Key Points:
- Afghanistan’s Ibrahim Zadran scored a record-breaking 177 runs off 146 balls against England, the highest individual score in ICC Champions Trophy history.
- His knock featured 12 fours and six sixes, rescuing Afghanistan from 37/3 to post a competitive total of 325/7.
- Zadran surpassed Ben Duckett’s record of 165 runs set just days earlier in the same tournament.
- The innings also marked the highest ODI score by an Afghan batter and the highest score against England in an ICC tournament.
Lahore: In a thrilling Group B encounter at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium, Afghanistan’s opener Ibrahim Zadran etched his name into cricketing history by smashing a sensational 177 off 146 balls against England. This remarkable innings not only became the highest individual score in ICC Champions Trophy history but also propelled Afghanistan to their highest-ever total in an ICC tournament 325/7.
Zadran’s innings came at a crucial juncture after Afghanistan lost three early wickets for just 37 runs. His masterclass in resilience and aggression turned the tide for his team, setting a daunting target for England in this must-win match.
How Zadran Changed the Game
Facing a fiery opening spell by Jofra Archer, Afghanistan’s top order crumbled early. However, Zadran steadied the innings with three vital partnerships:
- With Hashmatullah Shahidi (103-run stand):
Skipper Shahidi contributed 40 runs, anchoring the innings alongside Zadran to rebuild after early setbacks. - With Azmatullah Omarzai (72-run stand):
Omarzai added a quickfire 41 off 31 balls, providing momentum during the middle overs. - With Mohammad Nabi (111-run stand):
In the death overs, Nabi’s unbeaten 40 off just 23 balls complemented Zadran’s aggressive stroke play, taking Afghanistan past the 300-run mark.
Zadran was eventually dismissed in the final over by Liam Livingstone, but not before he had rewritten history with his breathtaking knock.
Breaking Records and Setting Benchmarks
Zadran’s innings shattered multiple records:
- Highest Individual Score in Champions Trophy History:
His 177 surpassed Ben Duckett’s 165 against Australia earlier in the tournament. - Highest ODI Score by an Afghan Batter:
He broke his own record of 162 runs scored against Sri Lanka in 2022. - Youngest Player to Score Over 150 in an ICC Tournament:
At just 23 years old, Zadran showcased maturity beyond his years. - Highest Score Against England in an ICC Tournament:
No batter has ever scored more against England on such a stage.
A Glimpse into Zadran’s Style and Strengths
Known for his technical prowess and ability to handle pressure, Ibrahim Zadran has emerged as one of Afghanistan’s most dependable batters. His knock against England highlighted his adaptability:
- Controlled Aggression: Balancing caution with aggression, he paced his innings perfectly, accelerating when needed.
- Wide Range of Shots: From elegant drives to powerful sixes, Zadran displayed his full repertoire.
- Composure Under Pressure: Despite losing partners early, he remained calm and focused on building partnerships.
This performance further cements his reputation as one of cricket’s rising stars.
Afghanistan’s Growing Legacy in International Cricket
Zadran’s heroics are a testament to Afghanistan’s rapid rise in international cricket. Once considered underdogs, Afghanistan is now challenging top teams on the global stage. Their fearless approach and improving skill set have made them a team to watch out for.
This innings also reflects their growing batting depth, with players like Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Azmatullah Omarzai contributing significantly alongside senior players like Mohammad Nabi.
England vs. Afghanistan: A Match of Records
This Group B clash has been a high-scoring affair:
- In their opening match, England set a then-record total of 351 against Australia, only to lose as Australia chased it down with 356/5.
- Against Afghanistan, England faced another uphill battle chasing 326 a target that could decide their fate in the tournament.
What Lies Ahead?
For Ibrahim Zadran and Afghanistan, this historic performance is just the beginning. With this win potentially keeping their semi-final hopes alive, they’ll look to carry this momentum forward in their remaining matches.
For England, who now face elimination if they fail to chase down this target, it’s another reminder of how unpredictable cricket can be especially when facing an inspired team like Afghanistan.
As the Champions Trophy progresses, all eyes will remain on whether this record-breaking knock by Ibrahim Zadran can be surpassed or if it will stand as the ultimate benchmark for years to come.
