Ibrahim Zadran Shines with Historic Century in AFG vs ENG

Afghanistan’s rising star, Ibrahim Zadran, etched his name in the history books with a sensational century against England (ENG) in the Champions Trophy 2025. The 23-year-old opener showcased remarkable resilience at the Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore, as he became the first Afghan batter to score a century in the tournament.

Zadran reached his milestone in just 106 balls despite a challenging start for Afghanistan (AFG). Jofra Archer delivered a fiery spell, reducing AFG to 37/3 within the first nine overs. However, Zadran, alongside skipper Hasmatullah Shahidi, steadied the innings with a crucial 103-run partnership. Shahidi contributed a composed 40 runs, allowing Zadran to anchor the innings. His knock, laced with six fours and three sixes, propelled AFG to 190/4 in 37 overs, with explosive hitters like Mohammad Nabi and Rashid Khan still to follow.

This century marks a new high in Zadran’s burgeoning career. Having already notched up seven half-centuries, this is his sixth ODI ton. His consistency is reflected in his impressive average of 50 across 35 ODIs, amassing over 1,500 runs at a strike rate of 80. Notably, his highest score stands at 162, and he holds the distinction of being the fastest Afghan batter to reach 1,000 ODI runs.

Injury Comeback

Zadran’s journey to this historic moment has been far from smooth. In September last year, he suffered an ankle injury that required surgery, temporarily halting his career. He shared updates on social media, posting images and videos of himself recovering on crutches.

The talented top-order batter, who has also scored a century in Test cricket, had to sit out crucial matches due to his injury. He missed Afghanistan’s one-off Test against New Zealand in Greater Noida, followed by ODI series against South Africa, Bangladesh, and Zimbabwe in Sharjah and Harare. Despite this setback, his triumphant return to form in the Champions Trophy reaffirms his position as a key player for AFG.

With this knock, Zadran has cemented his legacy in AFG’s cricketing history. His performance not only strengthens his team’s position in the tournament but also marks the arrival of a formidable opener on the global stage.