Ibrahim Zadran Breaks Records with Historic 177, Surpassing Legends in Champions Trophy

Ibrahim Zadran's remarkable knock of 177 runs off 146 balls not only set a new record for the highest individual score in the history of the Champions Trophy but also placed him among the greats of ODI cricket. With this sensational performance, Zadran eclipsed the records held by cricketing icons like Sachin Tendulkar, Sourav Ganguly, and Ben Duckett.

A RECORD-BREAKING KNOCK AT GADDAFI STADIUM

The venue for this historic feat was Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium, where Zadran rewrote the record books in the ongoing Champions Trophy. This marked the second time in just four days that the record for the highest individual score in the tournament was shattered, with Zadran surpassing Ben Duckett’s previous high of 166 runs. The Afghan opener’s innings included 12 boundaries and six sixes, making it one of the most explosive knocks in recent ODI history.

ZADRAN SURPASSES CRICKETING LEGENDS

With his majestic 177, Zadran not only surpassed Duckett’s 166 but also went beyond some of cricket’s most celebrated figures. The previous record was held by India’s Sachin Tendulkar (141 runs against Australia in 1998), Sourav Ganguly (141 against South Africa in 2000), and New Zealand's Nathan Astle (145 against the USA in 2004). Zadran’s knock of 177 now stands as the highest individual score in the Champions Trophy.

AFGHANISTAN’S RECOVERY LED BY ZADRAN’S BRILLIANCE

Despite a shaky start, with Afghanistan losing three wickets for just 37 runs inside the Power Play, Zadran’s brilliance brought them back into the game. He formed crucial partnerships, first with captain Hashmatullah Shahidi (40), forging a 103-run stand for the fourth wicket, and then with Azmatullah Omarzai (41), adding 72 runs for the fifth wicket. A pivotal 111-run partnership with Mohammed Nabi (40 off 24 balls) lifted Afghanistan to 325/7 in their 50 overs.

A HISTORIC MILESTONE FOR AFGHANISTAN

Not only was Zadran’s knock a personal achievement, but it also marked the highest-ever score by an Afghanistan batter in ODIs, surpassing his own previous best of 162 runs against Sri Lanka in 2022. This blistering 177 is now the fourth-highest ODI score in Pakistan and the second-highest score by an Asian batter in an ICC ODI tournament, trailing only Sourav Ganguly’s famous 183 against Sri Lanka in the 1999 World Cup.

Zadran’s scintillating knock also moved him into the top echelon of all-time ODI scores, with his 177 now sitting as the joint eighth-highest individual score in ODI history.

A TOUGH CHALLENGE FOR ENGLAND

Afghanistan’s impressive total of 325/7 was set up by Zadran’s magnificent century, but it was a challenging target for England. Afghanistan's early struggles were compounded by Jofra Archer’s incisive bowling, which brought them to the brink of disaster. However, thanks to Zadran’s superb resilience, Afghanistan managed to recover and post a competitive total, putting pressure on the English bowlers.

In summary, Ibrahim Zadran’s historic 177 not only established new Champions Trophy records but also cemented his place as one of the finest ODI players in recent times, making it a day to remember in Afghan cricket history.