ENGLAND were knocked out of the Champions Trophy after they suffered an eight-run defeat against tournament debutants Afghanistan in a Group B match on Wednesday.
Opener Ibrahim Zadran smashed 177 off 146 balls, the highest score in the tournament's history, to help Afghanistan overcome Jofra Archer's three early wickets and rack up 325-7.
Joe Root's classy 120 kept England alive in the chase until the 46th over but Afghanistan chipped away with regular wickets eventually bowling them out for 317 with one ball left in the innings.
Azmatullah Omarzai was the pick of the Afghanistan bowlers claiming 5-58.
With the second straight loss in the tournament, England is out of semi-final contention while Afghanistan stay alive for the last four. (Agencies)






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