The Afghanistan cricket team has reached new heights and its performance in global ICC tournaments have seen drastic improvement. In the 2023 ODI World Cup in India, Afghanistan finished sixth ahead of England, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka. They won hearts with some gutsy performances. In the 2024 ICC T20 World Cup, Afghanistan progressed to the Super 8 where they overcame Australia and Bangladesh. The Afghans made it to the semis before bowing out. This was another positive direction for the Asian side.

Now come the ICC Champions Trophy, Afghanistan will want to build from their performances in white-ball cricket and look to produce substance. Placed in Group B alongside Australia, England and South Africa, the Afghans have a tough ask. However, they can come out strong and show intent to spoil the fun for these big sides. Afghanistan have that pedigree to make things interesting.

Hashmatullah Shahidi-led Afghanistan play their matches in Karachi and Lahore. Interestingly, the team is well suited to the demands of the sub-continent. As per SponneAfghanistan have played 101 matches on Asian soil, winning 49 and losing 49 alongside one game getting tied (̃NR: 2).

Ahead of the global tournament, we present the strengths, weaknesses and

Afghanistan squad: Hashmatullah Shahidi (C), Ibrahim Zadran, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Sediqullah Atal, Rahmat Shah, Ikram Alikhil, Gulbadin Naib, Azmatullah Omarzai, Mohammad Prophet, Rashid Khan, Nangeyalia Kharote, Noor Ahmad, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Farid Malik, Naveed Zadran.

Strengths of Afghanistan

Afghanistan’s opening combination of Ibrahim Zadran and Rahmanullah Gurbaz are a threat. The two batters are well composed and often lay a strong foundation for the team to work upon. Across 31 innings, Zadran and Gurbaz have added 1514 runs at a handsome 48. They own five 100-plus and three 50-plus partnerships in ODIs. Zadran averages 48 in ODIs, the highest for an Afghan batter (min 10-plus ODIs). Meanwhile, Gurbaz already owns the most 100s by an Aghan batter (8).

Afghanistan’s next set of batters are well drilled. Rahmat Shah boasts plenty of experience. He is the side’s top scorer with 3869 runs at 35.17. Alongside skipper Shahidi. Rahmat has a solid understanding. The two batters own 1624 partnership runs at 47-plus from 37 innings. Shahidi has an impressive 2375 runs at 33.92. Rahmat owns close to 2500 runs in Asia (2475). Shahidi has scored his bulk of runs in Asia (1733).

Going further, there is a champion all-rounder in Azmatullah Omarzai. His value as a composed middle order batter will boost Afghanistan. He owns 907 runs at 47.73 and his strike rate of close to 100 is impressive. Wicketkeeper batter Sediqullah Atal has done a fair job in his career spanning six ODIs. He brings an element of freshness. Spin all-rounder Mohammad Nabi adds depth with the bat. He is the side’s 2nd-highest scorer in ODIs. Nabi can be useful at the death. He strikes at 125.16 in this phase.

Afghanistan have a dream spin attack. Perhaps one of the tournament’s best. Rashid Khan leads the line. He is a multi-talented three-dimensional player. Rashid is a pioneer in white-ball cricket and boasts match-winning skills. Rashid’s understanding of the sub-continent will aid Afghanistan. He averages 19.53 (ER: 4.09) in this regard. Supporting Rashid will be the Nangeyalia Kharote. Nabi with his spin delights will fill in as the third spinner. With 172 wickets, he is a cream customer. On the bench, Noor Ahmad lends his voice. Playing in the IPL and PSL has helped him. Still raw in ODIs, his exploits in T20s, will give him the desired belief.

Afghanistan have a champion pacer in Fazalhaq Farooqi. He has gone from strength to strength. He owns 50 scalps at 31.78. With Omarzai in support, it helps Afghanistan. Besides these two, the likes of Farid Malik, Gulbadin Naib and Naveed Zadran lend their support. It’s a decent pace department if not top notch.

Weaknesses of the Afghan side

Afghanistan are well stocked in their bowling and all-round departments. However, one area they lack finesse is batting. The usual XI has a decent look and punch but if they are to change things and bring versatility when things go wrong are an issue. The only recognised batter in the background is Ikram Alikhil. He averages a paltry 22-plus with three fifties from 22 innings.

Afghanistan need to be too reliant on their bowling for comfort. It will be a tough ask for the side to chase big totals as they lack the zip.

The pace attack is a bit lean in terms of pedigree. There is a lack of experience in ranks. A lot will ride on Farooqi and Omarzai in this regard.

Predicted starting XI of Afghanistan

Ibrahim Zadran, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Hashmatullah Shahidi, Rahmat Shah, Azmatullah Omarzai, Mohammad Prophet, Sediquallh Atal, Rashid Khan, Noor Ahmad Fazalhaq Farooqi, Farid Malik.

Players to watch out for

Rashid khan: The star attraction of white-ball cricket, Rashid Khan, is the match-winner Afghanistan will be counting upon. Across 104 innings with the ball, he currently owns 198 wickets at 19.87. His economy rate of 4.20 is a massive bonus. Rashid’s 10 overs will be a pivotal factor for the Afghans. His credentials with the bat shouldn’t be overlooked as well.

Afghanistan will provide spirit and determination

It looks really difficult for Afghanistan to reach the semis from what is a tough group. However, they can be party spoilers. A win here or there from the three matches can impact heavyweights Australia, England and South Africa. One can also expect the Afghans to choke these teams with this spin show. This can be a turning point. One would feel this side will not come out empty handed and perhaps provide some discomfort for their rivals which may help them pick something.

Schedule of Afghanistan in the Champions Trophy

21 Feb – Afghanistan v South Africa, National Stadium, Karachi

26 Feb – Afghanistan v England, Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore

28 Feb – Afghanistan v Australia, Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore