Ibrahim Zadran Century
Ibrahim Zadran etched his name in the annals of cricket history as he became the first batter from Afghanistan to score a century in the World Cup. This young sensation’s outstanding performance played a pivotal role in Afghanistan’s remarkable total of 291/5 in their clash against Australia at the iconic Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. At just 21 years and 330 days old,Ibrahim Zadran became the fourth-youngest centurion in the World Cup’s history. Let’s delve into the details of this historic achievement and the thrilling journey that led to it.
Afghanistan’s decision to bat first on a fine batting surface in Mumbai was a departure from their usual strategy of chasing down targets. Ibrahim Zadran, alongside his partner Rahmanullah Gurbaz, started the innings steadily, not taking undue risks. The opening partnership added 38 runs before Josh Hazlewood’s short-ball tactics paid off, and Gurbaz was dismissed, attempting a half-hearted pull shot, caught at deep square leg.
Despite the early setback, Ibrahim Zadran didn’t let the pressure get to him. He continued to anchor the innings, forming a crucial 83-run partnership with Rahmat Shah. The Afghan run-rate maintained a steady pace, hovering around the five-run mark. Rahmat, in his attempt to accelerate the scoring, was caught at long off while trying to take on Glenn Maxwell.
Ibrahim Zadran, on the other hand, continued his composed approach and added another valuable partnership, this time with his captain Hashmatullah Shahidi. Shahidi’s 43-ball 26 contribution was vital in stabilizing the innings. Amidst the steady play, there were moments of brilliance, including Ibrahim Zadran’s upper-cut boundary off a Pat Cummins short ball.
The final push for a competitive total came from Azmatullah Omarzai, who played an impressive 18-ball 22 innings, including a six with his first scoring shot. Zadran reached his century milestone with a streaky single off his 131st delivery. At this point, it was clear that the team needed a strong finish, and Rashid Khan provided just that.
Rashid Khan’s blistering 35 off 18 balls proved to be a game-changer. He took apart Glenn Maxwell for a 16-run over and added two more sixes in the final over from Mitchell Starc. Though there was a moment of uncertainty when Rashid holed out to deep cover, the third umpire ruled the catch in favor of the batter. Zadran, too, contributed with a six off Starc and a powerful pull shot off Cummins.
In the final six overs, Afghanistan added 75 runs, bringing their total close to the 300-run mark. It was a remarkable comeback, and it showcased Afghanistan’s ability to adapt to different game situations. The innings that had initially appeared middling had been transformed into a formidable total, largely thanks to Zadran’s century and Rashid’s aggressive innings.
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Ibrahim Zadran’s century not only made him a cricketing sensation but also played a pivotal role in Afghanistan’s remarkable World Cup score. His patience, composure, and ability to anchor the innings were crucial, and Rashid Khan’s explosive finish added the much-needed impetus. This match will be remembered not just for Zadran’s historic century but for Afghanistan’s incredible transformation of a seemingly modest total into a competitive one.