Video of the Day - Champions Trophy 2025: Ibrahim Zadran plays delectable drive off Jofra Archer

Ibrahim Zadran smashed his sixth ODI century in the high-stakes encounter between Afghanistan and England at the Gaddafi Stadium on Wednesday, February 26. The right-handed batter took the English bowlers to the cleaners by playing proper cricketing shots.

In the seventh over of the first innings, Zadran hit back-to-back boundaries off Jofra Archer, who was breathing fire after picking up two wickets with the new ball. The second boundary was a delightful straight drive that evaded the mid-off fielder who put in a valiant dive to his right but couldn't stop the boundary. Zadran offered the full face of the bat, keeping his elbow nice and straight. It was a pleasing sight for cricket purists.

Watch the video below:

Star Sports@StarSportsIndia

#IbrahimZadran showcases pure elegance as he drives #JofraArcher straight down the ground with perfection! 🏏✨ #ChampionsTrophyOnJioStar 👉 #AFGvENG | LIVE NOW on Star Sports 2 & Sports18-1 📺📱 Start Watching FREE on JioHotstar!

03:22 PM · Feb 26, 2025

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Afghanistan lost their third wicket in the ninth over and were in desperate need of a partnership. Afghan skipper Hashmatullah Shahidi joined Zadran and they added 103 runs for the fourth wicket. After Shahidi departed for 40, Azmatullah Omarzai joined Zadran in the middle. The former hit one boundary and three sixes during his knock of 41. Mohammad Nabi also contributed with a 24-ball 40.

However, Zadran stole the show with a career-best 177, which came off just 146 balls. He hit 12 fours and six maximums during his scintillating knock. Afghanistan finished their innings of 325/7 in 50 overs.

Joe Root departs after scoring first ODI ton in almost five years

England lost the wickets of Phil Salt and Jamie Smith cheaply before Ben Duckett and Joe Root stitched a solid partnership. Duckett and Harry Brook failed to capitalise on their starts as England lost four wickets for 133 runs in the 22nd over.

Also Read: Champions Trophy 2025: Ibrahim Zadran sets new world record with two ODI 150s before turning 24

Jos Buttler and Root added 83 runs to take England in a steady position. However, Buttler was dismissed against the run of play. Root registered his first ODI century in almost five years after Liam Livingstone was sent back for an eight-ball 10.