AUS vs BAN, World Cup 2023: Ibrahim Zadran reveals how Sachin Tendulkar helped him slam historic century

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Ibrahim Zadran scripted history at the ICC World Cup 2023 on Tuesday (November 7) as the 21-year-old Afghanistan opener (129*) became the first batter from the war-torn nation to slam a century in the history of the tournament. Following his century, Ibrahim Zadran thanked cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar.

Ibrahim Zadran revealed that he had a long chat with Sachin Tendulkar before Afghanistan vs Australia match at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai and said the Indian great gave him some valuable advice that helped him play the knock of his life.

"I had a good chat with Sachin Tendulkar yesterday, he shared a lot of his experiences that I can't express. I said before the match that I will bat like Sachin Tendulkar; he gave me a lot of energy and confidence," said Ibrahim Zadran during the innings break with the official broadcasters of the ICC World Cup 2023.

Ibrahim Zadran's knock was crucial in Afghanistan posting 291/5 on the board as he was the only batter to score 30-plus runs in the game while slamming three six and eight fours in a knock played over 143 deliveries. Zadran said he could feel that a century from him was long-time coming as he has felt good about his batting at ICC World Cup 2023.

"Feeling very good to become the first Afghan player to score a 100 against in World Cups. I want to score many more hundreds. I worked very hard for this tournament. Against Pakistan, I missed my ton, so I wanted to make it up in this game. I was feeling like I'd get a hundred in the next 3 matches," said the cricketer.

Chasing the target, the Australian batting order faltered within the first 10 overs as the Aussies lost four wickets by the 9th over with just 49 runs on the board. A win for Afghanistan will level them on points with Australia, who are currently third on the table with 10 points.