Jos Buttler's England suffered a dramatic eight-run defeat against Afghanistan to get knocked out of Champions Trophy 2025. Ibrahim Zadran's record-breaking 177-run knock, which is the highest individual score in Champions Trophy history, combined with Azmatullah Omarzai's fiery five-wicket haul, proved decisive as Afghanistan secured a nail-biting 8-run win over England to move closer to the Champions Trophy 2025 semifinal. Joe Root's masterful century (120) ultimately went in vain, as England's defeat eliminated them from semi-final contention. With no wins in their first two matches, England's final group stage encounter against South Africa, who already possess three points alongside Australia, becomes a formality. Meanwhile, Afghanistan's victory grants them two points, keeping their semi-final hopes alive, albeit dependent on a win against Australia in their last group game.
Jos Buttler rues England's Champions Trophy elimination following defeat against Afghanistan
Meanwhile, England captain Buttler rued England's heartbreaking loss and expressed his disappointment after team's early elimination. He said England had their chances in the game but they didn't capitalise on them.
"Disappointing to be knocked out of the tournament early. We had our chances in the game but we didn't take them. Root played an unbelievable innings and we needed one of the top six batters to stay with him. The last 10 overs got away from us a bit. Credit to Ibrahim, he played a fantastic innings. 113 off the last 10 pushed them up to a very good score on that pitch. Unfortunately in his 4th over he (Wood) felt his knee, credit to him for bowling through the pain and showing a lot of character," Buttler said in the post-match presentation.
"It was difficult (in the death overs with Wood injured and Root bowling the 47th over), Livi was also off the field but credit to him for coming back. He (Root) has been a brilliant player in all formats and showed us the way to handle the pressure. His ODI record is fantastic. If I knew I wouldn't be playing the way I am (referring to his bad form), being one of the best players in the world it is disappointing when you don't perform," he added.
England had a jittery start to the Champions Trophy campaign as they suffered a five wicket defeat against Australia, despite posting a colossal target of 352 runs. England entered the Champions Trophy with a ODI series sweep against India, which dented their confidence. England will now look for a consolation win over South Africa in their last league match against South Africa. Since they are already out of the scene, Buttler's brigade will aim to spoil South Africa's party, given the tight semifinal scenario