Ibrahim Zadran’s Record-Breaking Century: Six Major Achievements That Redefine Afghan Cricket
Afghanistan’s star opener, Ibrahim Zadran, has etched his name in the history books with a sensational century against England in the 8th match of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium. This outstanding innings not only powered his team but also earned him six remarkable milestones, placing him among cricketing legends like Sachin Tendulkar and Sanath Jayasuriya.
Let’s delve into the extraordinary records shattered by Zadran and how his performance is shaping the future of Afghan cricket.
1. Ibrahim Zadran Becomes the Only Afghan Player with Two Centuries in ICC ODI Events
Zadran’s century against England marks his second century in an ICC ODI event, a feat unmatched by any other Afghan cricketer. His ability to step up on the world stage showcases his temperament and skill in high-pressure matches.
Previously, Zadran had scored a century in an ICC ODI event, and by adding another to his tally, he solidifies his position as Afghanistan’s most prolific batter in ICC tournaments. This achievement underscores his consistency, adaptability, and hunger for runs against top-tier opponents.
2. Joins the Elite List with Sachin Tendulkar & Sanath Jayasuriya
With this century, Zadran joins an exclusive club of batters who have scored centuries against India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka. Only a handful of cricketing greats have achieved this feat, including:
- Sachin Tendulkar
- Virender Sehwag
- Yuvraj Singh
- Sanath Jayasuriya
- Tillakaratne Dilshan
- Younis Khan
- Marlon Samuels
- Shai Hope
Zadran’s inclusion in this prestigious list speaks volumes about his ability to perform across diverse conditions and against world-class bowling attacks.
3. Matches Babar Azam & Shubman Gill’s Early Career Century Record
Zadran’s prolific batting continues to draw comparisons with some of the finest modern-day cricketers. By scoring seven centuries in his first 35 ODI innings, he has matched the record held by:
- Babar Azam
- Shubman Gill
Additionally, he surpasses players like Upul Tharanga and Imam-ul-Haq, who had six centuries in the same number of innings. This remarkable consistency highlights Zadran’s potential to become one of the leading batters in world cricket.
4. Records the Highest Individual Score for Afghanistan in ODIs
Zadran’s magnificent 177-run knock against England has rewritten Afghanistan’s record books. He already held the previous highest individual score, but this new innings further cements his dominance. Here’s how the record now stands:
Top Five Highest Individual Scores for Afghanistan in ODIs:
- 177 runs – Ibrahim Zadran vs England, Lahore (2025)
- 162 runs – Ibrahim Zadran vs Sri Lanka, Pallekele (2022)
- 151 runs – Rahmanullah Gurbaz vs Pakistan, Hambantota (2023)
- 149 runs* – Azmatullah Omarzai vs Sri Lanka, Pallekele (2024)
- 145 runs – Rahmanullah Gurbaz vs Bangladesh, Chattogram (2023)
This record-breaking innings reaffirms Zadran’s importance as Afghanistan’s batting mainstay.
5. Becomes the Youngest Batsman to Score 150+ in an ICC ODI Event
At just 23 years and 76 days old, Zadran has become the youngest batter to score 150+ runs in a single ICC ODI event match. His milestone puts him ahead of some of the biggest names in cricket:
Youngest Players to Score 150+ in an ICC ODI Event:
- Ibrahim Zadran – 23 years 76 days (vs England, 2025)
- Kapil Dev – 24 years 163 days (vs Zimbabwe, 1983)
- Imran Nazir – 25 years 95 days (vs Zimbabwe, 2007)
- Sourav Ganguly – 26 years 322 days (vs Sri Lanka, 1999)
- Glenn Turner – 28 years 12 days (vs East Africa, 1975)
This remarkable achievement underscores Zadran’s exceptional talent and maturity at such a young age.
6. Second-Highest Score by an Asian Batter in ICC ODI Events
Zadran’s 177-run knock is now the second-highest individual score by an Asian batter in ICC ODI events, only behind Sourav Ganguly’s legendary 183 against Sri Lanka in 1999.
Top Five Highest Scores by an Asian Batter in ICC ODI Events:
- 183 runs – Sourav Ganguly vs Sri Lanka, Taunton (1999)
- 177 runs – Ibrahim Zadran vs England, Lahore (2025)
- 175 runs* – Kapil Dev vs Zimbabwe, Tunbridge Wells (1983)
- 175 runs – Virender Sehwag vs Bangladesh, Mirpur (2011)
- 161 runs* – Tillakaratne Dilshan vs Bangladesh, Melbourne (2015)
Zadran’s innings against England is a testament to his ability to dominate bowling attacks and deliver match-winning performances.
Ibrahim Zadran’s Heroic Knock: A Performance to Remember
Zadran’s 177-run innings was a masterclass in stroke play and temperament. He faced 146 balls with a staggering strike rate of 121.23, smashing 12 boundaries and 6 sixes. His knock provided Afghanistan with a commanding position against a formidable England bowling lineup.
Eventually, his innings came to an end when Liam Livingstone dismissed him, caught by Jofra Archer, but not before he had left an indelible mark on the game.
The Future of Afghan Cricket Shines Bright
Ibrahim Zadran’s phenomenal performance against England is not just a personal triumph—it signifies Afghanistan’s emergence as a major force in international cricket. His records place him among the best in the world, and at just 23 years old, the cricketing world is yet to witness the peak of his potential.
With such monumental achievements already under his belt, Zadran is set to lead Afghanistan into a new era of cricketing excellence. Fans and analysts alike eagerly await what the future holds for this rising superstar.
