Afghanistan's talented young opening batter Ibrahim Zadran has etched his name into the record books of international One-Day International cricket. Playing against Ireland in the fourth ODI match at the Civil Service Cricket Club ground in Belfast, Zadran produced a masterclass century that propelled his team to a formidable total. During this memorable knock, he crossed the threshold of 2,000 ODI runs. At just 24 years of age, Zadran reached this major career milestone in his 45th innings, matching the record set by modern batting stars like Pakistan's Babar Azam and England's Kevin Pietersen.
A Masterful Century and Milestone Accomplishment
Ibrahim Zadran showcased exemplary control and shot selection throughout his time at the crease. He compiled 107 runs off 118 deliveries, hitting 11 crisp boundaries and a towering six. This marked the seventh century of his ODI career. By reaching three figures in this match, the 24-year-old right-hander crossed 2,000 ODI runs in his 45th match and 45th innings. His composed innings provided Afghanistan with a firm foundation to build a massive score.
Fastest Players to 2000 Runs in ODI History
With this effort, Zadran joined an elite group of international batters who achieved 2,000 ODI runs in the fewest innings. India's Shubman Gill tops the historical standings, having reached the milestone in a mere 38 innings, followed by South Africa's Hashim Amla, who took 40 innings. Zadran's 45-innings effort places him joint-third on the all-time list alongside iconic names across generations.
- Shubman Gill (India): 38 innings
- Hashim Amla (South Africa): 40 innings
- Ibrahim Zadran (Afghanistan): 45 innings
- Babar Azam (Pakistan): 45 innings
- Zaheer Abbas (Pakistan): 45 innings
- Kevin Pietersen (England): 45 innings
- Rassie van der Dussen (South Africa): 45 innings
Record 231-Run Partnership with Sediqullah Atal
Batted first after winning the toss in Belfast, Afghanistan posted a colossal total of 343 runs in their allotted 50 overs. The backbone of this massive total was a dominant 231-run partnership for the second wicket between Ibrahim Zadran and Sediqullah Atal. Atal played an exceptionally aggressive knock, scoring 143 runs off 120 balls with 17 boundaries and 4 sixes. His explosive century earned him the Player of the Match award.
Ireland's Brave Chase and Afghanistan's Series triumph
Chasing a daunting target of 344 runs, Ireland staged a spirited fightback. Andrew Balbirnie led from the front with a tenacious 109 runs off 119 balls, while Curtis Campher injected high energy into the chase with a quickfire 84 off just 46 deliveries. Despite their efforts, Ireland was eventually bowled out for 301 runs in 48 overs. For Afghanistan, Azmatullah Omarzai picked up four wickets, while Rashid Khan chipped in with three wickets and Omarzai claimed two wickets. The victory gave Afghanistan an unassailable 3-0 lead in the five-match ODI series.
