New Delhi: Ibrahim Zadran scripted history during Afghanistan’s group-stage clash against England in the Champions Trophy 2025 on Wednesday as he became the first batter from the country to score a hundred in the multi-nation tournament. Zadran slammed his maiden Champion Trophy ton against England at the Gadaffi Stadium in Lahore.
Zadran, who was dismissed cheaply in Afghanistan’s opener against South Africa, made amends in his side’s second group-stage clash against England with a brilliant ton. Zadran opened the batting with Rahmanullah Gurbaz after Afghanistan won the toss and opted to bat first in the crucial encounter. The duo failed to build a partnership as Gurbaz was dismissed cheaply on 6 off 15 balls in the 5th over.
Afghanistan lost two quick wickets after Gurbaz’s dismissal as Sediqullah Atal (4) and Rahmat Shah (4) departed cheaply. However, Zadran held one end strongly and combined with skipper Hashmatullah Shahidi to bring Afghanistan’s innings back on track with a 103-run stand for the 4th wicket.
Zadran went on to complete his half-century off 65 balls before reaching his ton of 108 deliveries in the 37th over.
It was the sixth ODI hundred for the Afghanistan opener, who has been a consistent performer for his team in white-ball cricket in the last couple of years. Zadran shone under pressure against England in Lahore as he remained unfazed despite losing his partners at regular intervals from the other end and ensured he bailed his team out of trouble with his gritty knock.
He was well supported by Shahidi, who scored a valuable 40 off 67 balls en route to their 103-run stand for the 4th wicket. After Shahidi’s departure, Zadran continued his impressive run as he joined hands with Azmatullah Omarzai (41) to share another important stand of 72 runs for the 5th wicket and set up the stage for a strong total for Afghanistan.
Must win game for Afghanistan and England
Afghanistan are in a must-win situation in their game against England after suffering a heavy 107-run defeat in their opening game against South Africa. A defeat against England will end Afghanistan’s campaign in the tournament and will keep England afloat. England too lost their opening game against Australia and need a victory to remain in contention for the semi-finals.
Afghanistan batter Ibrahim Zadran slammed a historic ton in his side’s clash against England in the Champions Trophy 2025 on Wednesday. Cricket Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
