Jobaaj Stories
Ibrahim Zadran's Record-Breaking Innings Shocks Cricket World
Afghanistan's stunning eight-wicket victory over England in the Champions Trophy on February 27th, 2025, sent shockwaves through the cricketing world. The catalyst? A breathtaking, record-breaking 177 runs from opener Ibrahim Zadran, the highest individual score in Champions Trophy history.
A Historic Knock in Lahore
Playing at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore, Zadran's innings redefined what's possible in the tournament. Despite a shaky start for Afghanistan (37 for 3), Zadran anchored the innings with a masterful display of power and precision. His 177 runs came off just 146 balls, studded with 12 fours and six towering sixes. He formed crucial partnerships with Hashmatullah Shahidi (40 runs) and Mohammad Nabi (40 runs), propelling Afghanistan to a challenging 325/7.
Surpassing Legends
Zadran's score eclipsed the previous Champions Trophy record of 165 runs held by England's Ben Duckett. He surpassed the marks set by cricketing legends like Sachin Tendulkar and Sourav Ganguly, etching his name into the history books. This performance also broke his own previous record for Afghanistan's highest ODI score.
Afghanistan's Triumph and England's Exit
England, despite a valiant 120 from Joe Root, were unable to chase down Afghanistan's imposing total, ultimately falling short by eight runs. Azmatullah Omarzai played a pivotal role in the win, claiming a remarkable five-wicket haul (5/58). England’s exit from the tournament adds another layer of drama to this historic match.
Teamwork and Mentorship
The win highlighted not only Zadran's individual brilliance but also the strong team spirit within the Afghan squad. A heartwarming post-match exchange between Zadran and Rashid Khan, where Rashid playfully teased Zadran for his recent absence from his room before acknowledging his exceptional performance, underscores the importance of mentorship and camaraderie within the team. Zadran credited Rashid Khan as his mentor.
Looking Ahead
Afghanistan's victory keeps their Champions Trophy hopes alive, setting the stage for their crucial final league match against Australia. Ibrahim Zadran's record-breaking performance will undoubtedly be remembered as a turning point in the tournament and a testament to the rising strength of Afghan cricket.
