Key Points
Ibrahim Zadran scores historic 177 in Champions Trophy
Afghanistan posts highest-ever ICC tournament total
Azmatullah Omarzai claims crucial 5-wicket haul
Cricket experts hail team's remarkable performance
Cricket icon Sachin Tendulkar took to social media to commend Afghanistan's performance, stating that their success can no longer be considered an upset.
"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," Tendulkar wrote on X.
He also praised the individual brilliance that powered Afghanistan to victory.
"A superb century by Ibrahim Zadran and a wonderful five-for by Azmatullah Omarzai sealed another memorable win for Afghanistan. Well played!"
https://x.com/sachin_rt/status/1894819993638052320
Former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan also lauded Afghanistan's ability to deliver on the big stage, emphasizing their growing dominance over major teams.
"Another ICC win against England from Afghanistan. Well done," Pathan tweeted, acknowledging their growing consistency in global tournaments.
https://x.com/IrfanPathan/status/1894821170714943604
Echoing similar sentiments, former cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar highlighted Afghanistan's rapid progress in international cricket, predicting even bigger achievements in the near future.
"Afghanistan is on a fast track to the top in world cricket. Won't be long before they start winning tournaments," Manjrekar remarked, reflecting the growing belief in Afghanistan's potential to claim major ICC titles.
https://x.com/sanjaymanjrekar/status/1894936952711061907
Afghanistan produced a remarkable performance on Wednesday to edge out England in a Champions Trophy thriller in Group B. Batting first, Afghanistan posted their highest-ever total at an ICC Men's ODI tournament. Ibrahim Zadran notched the highest score in Champions Trophy history (177) as Afghanistan finished at 325/7.
While Joe Root helped England put on a good fight, the Afghan bowlers saw through a stunning win. Azmatullah Omarzai finished as the pick of the bowlers with figures of 5/58.