England Captain Reflects On Joe Root's Ton In CT 2025 Defeat To Afghanistan

ENG Vs AFG: England skipper Jos Buttler reflects on Joe Root's fighting ton in his side's heart-breaking defeat to Afghanistan in CT 2025. Read below.

Joe Root's 120-run knock failed to inspire England to a famous win over Afghanistan in Lahore

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ENG Vs AFG: England captain Jos Buttler has called Joe Root's ton 'incredible', as England falter apart in their run-chase against Afghanistan. Joe Root's 120-run knock went in vain, as Afghanistan script a sensational comeback to knock England out of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.

READ HERE: Afghanistan Stun England In High-Scoring Thriller, Keep CT 2025 Semifinal Hopes Alive

England are now on a 6-match winless run in ODI's, their worst-streak since Spetember 2009.

During the post-match presentation, Jos Buttler laid praise on legendary Joe Root, and added that the tournament was overall a 'disappointment' for their side.

"Obviously, it has been a really disappointing tournament. It was an excellent game of cricket, and we had our chances. I'm gutted to come on the wrong side of the result. Joe Root played an incredible innings. It was an unbelievable knock from him. He and Jamie Overton put up a good fight. That partnership between them kept us in the game but eventually, it got away from us. We needed one of the top 6 batters to be with Root," said Jos Buttler.

"The game actually got away from us in the last 10 overs of the first innings. Credit to Ibrahim Zadran. He played a fantastic innings. If we look back and reflect, 113 runs off the last 10 overs pushed them up to a score that was a very good score on that pitch. The way Root handled pressure in a run-chase was good to watch. He needed one of the other top six batters to stay in with him and take the game deeper," said the England Captain.

Ibrahim Zadran Awarded Man Of The Match

Former Afghanistan captain Ibrahim Zadran scored a record-breaking 177 against England, dragging his side from 37/3 to 325, and the effort proved to be the difference-maker, with Afghanistan recording a famous 8-run win.

Here's what Ibrahim Zadran said during post-match presentation ceremony:

"I was expecting one catch to come to me and I wanted to grab it. It was the match winning one and I am very happy. I batted really well and I wanted to spend time at the middle while fielding and contribute for my side. Whenever I grabbed the catch, it was a special feeling for me."

"It means a lot to me. As much as you work hard, God will always give you it's reward. I wanted to bat as long as possible at the middle. 177 was a big thing for me as I know it's the highest total in Champions Trophy. We have played here in the Asia Cup, so I knew how the conditions would play. I just gave my 100% and I am really happy that it worked out for me."

"When you win a game, you get a lot of confidence. Before the last game, I said to the boys, whoever makes less mistakes, will win the game. We played better cricket today and we won the match. Credit goes to us. Against Australia, we will try to play better cricket. We will try not to do too many mistakes. We will plan for the next game."