- Wednesday, February 26, 2025
The 21-year-old remained not out on 129 off 147 balls to help his side post a competitive 291 for 5 in 50 overs against Australia in a crucial match.
By: Shubham Ghosh
AFGHANISTAN on Tuesday (7) came up with a strong batting performance in their penultimate match in the 50-over World Cup against Australia at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai with opener Ibrahim Zadran hitting his country’s first-ever century in the marquee tournament since making their debut in the 2015 edition.
The 21-year-old Zadran, who remained not out on 129 off 147 balls in the game and hit eight fours and three sixes, thanked former India captain and legendary batter Sachin Tendulkar at the break, saying his words a day ago had helped him reach the special feat.
— Afghanistan Cricket Board (@ACBofficials) November 6, 2023
Zadran’s knock powered Afghanistan to 291 for 5 in 50 overs. Having beaten three world champion teams in England, Pakistan and Sri Lanka, the Afghans, who won only one World Cup game before the start of this edition, are still in the race to make the knockouts and will look to win against Australia and South Africa in their final two fixtures.
A Legendary Visit ?
The Legend @sachin_rt visited AfghanAtalan's Training Session this evening at the iconic Wankhede Cricket Stadium in Mumbai. He praised #AfghanAtalan’s recent success at the #CWC23 and shared his invaluable insights with them. ?#WarzaMaidanGata pic.twitter.com/hdNFslu481
— Afghanistan Cricket Board (@ACBofficials) November 6, 2023
AfghanAtalan presented famous handcrafted Afghan Carpet and Authentic Afghan Saffron to the great @Sachin_rt, @Trotty and Ajay Jadeja ?
Richly deserved! ?#AfghanAtalan | #CWC23 | #WarzaMaidanGata pic.twitter.com/Sv57o9LadH
— Afghanistan Cricket Board (@ACBofficials) November 7, 2023
Tendulkar, who is also the International Cricket Council’s global ambassador, addressed the Afghan cricketers on the eve of the game in his home ground and ace cricketer Rashid Khan, who played a cameo innings of 35 not out in 18 balls against the Australians, also thanked the Indian legend saying his words would give his teammates a lot of energy and positive things.
The Afghan team also gifted carpets and saffron to Tendulkar; Ajay Jadeja, a former India cricketer who is working with them as a mentor in this World Cup and Jonathan Trott, their coach and former England cricketer.
