Afghanistan sets 326-run target for England in crucial champions trophy clash

(Web Desk): In the eighth match of the ICC Champions Trophy, Afghanistan has set a target of 326 runs for England to win.

In the match being played at Lahore's Gaddafi Stadium, Afghanistan, thanks to a brilliant 177-run innings by Ibrahim Zadran, scored 325 runs for the loss of 7 wickets in their allotted 50 overs.

It is worth noting that Ibrahim Zadran recently broke the record for the highest individual score in the Champions Trophy, previously held by English batsman Ben Duckett. He also became the first Afghan player to score a century in the Champions Trophy following the World Cup.

Afghanistan began their innings, and in the fourth over, opener Rahmanullah Gurbaz was clean bowled by Jofra Archer for 6 runs. On the very next ball, Sediqullah Atal was dismissed LBW for 4 runs.

Archer struck again for Afghanistan's third wicket when, at a total score of 37, Rahmat Shah, after scoring 4 runs, was caught by Rashid Khan.

However, despite losing the first three wickets quickly, the Afghan team did not buckle under pressure. The other opener, Ibrahim Zadran, partnered with captain Hashmatullah Shahidi to build a 103-run partnership. Shahidi, with the help of 3 sixes and 1 four, scored 41 runs before falling to Adil Rashid.

Azmatullah Omarzai played a quick-fire innings of 41 runs from 31 balls, which included 3 sixes and 1 four. Mohammad Nabi also played an aggressive knock of 40 runs from 24 balls, hitting 3 sixes and 2 fours.

Ibrahim Zadran, who started the innings, was dismissed on the first ball of the 50th over. He not only completed his sixth ODI century but also scored a memorable 177 runs off 146 balls, including 6 sixes and 12 fours.

For England, Jofra Archer took 3 wickets, Liam Livingstone 2 wickets, and James Overton and Adil Rashid claimed 1 wicket each.

It is important to note that both teams have lost their first match, and both need a win today to advance to the next stage. The losing team will be eliminated from the tournament.