Ibrahim Zadran scripts history with robust century in Champions Trophy clash against England, becomes first Afghanistani player to bag this mighty milestone

Afghanistan's star batter Ibrahim Zadran stormed into the history books after cracking a splendid century in the Champions Trophy 2025 clash against England in Lahore on February 26, Wednesday. Ibrahim Zadran achieved a big milestone by becoming the first Afghan batters to score a century in the Champions Trophy.

Ibrahim Zadran stands tall with historic Champions Trophy century

Zadran now holds the distinction of being the only Afghan batter to score a century in 50-over ICC events, having previously achieved this during the 2023 ODI World Cup against Australia. This is Afghanistan's first-ever appearance in the Champions Trophy, making Zadran's achievement even more remarkable. Zadran clocked his century in just off 106 balls which was studded with six fours and three sixes, is his sixth in ODI cricket.

ALSO READ: Pakistan superstar to take big career decision after end of Champions Trophy, mulling over retirement and relocating to abroad following team's early elimination

ALSO READ: 'Mein Pakistan jata hoon, ek saal mein team khadi kar ke dikhaunga...': Ex-India star vows to bring Pakistan team on track following Champions Trophy debacle

The Afghan innings began under pressure, with the team losing three wickets early in the PowerPlay, leaving them struggling at 37 for three. However, Zadran, alongside Hashmatullah Shahidi, orchestrated a crucial recovery. Their 103-run partnership for the fourth wicket not only steadied their boat but also propelled Afghanistan back into contention. Hashmatullah returned to the pavilion after scoring 40 off 67 which brought Azmatullah Omarzai into the crease. Omarzai scored a quickfire 31-ball 41 before Jamie Overton sent him the marching order which left Afghanistan reeling at 212/5.

Zadran's superlative knock against England came after a disappointing outing against South Africa, where he was dismissed for 17 by Kagiso Rabada. After Afghanistan elected to bat first, Zadran displayed a solid temperament and composure, reaching his half-century off 65 balls, despite Afghanistan's early jitters.

ALSO READ: One individual arrested as PCB takes serious action against security breach in Champions Trophy 2025

ALSO READ: Pakistan team to undergo massive shakeup after Champions Trophy horror, PCB set to appoint new head coach for this big series

He reached the three-figure mark in the 37th over, taking a single off Liam Livingstone, prompting a moment of jubilation as he raised his arms to acknowledge the crowd's applause. This achievement came after a period of absence, as Zadran had missed the one-off Test against New Zealand and the subsequent ODI series against South Africa, Bangladesh, and Zimbabwe.

His impressive record of six centuries in just 35 ODIs highlights his batting prowess. Notably, he also holds the record for the fastest Afghan batter to reach 1000 ODI runs, achieving this milestone in his 24th innings during the 2023 ODI World Cup match against Pakistan.