Afghanistan opener Ibrahim Zadran struck a brilliant century in the fourth ODI against Ireland at the Civil Service Cricket Club. Zadran scored 107 runs off 118 balls, smashing 11 fours and a six. He reached his century in 107 deliveries before his innings was brought to an end by Gavin Hoey.
Zadran played a key role in Afghanistan’s innings, forming a 231-run partnership with Sediqullah Atal. The century took Zadran’s tally of ODI hundreds to seven, making him Afghanistan’s second-highest century-maker in the format. Rahmanullah Gurbaz leads the list with nine centuries, while Mohammad Shahzad has six.
The 24-year-old has now scored 2,105 runs in 45 ODI innings, including seven centuries and 10 half-centuries, at an average of 50.11. During his innings against Ireland, Zadran also reached the milestone of 2,000 ODI runs in just 45 innings, making him the joint third-fastest batter to reach the mark.
India’s Shubman Gill holds the record for reaching 2,000 ODI runs fastest, doing so in 38 innings, while South Africa’s Hashim Amla achieved the feat in 40 innings. By reaching the milestone in 45 innings, Zadran joined an elite group of batters including Zaheer Abbas, Kevin Pietersen, Babar Azam and Rassie van der Dussen.
It is worth mentioning here that Afghanistan defeated Ireland by seven wickets in the third ODI of the five-match series at the Civil Service Cricket Club, Stormont, on Monday to take an unassailable 2-0 lead. The victory also secured Afghanistan’s direct qualification for the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2027, which will be hosted by South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia.
Rashid Khan kept his composure during the closing stages to guide Afghanistan over the line and complete a convincing victory. After being put in to bat, Ireland were bowled out for 206 in 46.3 overs, with Afghanistan’s spinners dominating proceedings. AM Ghazanfar and Rashid led the bowling attack with three wickets each, while Yamin Ahmadzai claimed two wickets. Fazalhaq Farooqi and Azmatullah Omarzai chipped in with one wicket apiece.