Watch: Ibrahim Zadran reveals Rashid Khan connection in his unique celebration after historic CT 2025 ton

The 23-year-old Afghanistan National Cricket Team batter Ibrahim Zadran revealed the real reason behind his celebration after hitting a century in the 8th match of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 on Wednesday, February 26.

The Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore is currently hosting the high-octane clash between Hashmatullah Shahidi-led Afghanistan National Cricket Team and Jos Buttler-led England National Cricket Team.

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Watch: Ibrahim Zadran pulls off unique celebration after hitting a ton

Zadran played one of the best innings of his career against the Three Lions and helped his team register a great total of 325/7 on the board.

Opting to bat first on a good batting track, Afghanistan lost three quick wickets but Zadran didn't get bothered by that and showcased a batting masterclass.

He played cautiously in the first half of his innings, before accelerating and demolishing the bowling unit of England. Zadran completed his fifty off 65 balls, and ton off 106 balls.

He reached the three-figure mark on the third ball of the 37th over. Liam Livingstone bowled a flighted delivery to Zadran, who leaned forward and nudged it to square leg for a single.

As he completed his hundred, Ibrahim Zadran took off his helmet and raised his bat to acknowledge the applause of the crowd and teammates. He was then seen doing a unique celebration while looking at the dugout.

A 💯 so brilliant that even the opponents are clapping for Ibra-HIM! 👏

And with that, #IbrahimZadran jumps to the 2nd spot, among players to score most ODI centuries for Afghanistan in ODIs (after #RahmanullahGurbaz)#ChampionsTrophyOnJioStar 👉 #AFGvENG | LIVE NOW on Star… pic.twitter.com/x5wE6dOUAW

— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) February 26, 2025

When I got my century, I thanked Rashid - Ibrahim Zadran

Ibrahim Zadran, who finished with an innings of 177 runs, revealed that his celebration was for the veteran leg-spinner Rashid Khan as he wanted to thank him for motivating words. He said:

"Before the game, I had a chat with Rashid and whenever I chat with him, I score runs. When I got my century, I thanked Rashid."

While talking about his return to international cricket from injury, Zadran said that his journey was quite tough. He said:

"It’s not easy to come back to international cricket, I have come back to international cricket after 7 months but I hadn’t played ODI cricket since the last 1 year.

"The expectations were there on me and I played well. I put myself under pressure and I enjoyed this innings. I tried to take my time, I worked on my basics, I don’t want to think anything extra. I try to be disciplined. "

He is sharing his experience with us - Younis Khan

Ibrahim Zadran was further asked about the presence of the Pakistan great Younis Khan in the dressing room as a mentor. Replying to this, the youngster said that the Pakistan legend has been sharing his experience with the squad.

"(On the inputs from Younis Khan - Afghanistan's mentor in CT) He is sharing his experience with us, he has played a lot of cricket in Pakistan. I didn’t get runs in the first game. He has been there with Jonathan Trott for the last couple of years," he said.

"He told me that you are playing well, you need to play a big innings. Whenever you cross 40, you have to go for 60-70 and then you are not going to miss. I was thinking about that and I brought itinto this game."