOmarzay, sealed another memorable win for Afghanistan. Well played!" Tendulkar wrote on 'X'.

Ibrahim Zadran, who picked up the player of the match award for digging Afghanistan out of trouble from 37 for 3, later reacted to the icon's message, saying "it's an honour to be praised by the great.

While lauding the Afghans, former India coach Ravi Shastri criticised England for their inability to perform in sub-continent conditions after the 2019 World champions poor showing in tours.

"Afghanistan. You guys rock. Kammaaal Kaardi. For England. Take playing in the Subcontinent seriously with no excuses. Only then you will be recognised as a Team that can TRAVEL #AFGvENG #ChampionsTrophy2025," Shastri wrote on the social media platform.

Former India cricketer Ajay Jadeja, who has worked with Afghanistan as a mentor during the 2023 World Cup, also took to social media to congratulate the team for the famous win.

"Afghanistan fans deserves this victory as they are the most passionate & humble cricket fans around the world #AFGvENG," Jadeja, who oversaw Afghanistan's stunning wins at the ODI World Cup in 2023, posted on X.

Pakistan pace legend Shoaib Akhtar backed Afghanistan to go beyond the semi-final stage. Afghanistan face Australia in a virtual quarter-final match on Friday (February 28) at the same venue in Lahore.

Former England captain Michael Vaughan, who is very active on his social media platforms during any match, also praised Afghanistan's performance, saying England were just not up to the mark.

"Brilliant from Afghanistan .. Thoroughly deserved win .. England just haven't played good enough white ball cricket for a couple of years .. this result isn't a surprise in these conditions .. #ChampionsTrophy2025," Vaughan wrote.

Former West Indies pacer turned commentator Ian Bishop also was full of praise for Afghanistan and their two match heroes in ODI player of the year Omarzai and Aghan's maiden Champions Trophy centurion Zadran.