In a landmark moment for Afghanistan cricket, opener Ibrahim Zadran delivered a stellar performance against England in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, scoring a remarkable 177 runs off 146 balls. This innings not only propelled Afghanistan to a formidable total of 325/7 but also played a pivotal role in their thrilling eight-run victory over the defending champions. The triumph has been hailed as a testament to Afghanistan’s consistent rise in international cricket.
The cricketing world took notice of Zadran’s exceptional feat, with legendary Indian batsman Sachin Tendulkar leading the accolades. Tendulkar, revered globally for his contributions to the sport, lauded Afghanistan’s progress and Zadran’s outstanding innings. He remarked, “Afghanistan’s steady and consistent rise in international cricket has been inspiring! You can’t term their wins as upsets anymore; they’ve made this a habit now.” Tendulkar further commended Zadran’s century and Azmatullah Omarzai’s five-wicket haul, which were instrumental in sealing the memorable win for Afghanistan.
In response to this high praise, Zadran conveyed his heartfelt appreciation through social media. He expressed, “What an honour it is to be praised by the very man who inspired generations to pick up the bat. @sachin_rt, your words mean a lot to me and to cricket in Afghanistan. Thank you, sir.” This acknowledgment underscores the profound impact Tendulkar’s recognition has on emerging cricketers from developing cricket nations.
Zadran’s innings was characterized by resilience and strategic partnerships. After Afghanistan found themselves at a precarious 37/3, Zadran anchored the innings with crucial stands alongside captain Hashmatullah Shahidi, Azmatullah Omarzai, and Mohammad Nabi. These collaborations not only stabilized the innings but also set a challenging target for England. Zadran’s knock, featuring 12 fours and 6 sixes, has been etched into the records as one of the most significant in Champions Trophy history.
The victory over England has significant implications for Afghanistan’s standing in international cricket. Historically considered underdogs, Afghanistan’s consistent performances against top-tier teams have shifted perceptions. Tendulkar’s acknowledgment of their progress reinforces the notion that Afghanistan’s successes are a result of dedication, talent, and relentless pursuit of excellence, rather than mere upsets.
For Zadran, receiving commendation from a figure of Tendulkar’s stature is a career-defining moment. It serves as an affirmation of his hard work and the strides Afghan cricket has made on the global stage. Such recognition not only boosts the morale of individual players but also inspires the entire team and aspiring cricketers in Afghanistan.
As Afghanistan advances in the tournament, the team carries the momentum of this significant victory. The blend of emerging talent like Zadran and experienced players positions them as formidable contenders in international competitions. The support and recognition from global cricket icons further motivate the team to elevate their performance and continue their upward trajectory in the cricketing world.