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Batting legend Sachin Tendulkar showered praise on Afghanistan for their sensational victory over England in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, stating that such performances can no longer be considered upsets due to the team’s consistent success on the big stage.
Sachin Tendulkar lauds Ibrahim Zadran’s stunning effort
Afghanistan, led by an extraordinary 177-run knock from Ibrahim Zadran, posted a formidable total of 325/7 before their bowling unit, spearheaded by Azmatullah Omarzai’s five-wicket haul, ensured a thrilling eight-run victory over the defending champions England in Lahore on February 26. Despite Joe Root’s valiant century, Afghanistan held their nerve, knocking England out of the tournament and further strengthening their reputation as a rising force in international cricket. His words resonated across the cricketing world, recognizing Afghanistan’s continued rise as a legitimate powerhouse in the sport.
Following the victory, Tendulkar took to X (formerly Twitter) to acknowledge Afghanistan’s remarkable growth and dominance, emphasizing that their triumphs in global events are now a regular occurrence.
“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.@IZadran18 and wonderful five-for by @AzmatOmarza, sealed another memorable win for Afghanistan. Well played!,” Sachin wrote.
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
Ibrahim Zadran’s record-breaking century and response to Tendulkar’s praise
The hero of the match, Zadran, who was named Player of the Match, played a record-breaking innings that etched his name in Champions Trophy history. His 177 off 146 balls, featuring 12 fours and 6 sixes, became the highest individual score in the tournament’s history, surpassing all previous records.
Zadran received strong support from his teammates at crucial moments. He built a 103-run stand with captain Hashmatullah Shahidi (40 off 67 balls) for the fourth wicket, followed by a 72-run partnership with Omarzai (41 off 31 balls) for the fifth wicket. In the latter half of the innings, he accelerated further, forging a 111-run partnership with Mohammad Nabi (40 off 24 balls), which ultimately left England struggling.
Zadran, who had once idolized Tendulkar, was overwhelmed by the legendary cricketer’s words. Responding to the praise, the young Afghan opener expressed his gratitude with an emotional message on X.
“What an honour it is to be praised by the very man who inspired generations to pick up the bat. Your words mean a lot to me and to cricket in Afghanistan. Thank you, sir,” Zadran replied.
What an honour it is to be praised by the very man who inspired generations to pick up the bat @sachin_rt
Your words mean a lot to me and to cricket in Afghanistan. Thank you, sir. https://t.co/QHTsrmc8Ob
— Ibrahim Zadran (@IZadran18) February 27, 2025
Also READ: Fans go berserk as Afghanistan survive Joe Root scare to knock England out of Champions Trophy 2025
Zadran’s transformation from cautious start to dominant finish
Zadran’s innings was a masterclass in adaptability, as he adjusted his approach based on the match situation. Initially watchful and patient, he navigated the early swing and movement in Lahore’s conditions alongside Shahidi.
Once he settled, Zadran shifted gears after reaching his fifty off 65 balls. His aggressive intent became evident when he smashed Jamie Overton for two consecutive boundaries, signaling his intent to dominate the English bowlers. His acceleration in the final phase of the innings, especially alongside Mohammad Nabi, helped Afghanistan set a challenging target of 326. With this historic knock, Zadran further cemented himself as Afghanistan’s most reliable ODI batter, taking his career tally to 1,634 runs in 35 ODIs at an average of 51.06, with six centuries and seven fifties.
Afghanistan’s road ahead: Semi-final spot within reach
Following this monumental win, Afghanistan are now in a prime position to qualify for the semi-finals of the 2025 Champions Trophy. Their final group-stage match will be against Australia on February 28 in Lahore. A win in that match would secure their place in the knockout stage, marking another historic moment in their cricketing journey.
With Zadran in top form and Omarzai leading the bowling attack, Afghanistan will head into the clash against Australia with renewed confidence, aiming to continue their fairytale run in the tournament. Afghanistan’s win over England was not just another great moment in their cricketing history—it was a statement that they belong among the world’s best teams.
