Lahore, Feb 26 (SocialNews.XYZ) Ibrahim Zadran etched his name into Afghanistan’s cricketing history with a monumental 177 off 146 balls, propelling his team to their highest-ever total in an ICC 50-over event. His knock, laced with 12 fours and six maximums, helped Afghanistan post 325/7 against England in their crucial Champions Trophy 2025 clash at the Gaddafi Stadium here on Wednesday.
By hammering the England bowling attack, Zadran became the first Afghanistan batter to score a century in the Champions Trophy and set a new record for the highest individual score in the tournament’s history with 177 runs, surpassing Ben Duckett’s 165 in England's opening match of the Champions Trophy against Australia in Lahore from the same edition.
Zadran’s innings was a masterclass in pacing an ODI knock. After Afghanistan were rattled early and reduced to 37/3, he steadied the innings alongside skipper Hashmatullah Shahidi in a crucial 103-run stand.
Once set, he unleashed an array of strokes, dismantling England’s attack with precision. His innings wasn’t just about survival but domination, as he accelerated in the latter stages, ensuring Afghanistan maximized their final overs with a stunning 113-run burst in the last 10. His knock helped Afghanistan surpass their previous highest total in ICC tournaments —291/5 against Australia in the 2023 ODI World Cup.
England made early inroads with Jofra Archer’s fiery new-ball spell, reducing Afghanistan to 37/3, but a crucial 103-run stand between Zadran and skipper Hashmatullah Shahidi steadied the innings.
Zadran and Shahidi spearheaded Afghanistan's recovery. The duo played cautiously at first, ensuring no further setbacks. Zadran reached his fifty off 65 balls, striking three fours and two sixes. Shahidi provided valuable support, and their partnership brought much-needed stability.
Late cameos from Azmatullah Omarzai and Mohammad Nabi powered Afghanistan to a strong finish, as England’s attack struggled, conceding 113 runs in the final 10 overs.
Source: IANS
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