This is the first time Afghanistan has played in the Champions Trophy. For a team that once struggled for recognition, this is a massive sign of their rising achievements.
Just before the start of the 2023 World Cup, most people didn’t consider Afghanistan a tough team to beat. Fast-forward to now—they entered the Champions Trophy as underdogs but a seriously tough opponent. They defeated England and Pakistan in the 2023 World Cup, reached the semi-finals of the 2024 T20 World Cup, and also took down New Zealand and Australia. Their recent form in ODIs before this tournament has been outstanding, making them a genuine threat in this tournament.
However, a defeat in the very first match must have shattered their confidence. A lot would depend on how they regroup and perform better in their upcoming matches.
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Squad:
Hashmatullah Shahidi (c)
Ibrahim Zadran
Rahmanullah Gurbaz
Sediqullah Atal
Rahmat Shah
Ikram Alikhil
Gulbadin Naib
Azmatullah Omarzai
Mohammad Nabi
Rashid Khan
Nangeyalia Kharote
Noor Ahmad
Fazalhaq Farooqi
Farid Malik
Naveed Zadran
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Likely Playing XI:
1️⃣ Ibrahim Zadran 2️⃣ Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk) 3️⃣ Rahmat Shah 4️⃣ Hashmatullah Shahidi (c) 5️⃣ Azmatullah Omarzai 6️⃣ Gulbadin Naib 7️⃣ Mohammad Nabi 8️⃣ Rashid Khan 9️⃣ Noor Ahmad/Nangeyalia Kharoti 🔟 Naveed Zadran 1️⃣1️⃣ Fazalhaq Farooqi
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Strengths:
➝ 1) Recent Form
⤷ Since the 2023 World Cup, Afghanistan has won four out of five bilateral series, including against South Africa and Bangladesh in the UAE.
⤷ Their winning streak has been impressive, and they’ve developed strong team chemistry.
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➝ 2) Reliable Opening Pair
⤷ Rahmanullah Gurbaz & Ibrahim Zadran have formed a solid opening pair, making Afghanistan’s top order their biggest strength.
⤷ They have scored 1,514 runs in 31 ODIs, averaging 48.83 per partnership.
⤷ Even during World Cup 2023, Afghanistan’s reliance on their openers was evident.
⤷ If this Champions Trophy features batting-friendly wickets, having a strong start will be crucial—and Afghanistan has this area covered.
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➝ 3) Formidable Spin Attack
⤷ Afghanistan’s biggest threat? Their world-class spin attack.
⤷ Rashid Khan, their champion leg-spinner, is accompanied by Mohammad Nabi, Noor Ahmad, and Nangeyalia Kharoti—a lethal combination.
⤷ Afghanistan’s spin depth is so strong that Mujeeb Ur Rahman couldn’t even make the squad.
⤷ Even with setbacks like Allah Ghaznafar’s injury, their spin resources remain elite.
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➝ 4) Good Pace Attack & All-Round Options
⤷ Afghanistan’s fast bowling is good enough to complement their spinners and win games on its own.
⤷ Key pacers: ✔ Azmatullah Omarzai – a partnership-breaker ✔ Fazalhaq Farooqi – a left-arm pacer with swing and accuracy
⤷ Having a dominant spin attack with a competent pace attack is a huge asset.
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Weaknesses:
➝ 1) Struggles in Chasing Big Totals
⤷ Afghanistan struggles when chasing 300+ scores—winning just 1 out of their last 10 such encounters.
⤷ Their lower order lacks finishing ability, making death-over batting a concern.
⤷ If flat pitches dominate the tournament, Afghanistan’s chasing ability will be tested.
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➝ 2) Middle-Order Woes
⤷ Their middle order (Nos. 4-7) scored the fewest runs among all teams in World Cup 2023.
⤷ They particularly struggled against spin, which is a concern.
⤷ Azmatullah Omarzai might be their X-factor in stabilizing collapses and adding firepower.
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➝ 3) Death Bowling Issues
⤷ While Afghanistan’s new-ball attack is solid, their death-over bowling is a major weakness.
⤷ Their final-over economy rate (8.56) is the third-worst among Champions Trophy teams.
⤷ This is an area they must improve.
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Key Players:
➝ Rahmanullah Gurbaz
⤷ Afghanistan’s star opener, scoring 531 runs at an average of 48.27 since the 2023 World Cup.
⤷ In red-hot form, Afghanistan will bank on him to deliver.
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➝ Azmatullah Omarzai
⤷ Afghanistan’s unsung hero in ODIs.
⤷ 2024 ICC Men’s ODI Player of the Year—a rare player who could be picked solely for either batting or bowling.
⤷ Afghanistan is heavily investing in him as a key player.
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➝ Rashid Khan
⤷ A match-winner and Afghanistan’s biggest asset.
⤷ Can bowl at any stage, take the new ball, and contribute with quickfire runs.
⤷ His leadership in the bowling unit will be massive.
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Read more; New Zealand Suffers Another Injury Setback Ahead of Champions Trophy
Players to Watch Out For:
➝ Sediqullah Atal
⤷ A left-handed opener on the rise, recently featured for MI Cape Town in the SA20.
⤷ Scored a century and a half-century in an ODI series victory over Zimbabwe to earn his Champions Trophy spot.
⤷ Likely to open the innings with Ibrahim Zadran.
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Fixtures:
📅 21 Feb – Afghanistan 🆚 South Africa | 📍 National Stadium, Karachi
📅 26 Feb – Afghanistan 🆚 England | 📍 Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore
📅 28 Feb – Afghanistan 🆚 Australia | 📍 Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore
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Final Thoughts:
Afghanistan enters the Champions Trophy with a well-balanced squad, featuring a world-class spin attack, a solid opening pair, and a dangerous pace duo.
However, middle-order inconsistency, death bowling struggles, and issues chasing big totals remain concerns.
If they fix these weaknesses, Afghanistan could stun the cricketing world yet again.
➝ Are they underdogs? Yes. ➝ Are they dangerous? Absolutely.
Keep reading: “Babar Azam’s Big Innings is Just Around the Corner” – Aaqib Javed Backs His Star Batter
