There is a significant prospect the Afghanistan cricket team will make its mark in the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy, having performed quite well at global tournaments lately. They are looking to build upon their performances during their first appearance on such a grand platform and take the fight to the giants.
A Rising Force in World Cricket
After beating Pakistan and England in the 2023 ODI World Cup, Afghanistan continues to surprise the cricketing world. Their remarkable run to the semi-finals of the 2024 T20 World Cup has further raised their stature as serious contenders in major ICC tournaments. The rising form and strong performances recently have made many believe that they can go deep into the Champions Trophy and crack a semi-final spot.
Strengths: Development of Spin Attack
Among Afghanistan’s greatest strengths going into the Champions Trophy is their world-class spin bowling. Afghanistan boasts some of the most-feared spinners in international cricket: Rashid Khan, Mohammad Nabi, and rising star Noor Ahmed. These guys can be lethal on the slow and turning tracks in Pakistan where the Champions Trophy will be held.
While Afghanistan will miss the services of AM Ghazanfar, their mystery spinner who has been ruled out due to injury, Rashid Khan and Mohammad Nabi offer adequate experience and skills. Young spinners like Noor Ahmed and Nangelia Kharote are also expected to do well on the Pakistani pitches making spin a big asset for the group matches.
Weakness: Middle Order Issue
While Afghanistan has a strong bowling lineup, their main weakness lies in the middle order. This calls for the openers, Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Ibrahim Zadran, to start with a firm footing. If the openers falter, the middle order might find it tough to stabilize the innings, thus raising the pressure on the top order consistently.
Afghanistan Group Stage Fixtures
Afghanistan will host all three group-stage matches in Karachi and Lahore, with spin bowling playing a significant role on the outcome of the matches. The schedule for Afghanistan’s group matches is stated as follows:
21 February – Afghanistan vs South Africa (Karachi)
26 February – Afghanistan vs England (Lahore)
28 February – Afghanistan vs Australia (Lahore)
These matches would allow Afghanistan to present its prowess and take up some of the world’s biggest teams.
Probable XI
A well-balanced squad with a healthy combination of experienced players and young talents has been named by the team management. Afghanistan’s probable XI for their Champions Trophy opener includes:
Ibrahim Zadran
Rahmanullah Gurbaiz (Wicketkeeper)
Rehmat Shah
Hashmatullah Shahidi (Captain)
Azmatullah Omarzai
Gulbadin Naib
Mohammad Nabi
Rashid Khan
Noor Ahmad
Naveed Zadran
Fazalhaq Farooqi
Other squad members are Sediqullah Atal, Ikram Alikhil, Farid Ahmed, and Nangelia Kharote.
Star Player to Watch: Mohammad Nabi
One of the amazing players to watch out for in the 2025 Champions Trophy is Mohammad Nabi, whom we expect will hang his pads after this tournament. At 40, he is set to become the oldest player in this year’s Champions Trophy and this offers him his last chance to cement his legacy in the tournament.
Nabi has played an important role in the history of Afghanistan cricket, as he is the second-highest run-scorer as well as the second-most wicket-taker from Afghanistan in ODI history. As one of the most experienced players in the squad, his leadership and all-round skills will be important for achieving success in Afghanistan.
Recent ODI Form: Relentless Success
Afghanistan has been top-notch for the last few months. They have won four out of five ODI series since the 2023 ODI World Cup and have had a stupendous 2-1 win over South Africa in the UAE. Their impressive recent run adds to their confidence going into the Champions Trophy.
Afghanistan’s Champions Trophy Debut
Afghanistan’s Champions Trophy appearance will be their maiden one this year. Despite the progress they’ve made on the international platform, this is a fresh chapter in the team’s history, as they look to test themselves against the world’s best in cricket.
A Team to Watch
With a strong spin attack, seasoned leaders such as Mohammad Nabi, and an emerging pool of new talent, Afghanistan is a side to look out for in the 2025 Champions Trophy. While their middle order continues to be a weakness, the Afghan side’s capacity to hold its own among premier nations has been well established, and they are set to make a solid first impression at this high-profile tournament. They will be looking forward to how Afghanistan does as they try to find a place in the semi-finals and further.
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