Key Points
Ibrahim Zadran sets new individual record with stunning 177
Crucial 103-run partnership with Shahidi revived Afghanistan's innings
Afghanistan posted mammoth 325/7 against England
Surpassed previous highest ICC tournament total of 291
By hammering the England bowling attack, Zadran became the first Afghanistan batter to score a century in the Champions Trophy and set a new record for the highest individual score in the tournament's history with 177 runs, surpassing Ben Duckett's 165 in England's opening match of the Champions Trophy against Australia in Lahore from the same edition.
Zadran's innings was a masterclass in pacing an ODI knock. After Afghanistan were rattled early and reduced to 37/3, he steadied the innings alongside skipper Hashmatullah Shahidi in a crucial 103-run stand.
Once set, he unleashed an array of strokes, dismantling England's attack with precision. His innings wasn't just about survival but domination, as he accelerated in the latter stages, ensuring Afghanistan maximized their final overs with a stunning 113-run burst in the last 10. His knock helped Afghanistan surpass their previous highest total in ICC tournaments --291/5 against Australia in the 2023 ODI World Cup.
England made early inroads with Jofra Archer's fiery new-ball spell, reducing Afghanistan to 37/3, but a crucial 103-run stand between Zadran and skipper Hashmatullah Shahidi steadied the innings.
Zadran and Shahidi spearheaded Afghanistan's recovery. The duo played cautiously at first, ensuring no further setbacks. Zadran reached his fifty off 65 balls, striking three fours and two sixes. Shahidi provided valuable support, and their partnership brought much-needed stability.
Late cameos from Azmatullah Omarzai and Mohammad Nabi powered Afghanistan to a strong finish, as England's attack struggled, conceding 113 runs in the final 10 overs.
