In Afghanistan’s pivotal Champions Trophy 2025 match against England at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore, Ibrahim Zadran’s explosive 177 served as the foundation for their total of 325/7. The young Afghan star, who had just recovered from an injury, played a stunning knock that not only broke the previous mark of 162 in ODIs against Sri Lanka but also created a new record for the highest individual score in Champions Trophy history.
With 12 boundaries and 6 sixes in his innings, Zadran displayed a masterful display of timing and power. AfgAlthough Pakistan’s score may seem low compared to England’s 351—which Australia had just successfully chased—it was an impressive performance considering their early failures.Afghanistan found themselves in a difficult position early on, similar to when they pulled off an unexpected victory over England in New Delhi sixteen months ago.
Jofra Archer, who bowled an outstanding opening stint and reduced Afghanistan to a precarious 37/3, posed a threat early on. Archer’s precision and variety left the Afghan batters reeling. Full deliveries undid Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Sediqullah Atal, while a surprise bouncer sent Rahmat Shah back. With the innings in ruins, Zadran spearheaded the comeback with the help of skipper Hashmatullah Shahidi.
Afghanistan reached the 100-mark in the 25th over as Zadran scored fifty runs off of sixty-five balls. Zadran marked the start of the acceleration with 16 runs off one over against Jamie Overton, including a spectacular six over the bowler’s head. But the colThe struggle came to an end when Adil Rashid’s skillful full delivery defeated Shahidi, who was then 40.
pt Even after Shahidi was out, Zadran continued to improve, scoring a century off 106 balls.Adrian launched a barrage of boundaries and sixes, including a vicious assault on Jofra Archer, hitting three consecutive fours and a six. The fielding team began to show signs of fatigue, missing several opportunities and possibly suffering an injury to Liam Livingstone. Mohammad Nabi joined in the attack, blasting two sixes off Joe Root.
Afghanistan added a quick 113 runs in the last 10 overs. The Afghans had a sizable score to defend thanks to Azmatullah Omarzai’s cameo of 41 off 31 balls and a solid finish by Nabi, leaving the England bowlers to lament a series of lost chances.
Now that the total has been reached, Afghanistan will need to use their potent spin attack to defend 325 and take on the formidable English batting order in what could be a thrilling match.
Brief Scores
Jofra Archer 3-64, Mohammad Nabi 40, Ibrahim Zadran 177, and Afghanistan 325/7 in 50 overs against England.