Ibrahim Zadran of Afghanistan created history in Lahore by hitting the highest individual score in the history of the ICC Champions Trophy with 177 off 146 balls against England.
The previous mark of 165, achieved by Ben Duckett of England a few days earlier in the same event, was surpassed by his innings.
Afghanistan reached an imposing 323/6 in 49.1 overs thanks to Zadran’s knock, which was laced with 12 fours and six sixes at a strike rate of 121.23.
Following early losses, when Rahmanullah Gurbaz (6), Sediqullah Atal (4), and Rahmat Shah (4) fell cheaply, his innings was crucial in bringing the team back to a secure position.
After establishing a vital 129-run partnership with captain Hashmatullah Shahidi (40), the right-hander surged in the closing stages with Mohammad Nabi (40* off 23) and Azmatullah Omarzai (41 off 31). He was eventually caught off Liam Livingstone by Jofra Archer in the final over.
His effort now surpasses the likes of Sachin Tendulkar (141 in 1998) and Nathan Astle (145* in 2004) as the most memorable innings in Champions Trophy history.
Afghanistan are going to turn to their bowlers to put together an important win with a formidable total on the board.
