Ibrahim Zadran vs Virat Kohli: Early ODI Stats Compared

Ibrahim Zadran is quickly becoming a star in international cricket. The young Afghan opener played a key role in his team’s rise, especially in the white-ball format. His recent match-winning performance in the 2025 Champions Trophy against England proved his immense talent. He scored a brilliant 177 off 146 balls, leading Afghanistan to a thrilling eight-run win over England in Lahore on February 26. His knock included 12 fours and six sixes, earning him the Player of the Match award.

A Record-Breaking Innings

Afghanistan won the toss and batted first in their Group B match. Ibrahim set a new record for the highest individual score in the Champions Trophy, surpassing Ben Duckett’s 165. His knock helped Afghanistan post 325/7. Despite England’s strong chase, Afghanistan restricted them to 317, securing a famous win.

At just 23 years old, Ibrahim is already making a name for himself. Young cricketers are often compared to legends, and some have started drawing parallels between Ibrahim and Indian superstar Virat Kohli. Let’s compare their performances after their first 35 ODIs to see how they stack up.

Ibrahim Zadran vs Virat Kohli: Who Had a Better Start in ODIs?

Batting Average and Strike Rate After 35 ODIs

Ibrahim has shown consistency in his first 35 ODIs, scoring 1,634 runs at an average of 51.06 and a strike rate of 83.15. He has remained not out three times and has been dismissed for a duck twice. His standout performances came against major teams:

• Against Sri Lanka: 569 runs in 11 innings (Avg: 51.72, SR: 89.74)
• Against England: 205 runs in two innings (Avg: 102.50, SR: 105.67)
• Against Bangladesh: 258 runs in six innings (Avg: 51.60, SR: 84.59)
• Against Australia: 129* in one innings
• Against Pakistan: 167 runs in four innings (Avg: 41.75, SR: 72.29)

In comparison, Kohli had a solid but slightly lower start in ODIs. After 35 matches (32 innings), he had scored 1,245 runs at an average of 44.46 and a strike rate of 81.05. His key performances were:

• Against Sri Lanka: 656 runs in 18 innings (Avg: 41, SR: 79.80)
• Against Australia: 158 runs in three innings (Avg: 52.66, SR: 88.76)
• Against South Africa: 88 runs in two innings (SR: 75.21)
• Against Pakistan: 34 runs in two innings (SR: 66)
• Against New Zealand: 8 runs in one innings (SR: 50)

50+ Scores After 35 ODIs

Ibrahim has already scored six centuries and seven half-centuries in his first 35 ODIs. His highest score of 177 came against England. Other notable innings include:

• 162 off 138 balls vs. Sri Lanka (November 2022, Pallekele)
• 129 off 143 balls vs. Australia (2023 World Cup, Mumbai)*
• 121 off 141 balls vs. Zimbabwe (June 2022, Harare)*
• 106 off 120 balls vs. Sri Lanka (November 2022, Pallekele)
• 100 off 119 balls vs. Bangladesh (July 2023, Chattogram)

Kohli had scored three centuries and eight half-centuries after 35 ODIs. His best score was 118 off 121 balls against Australia in 2010. Other top knocks included:

• 107 off 114 balls vs. Sri Lanka (December 2009, Kolkata)
• 102 off 95 balls vs. Bangladesh (January 2010, Mirpur)*

Player	Innings	Runs	Average	Strike Rate	Highest Score	100s	50s	Not Outs	Ducks
Ibrahim Zadran	35	1,634	51.06	83.15	177	6	7	3	2
Virat Kohli	32	1,245	44.46	81.05	118	3	8	4	2

Performance in Winning Matches

Winning performances define a player’s impact. In matches Afghanistan won, Ibrahim played a big role:

• 14 matches won
• 14 innings: 912 runs
• Average: 76
• Strike rate: 82.45
• Hundreds: 4
• Fifties: 3

His best performances in wins include 177 against England and 162 against Sri Lanka.

Kohli, at the same stage, had played in 19 winning matches:

• 18 innings: 891 runs
• Average: 63.64
• Strike rate: 86
• Hundreds: 3
• Fifties: 5

All three of Kohli’s centuries came in matches India won.

Player	Innings	Runs	Average	Strike Rate	Highest Score	100s	50s	Not Outs	Ducks
Ibrahim Zadran	14	912	76	82.45	177	4	3	2	0
Virat Kohli	18	891	63.64	86	118	3	5	4	1

Also Read: Champions Trophy AFG vs AUS: Scenarios In Group B After Washout