England's miserable white-ball winter reached its lowest ebb as they were eliminated from the Champions Trophy following a nerve-shredding defeat to Afghanistan which places Jos Buttler's captaincy in jeopardy.
After England lost their Group B opener to Australia, Buttler accepted the stakes were high in Lahore for the first of two must-win ties but Afghanistan piled on the pressure with a total of 325 for seven.
Joe Root anchored the chase with a magnificent 120 off 111 deliveries but he fell with 39 needed off the last 25 balls and the lower order could not get England over the line, all out for 317 to lose by eight runs.
A ninth defeat in 10 limited-overs matches since Brendon McCullum expanded his head coaching role last month leaves Buttler's position vulnerable after yet another disappointing campaign at a major event.
More to follow
