Published Feb 26, 2025, 7:17 pm IST
In the crucial Group B match of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, Afghanistan vs England, Afghan opener Ibrahim Zadran rescued his nation and guided his team to a big total with his record-breaking knock.
It is a must-win game for both teams and Afghanistan's captain Hashmatullah Shahidi chose to bat first at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore. Afghanistan scored 325/7 in 50 overs, which is their fifth-highest ODI total, but their highest total in an ICC ODI tournament. Also, it is the sixth-highest total in ICC Champions Trophy history.
English fast bowler Jofra Archer provided a strong start for his team as Afghanistan were struggling at 39/3 at the end of the first powerplay. Rahmanullah Gurbaz (6), Sediqullah Atal (4), and Rahmat Shah (4) failed to reach double-digit scores as Archer took all those first three wickets.
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From the pressure situation in the must-win game, the Afghans returned to the game with a 103-run partnership for the fourth wicket between the opener Ibrahim Zadran and the skipper Hashmatullah Shahidi. Before Adil Rashid bowled the captain, Shahidi scored 40 off 61 balls, while Zadran already completed his 50 runs in 65 balls.
Later, Zadran and Azmatullah Omarzai set another crucial 72-run partnership for the fifth wicket. Zadran completed his sixth ODI century in 106 balls, while Omarzai scored 41 off 31 balls with one four and three sixes. After Omarzai was dismissed on the final ball of the second powerplay, Zadran and Mohammad Nabi fired up with a 111-run partnership.
Zadran reached the 150-run mark in just 134 balls and scored 177 off 146 balls before he was dismissed in the final over of the innings. The opener slammed 12 fours and six sixes in this unforgettable innings. Nabi scored 40 off 24 balls with three fours and two sixes.
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