As the Champions Trophy 2025 draws nearer, Afghanistan’s name stands out as one of the most exciting and formidable teams in the competition. After a remarkable run in the 2023 ODI World Cup and an even more historic journey to the semi-finals of the 2024 T20 World Cup, Afghanistan have emerged as one of the dark horses in global cricket.
Their victory over Australia and New Zealand in the T20 World Cup and their impressive record in bilateral ODIs demonstrate that they are not just participants, but serious contenders for the semi-finals of the upcoming tournament.
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Recent Form: A Team on the Rise
Afghanistan has proven to be giant-slaying specialists, having stunned some of the cricketing giants in recent years. At the 2023 ODI World Cup, the team notably triumphed over the likes of Pakistan and England, confirming their potential as one of the most dangerous teams in international cricket. Their historic performance in the 2024 T20 World Cup only enhanced their reputation, as they reached the semi-finals by defeating Australia and New Zealand—two of the most formidable sides in the format.
Looking ahead to the Champions Trophy, Afghanistan’s recent form in bilateral ODIs is nothing short of impressive. Since the 2023 World Cup, they have won four out of their five bilateral series, including a 2-1 triumph against South Africa, a top-five ranked ICC ODI team. This win, their first ever over a top-five ranked team, further cements their status as one of the teams to watch.
Key Strengths: Spin Power and Familiar Grounds
One of Afghanistan’s biggest advantages heading into the Champions Trophy is the familiarity of the playing conditions. The team will play all three of their group matches in Pakistan (Karachi and Lahore), where conditions are expected to favor spin bowlers. This plays perfectly into Afghanistan’s strengths, as the squad boasts a stellar lineup of slow bowlers.
Despite the injury to mystery spinner AM Ghazanfar, Afghanistan still has a potent spin attack. Rashid Khan, one of the best leg-spinners in the world, will lead the attack alongside the experienced Mohammad Nabi. Supporting them will be the youthful left-arm duo of Noor Ahmad and Nangeyalia Kharote, who bring added variety and depth to the spin department. This rich variety of slow bowlers gives Afghanistan a balanced attack that can exploit the conditions to their advantage.
Weaknesses: The Middle Order
While Afghanistan’s bowling attack is a major strength, their batting, particularly in the middle order, has been a weak point. In the 2023 ODI World Cup, their Nos. 4-7 were the least productive group in terms of runs, scoring just 849 runs from 1001 balls at a strike rate of around 85. This problem continued during the 2024 T20 World Cup, where their Nos. 3-7 accumulated just 360 runs at an average of 12.
This brittle middle order places pressure on the opening pair of Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Ibrahim Zadran, who have been Afghanistan’s best batters in the last three years. Their ability to get the team off to a strong start will be crucial, but the middle-order struggle could be a potential downfall if the openers fail.
First-Round Fixtures: Challenging Opponents Await
Afghanistan’s journey in the 2025 Champions Trophy will begin with a series of tough encounters in the group stage:
- Feb 21 – Afghanistan vs South Africa, Karachi
- Feb 26 – Afghanistan vs England, Lahore
- Feb 28 – Afghanistan vs Australia, Lahore
These three matches will be a true test of Afghanistan’s capabilities, as they face off against some of the most established teams in world cricket. How they perform against these giants will likely determine their fate in the tournament.
Afghanistan’s Best XI: The Key Players
Afghanistan’s potential in the Champions Trophy hinges on the performances of several key players. The team is likely to field:
- Ibrahim Zadran
- Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk)
- Rahmat Shah
- Hashmatullah Shahidi (capt)
- Azmatullah Omarzai
- Gulbadin Naib
- Mohammad Nabi
- Rashid Khan
- Noor Ahmad / Nangeyalia Kharote
- Naveed Zadran
- Fazalhaq Farooqi
In addition, players like Sediqullah Atal, Ikram Alikhil, and Fareed Ahmad will be ready to step in, adding depth to the squad.
Players to Watch: The Veteran and The Aggressive Finisher
Mohammad Nabi, at 40, is the oldest player in the tournament. Having been a stalwart for Afghanistan cricket since 2009, Nabi is one of the most experienced and influential players in their history. He is set to retire from ODIs after the Champions Trophy, making this tournament a swan song for the veteran. With his all-round abilities and leadership experience, Nabi could play a vital role in Afghanistan’s campaign, and a strong performance could see him sign off on a high.
Another player to keep an eye on is Gulbadin Naib, the 33-year-old allrounder, who has been a fixture in Afghan cricket since 2008. Naib’s recent form in the ILT20, where he played a pivotal role in Dubai Capitals’ triumph, further bolsters his reputation. Known for his aggressive batting, Naib’s ability to finish games could be a game-changer for Afghanistan in the Champions Trophy.
Afghanistan’s Semi-Final Hopes
Afghanistan’s rise in world cricket over the last few years has been nothing short of remarkable. With a balanced team, a potent spin attack, and some key players in top form, they are poised to make a deep run in the 2025 Champions Trophy. While their middle-order concerns remain a significant issue, their ability to upset higher-ranked teams and their recent form suggest that they are serious contenders for a semi-final spot. With the right combination of luck and skill, Afghanistan could well go the distance in this prestigious tournament.
Read More: ICC Champions Trophy 2025: Full Squads Announced
FAQs
What makes Afghanistan a strong contender for the Champions Trophy 2025?
Afghanistan’s recent success in the 2023 ODI World Cup and 2024 T20 World Cup, along with their powerful spin attack, positions them as serious semi-final contenders.
Who are the key players to watch in Afghanistan’s squad for the Champions Trophy?
Key players include Mohammad Nabi, who will retire after the tournament, and Gulbadin Naib, known for his aggressive batting and all-round capabilities.
What challenges does Afghanistan face in the Champions Trophy 2025?
Afghanistan’s main challenge lies in their middle-order batting, which has struggled in recent tournaments, placing pressure on the opening pair.
Where will Afghanistan play their group-stage matches in the Champions Trophy 2025?
Afghanistan’s group-stage matches will be held in Pakistan, with games in Karachi and Lahore, where spin bowling will play a crucial role.
How has Afghanistan performed in recent bilateral ODI series?
Since the 2023 World Cup, Afghanistan has won four out of five bilateral series, including a landmark 2-1 victory over South Africa.
