Ibrahim Zadran’s Record-Breaking Knock Powers Afghanistan Against England
England VS Afghanistan ICC Champions Trophy 2025
Ibrahim Zadran delivered a sensational performance, dismantling England’s bowling attack with a career-best 176 in just 146 balls. His explosive innings, featuring 12 boundaries and six towering sixes, surpassed his previous ODI best of 162, setting a new record for Afghanistan’s highest individual score in the format.
Zadran Shatters Records, Outshines Duckett’s Feat
Zadran’s breathtaking knock also set a new tournament record, eclipsing Ben Duckett’s 165 from England’s opening defeat to Australia. His innings provided Afghanistan with a strong foundation, allowing them to dominate against the defending champions.
England’s Early Strikes and Wood’s Injury Setback
Jofra Archer provided England with an ideal start, striking thrice in quick succession, including dismissing Rahmanullah Gurbaz for just six. Alongside Mark Wood, Archer clocked speeds of 145-150 kmph, troubling the Afghan batters early on. However, Wood’s injury forced him off the field twice, disrupting England’s bowling plans.
Highest individual scores in Champions Trophy
177 Ibrahim Zadran 100 vs Eng Lahore 2025
165 Ben Duckett vs Aus Lahore 2025
145*Nathan Astle vs USA The Oval 2004
145 Andy Flower vs Ind Colombo RPS 2002
141*Sourav Ganguly vs SA Nairobi 2000
141 Sachin Tendulkar vs Aus Dhaka 1998
141 Graeme Smith vs Eng Centurion 2009
Zadran, 23, took apart the England bowling and went past his previous ODI best of 162 in his 146-ball knock laced with 12 fours and six sixes.
Zadran Leads Counter-Attack, Rashid Breaks Partnership
Taking advantage of Wood’s absence, Zadran unleashed his counter-attack, forcing skipper Jos Buttler to rotate his bowlers frequently. Leg-spinner Adil Rashid finally provided a breakthrough, dismissing Afghan captain Hashmatullah Shahidi, who was bowled while attempting a reverse sweep.
Zadran continued his dominance, reaching his seventh ODI century off Liam Livingstone’s delivery. His aggressive approach, combined with a brisk 72-run partnership with Azmatullah Omarzai (41), further strengthened Afghanistan’s position.
Rampage Against Archer and England’s Struggle
Unfazed by Omarzai’s departure, Zadran continued his onslaught, taking Archer apart with a six and three boundaries in a single over. Wood’s repeated exits left Buttler scrambling for bowling options against a relentless Zadran and Mohammad Nabi.
Final Flourish Before Dismissal
Zadran’s remarkable innings finally came to an end when he fell to Livingstone, who also dismissed Nabi in the last over. However, his knock had already put Afghanistan in a commanding position.
Afghanistan’s Historic Feat Against England
This encounter marked another memorable showdown between the two teams, following Afghanistan’s stunning victory over England in the 2023 World Cup in New Delhi.
Zadran’s innings will be remembered as one of the finest in Afghanistan’s cricketing history, solidifying his reputation as one of their premier batters on the global stage.