Ibrahim Zadran

Ibrahim Zadran, born on December 12, 2001, is a rising star in Afghan cricket. His journey from a talented youth to a prominent member of the national team is a testament to his cricketing prowess and determination. Zadran made his Test debut for the Afghanistan cricket team in September 2019 and has since become a key figure in Afghan cricket.

Ibrahim Zadran's cricketing journey began in the heart of Afghan domestic cricket. He made his List A debut for Mis Ainak Region in the 2017 Ghazi Amanullah Khan Regional One-Day Tournament on August 11, 2017. This early exposure to competitive cricket allowed him to hone his skills and gain valuable experience. In the same year, he ventured into Twenty20 cricket, making his debut for Mis Ainak Knights in the 2017 Shpageeza Cricket League on September 12, 2017. Zadran's adaptability and ability to transition between formats showcased his versatility as a cricketer.

Ibrahim Zadran's talent didn't go unnoticed by the selectors. In December 2017, he was named in Afghanistan's squad for the 2018 Under-19 Cricket World Cup. He emerged as the leading run-scorer for Afghanistan in the tournament, amassing 186 runs, highlighting his potential on the international stage. His journey continued as he was named in Afghanistan's under-23 team for the 2018 ACC Emerging Teams Asia Cup. These experiences further shaped his cricketing acumen and solidified his place as a promising talent in Afghan cricket.

In August 2019, Zadran received a significant call-up to Afghanistan's Test squad for their one-off match against Bangladesh. This marked a turning point in his career as he made his Test debut for Afghanistan on September 5, 2019, against Bangladesh. His inclusion in the Test format, known for its rigorous challenges, underscored his readiness to face top-tier international competition.The following month, Zadran continued to make strides in international cricket as he made his One Day International (ODI) debut for Afghanistan against the West Indies on November 11, 2019. He also made his T20I debut against the West Indies on November 14, 2019, further showcasing his adaptability to various formats.

Zadran's remarkable journey reached new heights when he was named in Afghanistan's squad for the 2020 Under-19 Cricket World Cup. During the tournament, he emerged as the leading run-scorer for Afghanistan, amassing 240 runs in five matches. His consistent performances provided a glimpse of his potential to excel on the international stage. In June 2022, during the second ODI match against Zimbabwe, Zadran achieved a significant milestone by scoring his first century in ODI cricket, remaining unbeaten with an impressive 120 runs. This century highlighted his ability to anchor innings and play crucial roles in Afghanistan's batting lineup. His prowess with the bat continued to shine in November 2022 when he recorded his second ODI century, scoring 106 runs against Sri Lanka in Pallekelle. This outstanding performance earned him the Player of the Match award and solidified his reputation as a dependable batter.

Ibrahim Zadran's remarkable performance in the ODI series against Sri Lanka in November 2022 left an indelible mark in the history of Afghan cricket. In the third match of the series, he achieved a significant milestone by smashing 162 runs, breaking the record for the highest score by a player from his country in this format. His consistency and ability to handle pressure were on full display as he ended the series with 278 runs at an impressive average of 92.66, earning him the Player of the Series award. Six months later, in June 2023, Zadran continued to impress. He made 98 runs against Sri Lanka in the first match of the 2023 series in Hambantota, winning the player of the match award once again. His consistent performances in Sri Lanka, including scores of 106, 10, 162, and 98, highlighted his ability to perform under various conditions and against top-quality opposition.

Ibrahim Zadran's cricketing journey is a tale of talent, dedication, and remarkable performances. His ability to adapt to different formats, penchant for scoring centuries, and consistency under pressure make him a vital asset to the Afghanistan national cricket team. As he continues to evolve as a cricketer, Zadran's name is poised to be etched in the history of Afghan cricket. With each match, he carries the hopes of a nation and inspires a new generation of Afghan cricketers to dream big and work hard to achieve their goals. His journey is a symbol of Afghanistan's rising presence in international cricket.