Joe Root brought up his first ODI century in nearly five years as he anchored England’s chase against Afghanistan in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 Group B clash at the Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore. Root reached his 53rd international hundred in 98 balls, standing firm for England as they pursued a daunting target of 326.
Root’s ton was his first in ODIs since July 2019, breaking a nearly five-year drought in the format. The England dressing room stood up to applaud the veteran batter as he played a crucial knock under pressure.
Match situation: England’s chase under pressure
At the end of 41.2 overs, England stood at 246/6, needing 80 runs in 52 balls. With the required run rate climbing above 9 runs per over, Root’s presence in the middle was key to England’s hopes of staying alive in the tournament.
- Joe Root’s score: 100*(98), 10 fours, 0 sixes, SR: 102.04
- Jamie Overton: 3*(8)
- Last wicket: Liam Livingstone c Rahmanullah Gurbaz b Gulbadin Naib 10 (8)
Afghanistan’s bowling performance
- Rashid Khan: 8.2 overs, 54 runs, 1 wicket (econ. 6.50)
- Gulbadin Naib: 2 overs, 16 runs, 1 wicket (econ. 8.00)
Most international centuries among active players
- Virat Kohli – 82
- Joe Root – 53*
- Rohit Sharma – 49
- Steve Smith – 48
- Kane Williamson – 47
Root’s masterclass under pressure
Root’s century underlined his value to England’s batting lineup. The experienced batter absorbed pressure after early wickets, keeping the scoreboard ticking with calculated stroke play. Despite wickets falling at regular intervals, he continued to rotate strike efficiently, keeping England in the chase.
With this hundred, Root now holds the record for the most international centuries among England’s active cricketers, further solidifying his reputation as one of the modern-day greats. England will now hope for a strong finish to their innings as they look to chase down Afghanistan’s 325/7.