Joe Root ends six-year ODI century drought to keep England's chase alive

ANI February 27, 2025 181 views

In a thrilling Champions Trophy match, Ibrahim Zadran made history with a stunning 177-run innings, setting a formidable target for England. Joe Root responded brilliantly, breaking his six-year ODI century drought with a crucial hundred that kept England's hopes alive. The match showcased exceptional individual performances from both teams, highlighting the competitive spirit of international cricket. England remains in pursuit of Afghanistan's 325/7, with Root's return to form providing a critical lifeline.

"A remarkable return to form for Joe Root" - Cricket Commentary
Lahore, February 26: Joe Root's long-awaited return to ODI century form has helped England stage a comeback in the crucial group match of the Champions Trophy against Afghanistan. Root scored his 17th ODI hundred--his first since the 2019 World Cup. His century came in100 balls and contained 10 boundaries.

Key Points

1

Ibrahim Zadran smashes historic 177, highest ICC Champions Trophy individual score

2

Joe Root ends six-year ODI century drought

3

England fighting challenging 326-run target

4

Afghanistan dominates early batting exchanges

England have a mammoth task to chase 326 and were 261/6 in 43 overs.

Afghanistan opener Ibrahim Zadran scripted history with a sensational knock of 177 off 146 deliveries, the highest individual score in ICC Champions Trophy history, surpassing England's Ben Duckett's 165. His record-breaking innings helped Afghanistan post a formidable 325/7 in 50 overs against England in their Group B clash in Lahore on Wednesday.

Zadran not only became the first Afghan player to score a century in the ICC Champions Trophy, but also the first Afghan batter to score a century in any ICC event, marking a monumental moment for his nation in global cricket.

Winning the toss and opting to bat first, Afghanistan faced early setbacks, but a resilient middle-order fightback led by Zadran helped them post a commanding total.

England struck early, with Jofra Archer dismissing Rahmanullah Gurbaz (6) at 11/1. Things got worse when Sediqullah Atal (4) and Rahmat Shah (4) fell cheaply, leaving Afghanistan reeling at 37/3.

However, Zadran found an able partner in captain Hashmatullah Shahidi, who contributed 40 off 67 balls in a crucial 103-run stand. After Shahidi's dismissal to Adil Rashid, Afghanistan reached the 200-run mark in 37.2 overs.

Zadran continued his dominance, forging a 72-run partnership with Azmatullah Omarzai (41 off 31, 3 sixes, 1 four) before Jamie Overton broke the stand but the real acceleration came when Mohammad Nabi joined Zadran at the crease.

The experienced all-rounder and the in-form opener stitched together a 111-run partnership, propelling Afghanistan beyond 300. Zadran surpassed his previous best score of 162 against Sri Lanka in 2022, rewriting history with a brilliant 177 (12 fours, 6 sixes). His innings finally ended on the first ball of the last over, falling to Liam Livingstone.

Despite the onslaught, Jofra Archer stood out with figures of 3/64, while Livingstone impressed with 2/28 in 5 overs. Overton and Rashid picked up a wicket each.

Tags:
Joe Root Cricket ICC Champions Trophy England Cricket Afghanistan Cricket ODI Cricket
You May Like!