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England Team is in the centre of criticism after their elimination from Champions Trophy 2025 which was effected by Afghanistan. Afghanistan pulled off a thrilling eight-run win over England at the Gaddafi stadium to not only move closer to semifinal but also knock out Jos Buttler-led side out of the eight-team tournament on February 26, Wednesday.
The eight-run loss to Afghanistan in Lahore sparked a wave of commentary particularly from legendary cricketers representing India and Pakistan. Even legends like Wasim Akram, Sunil Gavaskar and Waqar Younis couldn't hold back as they went down heavily on England team. They also questioned England's batting order, Adil spot. The crux of their argument centered around the fact that Rashid, a leg-spinner, who boasts a record of 10 first-class centuries. Despite this, he was sent in to bat at number 10, with England needing a relatively manageable 17 runs from 13 balls and two wickets remaining. Rashid's brief innings of 5 runs off 7 balls, devoid of boundaries, ended with his dismissal on the penultimate ball, sealing England's fate. This decision was seen as a miscalculation, especially considering Rashid's proven batting capabilities in domestic cricket.
Sunil Gavaskar, Wasim Akram questions Adil Rashid's batting order after England's Champions Trophy exit
Pace great Wasim Akram during the Ten Sports show 'Dressing Room' questioned that how does Adil Rashid have scored 11 centuries
"I have a question for all of you. How does Adil Rashid have 11 hundreds?" Akram said on Ten Sports show 'Dressing Room'.
Former Pakistan's superstar pacer Waqar Younis was quick to respond as he asked back the same question to Akram
"You tell us because you had mentioned this," Waqar Younis asked.
"Whenever I come in the commentary box a stat guy keep repeating that he's got 11 hundreds. I'm sorry Adil, but you didn't look like a guy with 11 hundreds," Akram further said.
"You have to stop mentioning that in the commentary," Waqar Younis responded.
Soon the batting great Sunil Gavaskar joined the conversation and asked
"But if he's batting at No.9, then how can he get a hundred? He should be opening the batting. This message should be sent to the England team management that he has got 11 hundreds, he should be opening the batting."
Talking abou the match, Afghanistan rode on Ibrahim Zadran's record-breaking century (177 runs off 146 balls), which is the highest individual score in the history of Champions Trophy, to post a formidable total of 325/7.
Later, despite a valiant effort from England, led by Joe Root's impressive 120 off 111 balls, they fell short. Root's century kept England in contention, but his crucial dismissal in the 46th over, courtesy of Azmat Omarzai's five-wicket haul, shifted the momentum decisively. Though England fought hard, Afghanistan's bowlers maintained their composure, securing a thrilling win with one ball remaining.
Afghanistan will now face Australia on February 28 and whoever will win the match will progress to the Champions Trophy semifinal.
