Srinagar,Feb 26:Afghanistan opener batsmen Ibrahim Zadran on Wednesday overtook Ben Duckett, who had forged the previous highest score in the tournament’s history in England’s opener against Australia.
Taking the counter-attack to the England bowlers after early loss of wickets for Afghanistan, Ibrahim Zadran delivered the highest individual score in Champions Trophy history.
Returning with 177 runs during his stay of 146 deliveries, Zadran overtook England opener Ben Duckett during his milestone knock, with the latter having piled on 165 against Australia in England’s first game at this edition.
Zadran’s innings is also the highest score by an Afghanistan batter in ODI cricket, breaking his own record of 162 against Sri Lanka in 2022.
The right-handed batter laced 12 fours and six maximums as Afghanistan finished with 325/7 at the end of their 50 overs.
The score is also Afghanistan’s highest total in ICC Men’s ODI tournaments. Their previous best was 291/5 against Australia at the 2023 Men’s Cricket World Cup.
Having been reduced to 37/3 following Jofra Archer’s opening burst with the new ball, Afghanistan recovered in the must-win Champions Trophy encounter against England.
Having lost their opening game of the tournament, both teams need to win the game in Lahore to stay in contention for the semi-finals. — (KIMS)
