Afghanistan’s Ibrahim Zadran etched his name into cricket history with a stunning 177-run innings against England in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. This exceptional knock, played at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore, not only guided Afghanistan to a strong total but also broke the record for the highest individual score in Champions Trophy history.
A Tough Start for Afghanistan
Afghanistan’s innings began on a shaky note after opting to bat first. The team lost three early wickets for just 37 runs, putting them under immense pressure. England’s bowling attack, led by Jofra Archer and Chris Woakes, was relentless in the opening overs. However, Zadran’s resilience and counter-attacking approach turned the game around.
Zadran’s Masterclass: A Blend of Patience and Aggression
Ibrahim Zadran’s innings was a perfect mix of patience and controlled aggression. He played with precision, rotating the strike efficiently while dispatching loose deliveries to the boundary. His knock included:
✅ 177 runs off 146 balls
✅ 12 boundaries and 6 sixes
✅ Highest individual score in Champions Trophy history
His ability to accelerate at crucial moments kept Afghanistan in a dominant position throughout the innings. Champions Trophy highest individual score
Key Partnerships That Anchored Afghanistan’s Innings
Zadran’s brilliance was complemented by crucial partnerships that helped Afghanistan recover and build a formidable total:
- With Hashmatullah Shahidi (40 runs) – Stabilized the innings after early setbacks.
- With Azmatullah Omarzai (41 runs) – Built momentum in the middle overs.
- With Mohammad Nabi (40 runs) – Accelerated the scoring rate in the final overs.
These partnerships propelled Afghanistan to a challenging total of 325/7.
A Game-Changing Knock: Impact on the Match
Zadran’s record-breaking century put immense pressure on England, who were chasing 326 for victory. Despite Joe Root’s fighting 120, Afghanistan’s bowlers, led by Azmatullah Omarzai (5/58), dismantled England’s batting lineup. The English side fell 8 runs short, getting bowled out for 317, marking their exit from the tournament.
A Defining Moment in Cricket History
Ibrahim Zadran’s innings was more than just a personal milestone; it was a statement of Afghanistan’s rise in international cricket. His knock:
✅ Broke the record for the highest individual score in Champions Trophy history
✅ Led Afghanistan to a historic victory over a top cricketing nation
✅ Proved Afghanistan’s ability to compete at the highest level
What’s Next for Afghanistan?
With this remarkable win, Afghanistan’s Champions Trophy 2025 campaign is alive, and they now have their eyes set on a semi-final spot. Zadran’s knock will be remembered as one of the greatest innings in tournament history, inspiring the next generation of Afghan cricketers.
Stay tuned for more ICC Champions Trophy 2025 updates and match highlights!