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On Wednesday, star opener Ibrahim Zadran’s brilliant knock helped Afghanistan pile a whopping 325/7, as he and his team received some much-deserved praise from Sachin Tendulkar.
‘Another Memorable Win’: Sachin Tendulkar Posts Heartfelt Message For Afghanistan (Picture credit: AP)
Batting legend Sachin Tendulkar on Thursday lauded Afghanistan for their massive win against England in the Champions Trophy, saying that these wins for the team cannot be called upsets any more, given their frequency.
On Wednesday, star opener Ibrahim Zadran‘s brilliant knock helped Afghanistan pile a whopping 325/7.
Zadran’s majestic 177 and pacer Azmatullah Omarzai‘s five-wicket haul trumped Joe Root’s masterful century, as the brave Afghanistan registered a thrilling eight-run victory over England.
“Afghanistan’s steady and consistent rise in international cricket has been inspiring! You can’t term their wins as upsets any more, they’ve made this a habit now,” Tendulkar tweeted on Thursday, as the cricketing world was left astounded once more.
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.A superb century by @IZadran18 and wonderful five-for by @AzmatOmarzay, sealed another memorable win for Afghanistan.… pic.twitter.com/J1MVULDtKC
— Sachin Tendulkar (@sachin_rt) February 26, 2025
Tendulkar received a warm reply from Zadran, who was rightfully awarded the Player of the Match for his record-breaking knock.
“What an honour it is to be praised by the very man who inspired generations to pick up the bat,” Zadran tweeted on Thursday morning.
What an honour it is to be praised by the very man who inspired generations to pick up the bat @sachin_rtYour words mean a lot to me and to cricket in Afghanistan. Thank you, sir. https://t.co/QHTsrmc8Ob
— Ibrahim Zadran (@IZadran18) February 27, 2025
Zadran, whose daddy hundred came off 146 deliveries (12×4, 6×6), had solid support from captain Hashmatullah Shahidi (40, 67b, 3×4), with whom he raised 103 runs for the fourth wicket and Omarzai (41, 31b) with whom he milked 72 runs for the fifth wicket.
Later, Zadran plundered 111 runs for the sixth wicket with Mohammad Nabi (40, 24b) to put England through the wringer.
After a slow start, Zadran started the repair work in the company of Shahidi and they were circumspect.
But once Zadran reached 50 off 65 deliveries, he opened up more and smoked Jamie Overton for two boundaries to signal the shifting of gears.
Zadran flourished in the company of Omarzai as England felt the heat of double-barrel firing.
For more in-depth coverage of the Champions Trophy, check out the latest Points Table to see where your favorite team stands. Stay updated on the tournament’s top performers with the Most Runs and Most Wickets leaderboards. Keep following for all the latest updates!
