Joe Root could not control his tears as England were knocked out of the ICC Champions Trophy after an eight-run defeat to Afghanistan at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore. Root scored a brilliant century in a chase of 326, but Afghanistan held their nerves to emerge victorious. The defeat meant that England continued their poor run in ICC events in the last few years. The team failed to make it to the knockouts of ODI World Cup 2023, T20 World Cup 2024, and the ICC Champions Trophy. Meanwhile, Joe Root was devastated after the defeat and could not hide his tears as England fell short of the target. England suffered a five-wicket defeat to Australia in their first match where the team failed to defend a 351-run target.

The hero of Afghan win was Ibrahim Zadran who played a 177-run knock to help Afghanistan post 325. This was not a winning target by any means on the surface but Afghan bowlers were superb in their defence as Afghanistan claimed their second win over England in ICC ODI events. England also suffered a defeat to Afghanistan in the ODI World Cup 2023. For England, Joe Root scored 120 but no other batter could go past the fifty run mark as Englan's fate was sealed.

Afghanistan now have a good chance to qualify for the semifinal. They face Australia in the final game and a win over the Steve Smith-led side will take them through to the semis.

Cricket is a game of fine margins and England gave a few extra runs after they had to bowl Joe Root in the death overs after Mark Wood walked out due to injury. Jos Buttler felt those few extra runs in the death overs hurt England.

"Disappointing to be knocked out of the tournament early. We had our chances in the game and we didn't take them. Root played an unbelievable innings and we needed one of the top six batters to stay with him. The last 10 overs got away from us a bit. Credit to Ibrahim, he played a fantastic innings. 113 off the last 10 pushed them up to a very good score on that pitch. Unfortunately in his 4th over he (Wood) felt his knee, credit to him for bowling through the pain and showing a lot of character. It was difficult (in the death overs with Wood injured and Root bowling the 47th over), Livi was also off the field but credit to him for coming back. He (Root) has been a brilliant player in all formats and showed us the way to handle the pressure. His ODI record is fantastic. If I knew I wouldn't be playing the way I am (referring to his bad form), being one of the best players in the world it is disappointing when you don't perform. Don't want to make any emotional decisions," said Buttler.

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