Ibrahim Zadran Sets Champions Trophy on Fire with Record-Breaking 177
In a match that will be remembered in the annals of cricket history, Afghanistan’s Ibrahim Zadran delivered a stunning performance against England in the ongoing Champions Trophy. His incredible 177 runs off just 146 balls not only helped Afghanistan recover from a precarious position but also established several records, making him a focal point of discussion in the cricketing world.
A Knock for the Ages
Initially, Afghanistan found themselves in dire straits, losing three wickets for just 37 runs. However, Zadran demonstrated resilience and skill, partnering with Hashmatullah Shahidi for a massive 103-run stand. This partnership became the cornerstone of Afghanistan’s innings, allowing them to post a formidable total of 325 runs, a target that seemed out of reach when wickets tumbled early. Shahidi contributed a steady 40 runs before being dismissed, but Zadran’s innings showcased not just his batting prowess but also his ability to anchor the innings under pressure.
Support from all-rounders Azmatullah Omarzai and Mohammad Nabi, who scored 41 and 40 runs respectively, added depth to the innings, ensuring Afghanistan finished strongly. The team’s efforts culminated in a competitive total that set the stage for an exciting race to the semi-finals.
Record-Breaking Performance
Zadran’s innings was historic on multiple fronts. By scoring 177 runs, he surpassed Ben Duckett’s previous record of 165 runs to establish the highest individual score in Champions Trophy history. Additionally, his knock became the highest by an Afghan cricketer in the One Day International (ODI) format, outpacing his own previous record of 162 runs against Sri Lanka in 2022.
His achievements don’t stop there; he currently ranks fourth among the highest individual ODI scores recorded in Pakistan, with only legends like Gary Kirsten, Viv Richards, and Fakhar Zaman having scored more in the country.
Highest Individual Scores – A Closer Look
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Champions Trophy Best Scores Score Player Opposition 177 Ibrahim Zadran England 165 Ben Duckett Australia 145* Nathan Astle USA 145 Andy Flower India 141* Sourav Ganguly South Africa 141 Sachin Tendulkar Australia 141 Graeme Smith England -
Afghanistan’s Highest Individual ODI Scores Score Player Opponent Year 177 Ibrahim Zadran England 2025 162 Ibrahim Zadran Sri Lanka 2022 151 Rahmanullah Gurbaz Pakistan 2023 149* Azmatullah Omarzai Sri Lanka 2024 145 Rahmanullah Gurbaz Bangladesh 2023 -
Highest Individual ODI Scores in Pakistan Score Player Opponent 188* Gary Kirsten UAE 181 Viv Richards Sri Lanka 180* Fakhar Zaman New Zealand 177 Ibrahim Zadran England 165 Ben Duckett Australia
This remarkable performance by Zadran occurs in a do-or-die match for both teams, with the stakes incredibly high: the losing team will be eliminated from the semi-final race. As the result unfolds, Zadran’s innings will undoubtedly be looked back upon as a bright point in Afghanistan’s cricketing history.
Conclusion
Ibrahim Zadran’s superb 177 runs against England highlights not only his individual brilliance but also the ability of Afghanistan’s team to compete against some of the best teams in the world. As cricket fans, we are witnessing the emergence of new heroes and spectacular records, and Zadran’s performances will inspire future generations of cricketers in Afghanistan and beyond. As the Champions Trophy progresses, all eyes will be on both Zadran and the Afghan squad as they look to advance further in the tournament.
