Sri Lanka vs Afghanistan: Ibrahim Zadran dedicates 162 in 3rd ODI to ‘hard-working’ parents

Sri Lanka vs Afghanistan, 3rd ODI: Ibrahim Zadran scored 162 runs off 138 balls, but his knock went in vain as the home team won by five wickets at the Pallekele International Stadium.

SL vs AFG: Ibrahim Zadran dedicates 162 in 3rd ODI to ‘hard-working’ parents. Courtesy: AP

By India Today Web Desk: Afghanistan batter Ibrahim Zadran dedicated his 3rd ODI century to his parents after his 138-ball 162 against Sri Lanka on Wednesday, November 30 at the Pallekele International Stadium.

Apart from being the leading run-scorer of the series, the right-handed Ibrahim also won the Player of the Series award. Scoring two hundreds in the series, the youngster racked up 278 runs from three matches at an average of 92.66 and a strike-rate of 100.72.

“I would like to dedicate this award to my parents for all the hardwork they have put in,” Zadran was quoted as saying in the post-match presentation ceremony.

On the back of Ibrahim’s knock, Afghanistan set Sri Lanka a stiff target of 314 to chase down. Ibrahim was also involved in a handy partnership with Najibullah Zadran, who scored 77 and kept the scoreboard ticking.

“I’m very happy with my performance. The ball was keeping low and stopping, so I took my time in the beginning. We lost three wickets in the middle, but then I and Najib played well,” he stated.

“I was telling him we’d try for 250 but after he got 50 and I got my hundred, our target was 300. This is just the start of my cricket, I will try to do more great things for my country, for the people of Afghanistan,” Zadran added.

Charith Asalanka stayed unbeaten on 83 and helped Sri Lanka chase the target down in the last over. Dunith Wellalage, who captained Sri Lanka in the U19 World Cup earlier this year, also played a handy cameo in the death overs.