In a match that may have spelled the end of England’s 2025 Champions Trophy campaign, Joe Root delivered one of the most memorable performances of his ODI career — and with it, etched his name into cricket’s record books.
Despite England falling just short in a nail-biting thriller against Afghanistan at the Gaddafi Stadium — losing by eight runs — Root’s masterclass of 120 runs off 111 balls stood as a shining moment amid heartbreak. The innings, punctuated by 11 crisp boundaries and a solitary six, marked his 17th ODI century — and significantly, his first in nearly six years.
The Wait Ends: A Century After Six Years
Root’s last ODI ton came way back in the 2019 Cricket World Cup against the West Indies in Southampton. Since then, the former England captain had faced criticism for inconsistency in the white-ball format, but this innings proved the class is permanent. Coming in at a crucial juncture with England chasing a daunting 326, Root battled pressure, wickets tumbling at the other end, and Afghan spinners in full flow — and nearly took his side across the finish line.
Record Alert: Root in a League of His Own
Root’s latest ton is far more than a personal milestone. It makes him the first player in cricket history to score three centuries while chasing targets of over 300 runs in ICC tournaments. His previous such knocks include centuries against Bangladesh during the 2017 Champions Trophy at The Oval and against Pakistan in the 2019 World Cup at Nottingham.
This feat puts him ahead of cricketing legends like Kumar Sangakkara and Shakib Al Hasan, who each have two centuries in 300+ chases in global events.
Double Trouble for Opponents in ICC Events
Root has now scored two centuries while chasing in both the ICC Champions Trophy and the ODI World Cup — a feat no other player has achieved. In an era where the ODI format often rewards aggressive power-hitting, Root’s classical technique and game-reading ability continue to deliver on the biggest stages.
England’s Exit, But a Legacy Cemented
While England’s tournament exit ahead of their final group game against South Africa will sting, Root’s knock will be remembered as one of the tournament’s finest. It was a reminder of the veteran’s unmatched temperament and his unique ability to anchor a chase, even in high-pressure scenarios.
As England looks to rebuild ahead of the 2027 World Cup cycle, Joe Root’s legacy as a big-match player in ICC events is firmly secured.
IMAGE – Getty Images
