Wed Feb 26 14:20:00 UTC 2025: ## Zadran’s Record-Breaking Innings Fuels Afghanistan’s Strong Total Against England
**Lahore, Pakistan:** Ibrahim Zadran smashed a sensational 177, the highest individual score in Champions Trophy history, to power Afghanistan to a challenging 325/7 against England in a crucial Group B encounter at the Gaddafi Stadium. The innings, studded with 12 fours and six sixes, also surpasses his previous best of 162 and sets a new benchmark for the highest ODI score by an Afghan batsman.
Afghanistan’s total, while seemingly modest compared to Australia’s successful chase of 351 against England on the same ground a few days prior, represents a remarkable recovery. After a shaky start that saw them reduced to 37/3 by Jofra Archer’s early spell, Zadran and captain Hashmatullah Shahidi (40) orchestrated a crucial partnership. Archer, bowling six of England’s first eleven overs, exploited the early weaknesses of the Afghan batting line-up, removing Gurbaz, Atal and Rahmat Shah with a combination of full deliveries and a surprise short ball.
Zadran, returning from injury, anchored the innings, reaching his half-century off 65 balls. A late flurry of runs, fueled by his partnership with Azmatullah Omarzai (41) and Mohammad Nabi (40), saw Afghanistan plunder 113 runs in the final ten overs. This surge included a brutal assault on Archer and Joe Root, with Zadran and Nabi smashing sixes at will. England’s fielding also contributed to Afghanistan’s late surge, with several missed opportunities further aiding the Afghan cause. Despite a late flourish from Liam Livingstone, who returned from an injury to bowl an economical final over, Afghanistan set a formidable target for England.
The match marks a significant turnaround for Afghanistan, who found themselves under early pressure against England’s potent bowling attack. Zadran’s incredible knock, however, gives his team a fighting chance in this must-win game.
First Piper 