[WATCH]- Azmatullah Omarzai Roars After Dismissing Joe Root In AFG vs ENG 2025

Afghanistan all-rounder Azmatullah Omarzai erupted in celebration with a loud roar after dismissing England’s key batter, Joe Root, during the 2025 Champions Trophy match on February 26 in Lahore. The dismissal came at a crucial stage, as Root had just completed his century and was leading England’s chase.

With 39 runs needed from 26 balls, Omarzai delivered a well-directed bouncer on the second-last ball of the 46th over. Root attempted to guide it over the in-field but got a glove on it, sending a catch straight to wicketkeeper Rahmanullah Gurbaz.

The English batter fell for 120 off 111 balls, handing Afghanistan a vital breakthrough. Recognizing the significance of the wicket, Omarzai erupted in an intense celebration with a loud roar.

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England collapsed after Root’s exit, losing to Afghanistan by 8 runs

Jamie Overton (32) and Jofra Archer (14) hit a few boundaries to take England close after Joe Root‘s dismissal but fell attempting big shots. Azmatullah Omarzai dismissed both, completing a five-wicket haul to seal Afghanistan’s win in the final over.

Earlier, Afghanistan posted 325/7 after opting to bat, powered by Ibrahim Zadran’s brilliant 177 (146), earning him the Player of the Match award. Reflecting on the victory, Zadran said:

“I batted for 50 overs and wanted to do something on the field for the team. When I took the catch, I enjoyed it. I want to bat longer, the 177 is very special to me, the highest score in the Champions Trophy. We played here in the Asia Cup last year, got an idea of the conditions, and prepared accordingly for that.”

He further continued:

“When you are in the game, you have got a lot of energy and confidence. We will try and play better cricket in the next game. We will play against Australia next, we need to be clinical and not make mistakes. This is international cricket and we need to be up to the mark.”

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