Former India cricketer Mohammad Kaif who was part of Champions Trophy 2002 winning squad believes that Afghanistan's Azmatullah Omarzai was the true 'Player of the Match' in their historic win against England. Ibrahim Zadran was awarded as 'Player of the Match' in match 8 of the ongoing Champions Trophy 2025. The batter played a 177-run knock setting the tone for Afghanistan after they were unable to get off to a good start at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore.
Zadran's maiden Champions Trophy hundred helped England to post 325/7 in 50 overs, despite losing their three wickets inside the powerplay. During Zadran's inning, Omarzai played a crucial role by scoring 41 runs off just 31 deliveries. After coming to bowl, Omarzai picked up a fifer while bowling the crucial last over.
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“My Man of the Match is Azmatullah Omarzai. He took five wickets on a pitch that had nothing for the fast bowlers. England almost won the game and he proved to be the difference in the end. Omarzai also scored runs for the team. Five wickets are more important than the runs posted by Zadran,” Mohammad Kaif said on Sports18.
Afghanistan who lost their Champions Trophy opener clash against South Africa made their comeback in the second league match against England to stay in the semifinals race. England are now out of the tournament.
Afghanistan will now face Australia for their third league match which is scheduled to take place on February 28 at the same venue. Afghanistan need to win this clash as well to seal their berth for the semifinal of the mega event.