Ibrahim Zadran delivered a record-breaking performance in Lahore, scoring a breathtaking 177 off 146 balls to propel Afghanistan to 325/7 against England in their crucial Champions Trophy 2025 encounter. His knock, featuring 12 fours and six sixes, became the highest individual score in the tournament’s history, surpassing his own 162 against Sri Lanka as Afghanistan’s highest ODI score.
Early Struggles and Zadran’s Rescue Act
Electing to bat first at Gaddafi Stadium, Afghanistan found themselves in trouble early, slumping to 37/3 within 11 overs. England’s pace spearhead Jofra Archer wreaked havoc, striking twice with full deliveries to remove Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Sediqullah Atal, before surprising Rahmat Shah with a short ball.
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Zadran, however, took charge alongside captain Hashmatullah Shahidi (40), cautiously rebuilding Afghanistan’s innings. He reached 50 off 65 balls, ensuring the scoreboard ticked despite England’s disciplined bowling.
The Acceleration: Overdrive Mode Activated
The momentum shifted in the 28th over when Zadran launched a 16-run assault on Jamie Overton, including a straight six. After Shahidi’s dismissal to Adil Rashid, Azmatullah Omarzai (41 off 31) provided much-needed aggression, punishing a struggling Mark Wood, who appeared to be nursing a knee injury.
Zadran’s innings went into overdrive as he took just 28 balls to move from 100 to 150, hammering Archer for a six and three consecutive fours. Veteran all-rounder Mohammad Nabi (40 off 28) joined in, smashing Joe Root for back-to-back sixes as England’s fielding standards dipped. Despite Liam Livingstone’s heroic final over (2 runs, 2 wickets), Afghanistan plundered 113 runs in the last 10 overs, giving their spinners a competitive total to defend.
Brief Scores:
Afghanistan 325/7 in 50 overs (Ibrahim Zadran 177, Mohammad Nabi 40; Jofra Archer 3-64) vs England
