Record-Breaking Innings: Zadran Leads Afghanistan to Victory

On Wednesday, 26 February, the 8th game of the ICC Champions Trophy was played between England and Afghanistan at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore. Afghanistan won the toss and elected to bat first. However, their start was far from ideal. They lost their first wicket early, with Gurbaz departing after scoring just 6 runs. The struggle continued as Afghanistan lost another wicket soon after, leaving them at 15-2 in 4.5 overs.

Just when they were trying to settle, Rahmat Shah was dismissed, reducing Afghanistan to 37-3 in 8.5 overs. At this stage, many believed Afghanistan wouldn’t be able to post a competitive total. However, Ibrahim Zadran stepped up with a record-breaking innings, scoring 177 runs off 146 balls, the highest individual score in ICC Champions Trophy history. He was well supported by:

•Hashmatullah Shahidi – 40 runs off 67 balls

•Azmatullah Omarzai – 41 runs off 31 balls

•Mohammad Nabi – 40 runs off just 24 balls

Thanks to this remarkable batting effort, Afghanistan posted their highest-ever ODI total of 325-7.

This was a knockout game, meaning the losing team would be eliminated from the tournament. England needed 326 runs in 50 overs to secure victory. However, their chase started poorly, losing their first wicket at just 19 runs, as Philip Salt departed early. Things got worse when they were reduced to 30-2 in 6.1 overs.

Despite attempting a recovery, England lost Ben Duckett at 98-3, followed by Harry Brook, who managed only 25 runs before getting out. At 133-4 in 21.4 overs, many believed England was on the brink of elimination. However, Joe Root played a sensational innings, scoring a century, while Jos Buttler held firm, making it seem like England was on track for victory.

But just when England seemed to be in control, Buttler threw away his wicket with a reckless shot, leaving England at 216-5 in 36.5 overs. Liam Livingstone had the opportunity to support Root and take the match deeper, but he played an unnecessary shot and was dismissed after scoring just 10 runs.

Despite the setbacks, Joe Root and Jamie Overton built a 50+ run partnership, keeping England in the game. Root was eventually dismissed after a brilliant 120 runs off 111 balls.

At this point, England were still the favorites to win, but losing Root proved to be the turning point. The momentum shifted in Afghanistan’s favor. Jamie Overton scored 32, but England kept losing wickets at crucial moments.

With Mark Wood and Adil Rashid at the crease, England needed 12 runs in the final over. However, they couldn’t finish the job, as Afghanistan held their nerve to secure a historic 8-run victory.

This stunning win eliminated England from the tournament, marking one of Afghanistan’s greatest triumphs in ODI cricket history.