NEW DELHI: As his team eliminated England from the Champions Trophy on Wednesday, Afghanistan skipper Hashmatullah Shahidi praised Ibrahim Zadran’s record-breaking 177 as “one of the best ODI innings” he had ever seen.
Prior to their thrilling eight-run victory in Lahore, which kept them in the running for a spot in the semi-finals, Afghanistan were 325-7 thanks to Zadran’s scorching 146-ball knock that included 12 boundaries and six sixes.
England’s defeat eliminated them from contention for a position in the final four.
Zadran put on crucial stands, including 103 runs with Shahidi, who scored 40, to help Afghanistan rally from a shaky 37-3 to a winning total.
“He’s absolutely brilliant. Talented guy,” Shahidi said of his man of the match.
“When we were three down at the beginning, it was too much pressure. But the partnership me and Ibrahim did was special.
“I think it was one of the best ODI innings I have ever seen.”
Zadran’s innings set a new milestone in the history of the Champions Trophy and the highest individual score ever by an Afghanistan batsman in the ODI format.
The match was marred by boycott calls from certain British MPs over the treatment of women in Taliban-ruled Afghanistan, but pace bowler Azmatullah Omarzai later recorded figures of 5-58 to bowl out England for 317 in 49.5 overs and secure victory.
“The beauty of our team is we have talented youngsters and at the same time we have senior guys who are at the top level,” added Shahidi.
“Everyone knows their roles of what they should do in this team. Hopefully we take this momentum with us for the next game against Australia.”
To advance to the semi-finals, Afghanistan must still defeat Australia in Lahore on Friday.
Wednesday’s victory was their second in ODIs versus England following their dramatic victory over the reigning champions in the 2023 World Cup in India.
In Kabul, the Afghan capital, the triumph triggered raucous celebrations, with fireworks and delighted fans crammed into cars lining the streets.
Afghan fan Shahid Khan, a 20-year-old garment merchant, said: “This win means a lot to us. We will cherish it for a long time. It’s a historic victory — one I will remember for the rest of my life.”
