![AFG vs ENG [WATCH]: Adil Rashid grabs an astonishing catch to dismiss Rahmat Shah in Champions Trophy 2025](https://crickettimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Adil-Rashid-grabs-an-astonishing-catch-to-dismiss-Rahmat-Shah-in-Champions-Trophy-2025-match.webp "AFG vs ENG [WATCH]: Adil Rashid grabs an astonishing catch to dismiss Rahmat Shah in Champions Trophy 2025")
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The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 clash between Afghanistan and England carried immense stakes for both sides. For Afghanistan, a rising cricketing force, this was an opportunity to prove their mettle against a tournament favourite. England, meanwhile, aimed to solidify their knockout-stage credentials. After winning the toss, Afghanistan’s captain Hashmatullah Shahidi opted to bat first—a decision laden with risk on a pitch offering early movement. But what unfolded was a rollercoaster innings, punctuated by moments of brilliance, none more electrifying than Adil Rashid’s jaw-dropping catch to dismiss Rahmat Shah.
Adil Rashid plucks a stunner to dismiss Rahmat Shah
The match reached a fever pitch in the ninth over when Archer delivered a back-of-a-length ball outside off. Shah, perhaps overeager to break the shackles, attempted a cross-batted heave across the line. Fatally late on the pull, he sent a steepling top-edge spiralling toward long leg. Rashid, positioned at long leg, sprinted towards the ball with eyes locked on it. Rashid sliding onto his knees with arms outstretched, as the crowd held its breath. Against the odds, he clung onto the catch, his momentum sending him skidding across the turf before erupting in celebration. The dismissal epitomized England’s razor-sharp fielding and left Afghanistan reeling at 37/3, with Archer claiming his third scalp.
Here’s the video:
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
Also READ: AFG vs ENG: Fans go wild as Ibrahim Zadran hits a stylish century in Champions Trophy 2025
Afghanistan’s rocky start and steady recovery
The early overs were a nightmare for Afghanistan. Archer (3/34) ripped through the top order, dismissing Rahmanullah Gurbaz (6) and Sediqullah Atal (4) in quick succession before Rashid’s heroics accounted for Rahmat. At 37/3 inside nine overs, the innings teetered on collapse. But from the rubble emerged Ibrahim Zadran, the anchor-in-chief. Partnering with skipper Shahidi (40 off 67), Zadran orchestrated a 103-run stand, blending caution with calculated aggression. His century—a masterful 100* off 106 balls (6×4, 3×6)—steadied the ship, while Azmatullah Omarzai’s blistering 29* off 21 (2×6) injected late momentum. By the 37th over, Afghanistan had clawed to 190/4, setting the stage for a 250+ total.
Can Afghanistan capitalize the momentum?
At 190/4 with 13 overs remaining, Afghanistan’s lower order—featuring power-hitters like Mohammad Nabi and Rashid Khan—has a golden chance to push toward 280. Zadran, eyeing a career-defining 150, remains the linchpin. For England, breaking the 50-run fifth-wicket partnership and exploiting the new ball in Powerplay 3 will be critical.
England’s attack was spearheaded by Archer, whose searing pace and precision yielded three vital wickets. Yet, it wasn’t all smooth sailing. Spinner Rashid, despite leaking 43 runs, redeemed himself with Shahidi’s wicket and that catch. Mark Wood (0/24) and Joe Root (0/24) kept things tight, but Jamie Overton (0/37) and Liam Livingstone (0/26) struggled to contain Zadran’s onslaught. With Powerplay 2 favouring the batters, Afghanistan capitalized, their run rate climbing to 5.13.
