England Suffers Major Injury Blow in ICC Champions Trophy 2025 Against Afghanistan
England’s national cricket team faced a significant setback in their ongoing ICC Champions Trophy 2025 match against Afghanistan. All-rounder Liam Livingstone suffered an injury while fielding at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium on Wednesday.
During the 46th over, while Jamie Overton was bowling to Ibrahim Zadran, Livingstone got injured while fielding. Overton bowled a fuller delivery on the leg side, which the Afghan batter comfortably played towards long-on. Livingstone sprinted to stop the ball but immediately showed discomfort in his knee while attempting to collect it.
It appeared that he had pulled something, as he struggled to run freely. England’s captain Jos Buttler quickly adjusted the fielding positions, but Livingstone continued to experience pain in his knee.
As a result, he had to leave the field for medical attention. He was later seen sitting in the dugout, where the team’s doctor examined his leg.
Watch: Liam Livingstone Gets Injured While Fielding Against Afghanistan in ICC Champions Trophy 2025
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Liam Livingstone Shines in Final Over, Conceding Just 2 Runs and Taking 2 Wickets
Despite the injury, Livingstone returned to the field after receiving treatment and delivered a sensational final over for England. The all-rounder ensured his team restricted Afghanistan to a total below 330 runs.
Afghanistan was gaining momentum in the final overs when Jos Buttler handed the responsibility to Livingstone. The all-rounder repaid his captain’s trust by bowling a brilliant last over, conceding just two runs and taking two crucial wickets.
Afghanistan Posts a Massive 325 Runs on the Board, Ibrahim Zadran Slams Century
Afghanistan’s batting lineup put on an impressive show after a shaky start at 39/3. Ibrahim Zadran played a magical innings, recording the highest individual score in ICC Champions Trophy 2025 so far.
The opener smashed a brilliant 177 runs off 146 balls. Captain Hashmatullah Shahidi (40), Azmatullah Omarzai (41), and Mohammad Nabi (40) provided valuable contributions, helping Afghanistan post a formidable total of 325 runs.
England’s Chase – A Crucial Moment for Livingstone
If England wants to win this match, Liam Livingstone will have to play a crucial role with the bat. This is a must-win encounter for both teams, especially considering their tournament standings, as both lost their opening matches.
England suffered a defeat against Australia, while Afghanistan faced a crushing loss to South Africa. A victory here could significantly boost either team’s chances of making it to the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 semi-finals.