Afghanistan's batsman Ibrahim Zadran made history on Wednesday by scoring 177 runs against England during the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, propelling his team to set a formidable target.
The incredible innings unfolded at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore, where Afghanistan faced England needing a win to maintain their hopes of advancing to the semi-finals. Zadran's outstanding performance with the bat saw him reach his century off just 106 balls, showcasing his remarkable skill with 12 boundaries and 6 enormous sixes.
His runs came off 146 balls, delivering not only his sixth ODI century but also establishing his position as a pivotal player for Afghanistan. His innings included key contributions from teammates as well, with Ajmatullah Omarzai adding 41 runs from 31 balls and captain Hashmatullah Shahidi scoring 40 runs off 67 balls. The team posted 325 runs for the loss of 7 wickets.
Afghanistan's innings was particularly impressive following their previous loss against South Africa by 107 runs. England, meanwhile, was also seeking redemption after losing to Australia by 5 wickets. This match, being labeled as 'do or die,' was pivotal for both teams as they vied for the remaining spot for the semi-finals.
Speaking after the match, Zadran reflected on his return to international cricket following a seven-month hiatus. He expressed, "International cricket return is not easy, I returned after seven months and I haven't played ODI cricket for the past year. I enjoyed this inning." His confidence on the pitch was palpable, as he opted to take his time and focus on his fundamentals without adding pressure on himself.
Zadran's success was also attributed to guidance from his mentors; he noted, "Younis Khan has been sharing his experience with us," highlighting the importance of experienced players’ input. He also credited Rashid Khan, saying, "I thanked Rashid Khan; every time I talk to him, I make runs." His fondness for the team atmosphere and camaraderie was evident, as he recognized how prior experiences and conversations led to productive play.
The match also had broader consequences as both teams fought hard to secure their places moving forward, underlining the stakes this ICC Champions Trophy holds. Zadran's historic innings not only lit up the scoreboard but also galvanized fans and brought attention to Afghanistan's cricketing potential.
Despite challenges on the international stage, Afghanistan’s cricket team, particularly players like Zadran, are beginning to show their prowess and determination to take their game to the next level. This performance will certainly be remembered as a key moment for both Zadran himself and Afghanistan's cricketing ambitions on the world stage.