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The cricket world witnessed a remarkable achievement in the eighth match of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, as England faced off against Afghanistan. The match not only marked a crucial encounter for both teams but also became a stage for Jofra Archer to etch his name in the history books. Archer, known for his blistering pace and skill, broke James Anderson‘s long-standing record by becoming the fastest English bowler to reach 50 wickets in ODIs. This feat was accomplished during a high-stakes match where England needed a strong performance to keep their semi-final hopes alive.
Jofra Archer halts Afghanistan’s batting line up
Afghanistan won the toss and elected to bat first, setting the stage for Archer’s historic performance. As the England fast bowler took to the field, he was on a mission to make an impact. Archer’s first two wickets were crucial, as he bowled out Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Sediqullah Atal, sending shockwaves through the Afghan batting lineup. These wickets not only helped England gain an early advantage but also marked a significant milestone in Archer’s career. With these dismissals, Archer completed his 50th wicket in ODI cricket, achieving this feat in just his 30th match.
Also READ: Champions Trophy 2025: Afghanistan captain Hashmatullah Shahidi reveals the reason behind batting first against England
Archer breaking records and making history
Archer’s achievement is all the more impressive as it surpasses Anderson’s record. Anderson, one of England’s most successful bowlers, reached 50 ODI wickets in 31 matches. Archer’s ability to achieve this milestone a match sooner underscores his rapid rise and effectiveness in the ODI format. This record-breaking performance places Archer among the fastest bowlers globally to reach the 50-wicket mark in ODIs.
Fastest to 50 Wickets for England in ODIs
- Jofra Archer: 30 matches
- James Anderson: 31 matches
- Steve Harmison: 32 matches
- Steven Finn: 33 matches
- Stuart Broad: 34 matches
- Darren Gough: 34 matches
Global perspective on Archer’s feat
While Archer’s achievement is remarkable within the context of English cricket, it’s also worth noting the global leaders in this category. The world record for the fastest 50 wickets in ODIs is held by Sri Lanka‘s Ajantha Mendis, who achieved this feat in just 19 matches. Among fast bowlers, India‘s Ajit Agarkar is notable for reaching 50 ODI wickets in 23 matches.
Archer’s record-breaking performance not only highlights his individual talent but also underscores his importance to the English team. His ability to deliver under pressure and break significant records is a testament to his skill and dedication. As England looks to the future, Archer’s contributions will be crucial, especially in high-stakes tournaments like the Champions Trophy and the upcoming Ashes series.
