The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 Afghanistan-England encounter had huge stakes for both teams. For Afghanistan, a growing cricketing power, this was a chance to test their mettle against a tournament favorite. England, on the other hand, sought to confirm their knockout-stage credentials. Having won the toss, Afghanistan captain Hashmatullah Shahidi chose to bat first—a risky call on a wicket providing early bounce. But what followed was a rollercoaster innings, filled with spells of brilliance, no more enthralling than Adil Rashid's swoon-inducing catch to remove Rahmat Shah. The contest built to fever point in the ninth over when Archer served up a back-of-a-length ball on off stump. Shah, arguably overzealous to burst through the shackles, attempted a cross-batted heave past the line. Dead late on the pull, he dispatched a steepling top-edge hurtling towards long leg. Rashid, standing at long leg, ran in towards the ball with eyes fixed on it. Rashid sliding onto his knees with arms extended, as the crowd gasped in unison. Against all odds, he held on to the catch, his momentum sending him sliding across the grass before bursting into celebration. The dismissal summed up England's pinpoint fielding and left Afghanistan stunned at 37/3, with Archer claiming his third scalp. Watch the clip here: Jofra Archer is breathing fire! 🔥💨 A 144kph bouncer proves too hot for Rahmat ! England are on the charge!📺📱 Start Watching FREE on JioHotstar!https://t.co/YS04ujRvyJ #ChampionsTrophyOnJioStar 👉 #AFGvENG | LIVE NOW on Star Sports 2 & Sports18-1 pic.twitter.com/Yac8JixnFN — Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) February 26, 2025 Afghanistan's top order had a nightmare in the early overs. Archer (3/34) tore through the top order, removing Rahmanullah Gurbaz (6) and Sediqullah Atal (4) within the space of few overs before Rashid's heroics got rid of Rahmat. At 37/3 within nine overs, the innings was on the brink of collapse. But from the ruins came Ibrahim Zadran, the anchor-in-chief. Also Read | Watch: Karun Nair’s Unfortunate Run-out Restricts Him from a Century in Ranji Trophy Final Joining forces with skipper Shahidi (40 off 67), Zadran guided a 103-run partnership, combining prudence with measured aggression. His century—a classy 100* off 106 balls (6×4, 3×6)—saw the ship through, as Azmatullah Omarzai scorching 29* off 21 (2×6) provided late acceleration. Afghanistan had crawled to 190/4 by the 37th over, laying the foundation for a 250+ score. At 190/4 with 13 overs still to come, Afghanistan's lower order—which includes power-hitters Mohammad Nabi and Rashid Khan—has a golden opportunity to propel towards 280. Zadran, hoping for a career-defining 150, is still the key. For England, disintegration of the 50-run fifth-wicket stand and taking advantage of the new ball in Powerplay 3 will be imperative.