Afghanistan captain Hashmatullah Shahidi described Ibrahim Zadran's record-breaking 177 in a thrilling victory over England as "one of the best ODI innings I've seen".

Zadran set a new benchmark for a Champions Trophy innings with the decisive knock in an eight-run victory that eliminated England from the tournament on Wednesday.

And Shahidi had the best view in the house for much of Zadran's display as the Afghanistan pair combined for 103. Zadran also had a partnership of 111 with Mohammad Nabi from just 55 balls.

A score of 325-7 proved just beyond England, and Shahidi did not play down the importance of opener Zadran's role as the only member of the top order to score big.

"He's brilliant, a talented guy," Shahidi said. "When we were three down at the beginning, there was a lot of pressure; the partnership was crucial.

"It was one of the best ODI innings I've seen."

𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐖𝐢𝐧𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐒𝐞𝐥𝐟𝐢𝐞! #AfghanAtalan | #ChampionsTrophy | #AFGvENG | #GloriousNationVictoriousTeam pic.twitter.com/BMxQ6t2xpd

— Afghanistan Cricket Board (@ACBofficials) February 26, 2025

Afghanistan are still only third in their pool but now know they can advance with a victory over Australia in their final match.

"The beauty of our team is that we have talented youngsters and some seniors," Shahidi said.

"The good thing is that everyone knows their own role. Everyone is doing good; hopefully, we take this momentum into our game with Australia.

"It will give us confidence. It will be a new day for each team, we take things simple. We'll focus and try to do what's good for us."