'Self-belief is infectious' – Trott on Afghanistan's growing confidence

Afghanistan's Head Coach Jonathan Trott praised his team's resilience and batting performance after their thrilling 325-run victory over England in an ICC ODI event. The match, which lasted 99.5 overs, showcased Afghanistan's ability to adapt and fight through challenging conditions.

Key Highlights:

• Ibrahim Zadran's Stellar Performance:
  Zadran scored a record-breaking 177 off 146 balls, the highest individual score for Afghanistan in ODIs. His innings included a six off Jofra Archer and crucial partnerships that shifted the momentum of the game.

• Afghanistan's Batting Strategy:
  Zadran's 103-run partnership with Hashmatullah Shahidi stabilized the innings, followed by a 72-run stand with Azmatullah Omarzai. The final 111-run partnership with Mohammad Nabi in the last 10 overs sealed the deal, with 113 runs coming off the final 10 overs.

• Trott's Praise for Zadran:
  "Ibrahim's ability to accelerate without realizing it is a testament to his skill and composure. The support from Azmatullah and Nabi was instrumental in taking the pressure off him."

• England's Struggles:
  Despite Joe Root's century (his first since 2019), England struggled to chase down the target. Mark Wood's injury forced a change in strategy, and the lack of support for Root in the middle order proved costly.

• Injury Impact:
  Wood's knee issue limited his bowling, forcing England to rely on Root and Liam Livingstone in the death overs. While Livingstone took two wickets in the final over, Root's over conceded 23 runs, handing Afghanistan the advantage.

• Buttler's Reflections:
  England captain Jos Buttler acknowledged the missed opportunities in the bowling phase and the inability to capitalize on early wickets. He also highlighted the impact of Wood's injury on their strategy.

Final Thoughts:

Afghanistan's victory not only showcased their growing confidence but also their ability to perform under pressure. With this win, they have secured a strong position in the tournament, while England's exit from semifinal contention highlights the challenges they face heading into the next match.