BELFAST: Afghanistan opener Ibrahim Zadran equalled a record shared by Pakistan batting great Babar Azam after reaching 2,000 ODI runs in just 45 innings during the fourth ODI against Ireland on Wednesday.

Zadran’s century helped Afghanistan secure a 42-run victory at the Civil Service Cricket Club and take an unassailable 3-0 lead in the five-match series.

The 24-year-old reached the landmark during his 107-run knock, becoming only the seventh batter in ODI history to complete 2,000 runs within 45 innings.

Zadran now shares the record with Babar, Pakistan’s Zaheer Abbas, England’s Kevin Pietersen and South Africa’s Rassie van der Dussen as the joint-third-fastest players to reach the milestone.

India’s Shubman Gill holds the record for the fastest 2,000 ODI runs, having achieved the feat in just 38 innings, while former South Africa opener Hashim Amla reached the landmark in 40 innings.

Fastest to 2,000 ODI runs:

  • Shubman Gill (India) — 38 innings
  • Hashim Amla (South Africa) — 40 innings
  • Zaheer Abbas (Pakistan) — 45 innings
  • Kevin Pietersen (England) — 45 innings
  • Babar Azam (Pakistan) — 45 innings
  • Rassie van der Dussen (South Africa) — 45 innings
  • Ibrahim Zadran (Afghanistan) — 45 innings

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Zadran’s milestone came during a dominant Afghanistan batting display after Ireland captain Paul Stirling opted to field first.

Afghanistan posted their highest ODI total of 343-9, with Zadran and Sediqullah Atal putting together a mammoth 231-run partnership for the second wicket.

Atal led the charge with a blistering 143 off 120 balls, hitting 17 fours and four sixes, while Zadran contributed 107 from 118 deliveries with 11 fours and a six.

Ireland faced a daunting target of 344 and needed a victory to keep the series alive, but were bowled out for 301 in 48 overs.

Andy Balbirnie provided resistance with a fighting century, scoring 109 off 119 balls, including nine fours and three sixes. However, his dismissal off the first ball of the 41st over effectively ended Ireland’s hopes of completing the chase.

Afghanistan’s victory gave them an unassailable 3-0 lead, with the fifth and final ODI scheduled to be played at the same venue on Saturday.

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