'Afghanistan Cricket Far Better Than Pakistan' - Fans Hail Hashmatullah Shahidi & Co. After Champions Trophy Win Over England

ICC Champions Trophy 2025: With every passing game, Afghanistan seem to be a side improving and improving fast. On Wednesday, the Hashmatullah Shahidi-led Afghanistan team pulled of one of the most famous wins in their cricketing history. The Afghanistan side stunned England in a Champions Trophy 2025 game in Lahore. Not only did the win knock England out of the mega event but also gave Afghanistan a new lease of life in the tournament. With one win in two games, Afghanistan are still in with a shot of making the semi-final. 

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Following the eight-run win by Afghanistan, fans started comparisons with Pakistan . The Mohammed Rizwan-led Pakistan side, who were considered to be the second best team in Asia, were knocked out of the Champions Trophy after they lost two games. Now, fans reckon Afghanistan is the second best team in Asia after India. Here are some of the fan reactions:

For Afghanistan, the star of the show was Ibrahim Zadran, who smashed a record-shattering 177 off 146 balls to help his side set a challenging 326 for England. 

His blistering knock was laced with 12 fours and six sixes. 

"I wanted to take time and play proper cricketing shots and that worked for me so I’m happy. When you win a game, it gives you a lot of energy and it gives you confidence," Shahidi said at the post-match presentation on receiving the Player of the Match award. 

Thanks to some good fight, Afghanistan managed to eek out a win and stun England in the Champions Trophy game. With the win, Afghanistan keep their semi-final hopes alive. It was also England's sixth loss on-the-trot in ODIs. 

AFG SECOND BEST SIDE IN ASIA

For years, Pakistan ruled cricket in Asia with some world-class fast-bowlers, then post 2000 the tide changed as India started winning more. India soon dethroned Pakistan as the No. 1 side in Asia and continue to still hold onto that tag. Unfortunately, Pakistan, who were considered to be second-best in Asia, have lost that tage as well.