Table of Contents
Afghanistan have emerged as one of the fastest-growing cricketing nations, consistently challenging top teams and producing world-class talents. While their dominance in T20 cricket is well-established, the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy 2025 presents an opportunity to showcase their strength in the 50-over format. Drawn in a competitive group alongside Australia, England, and South Africa, Afghanistan face a daunting challenge but has already proven their ability to compete at the highest level.
Talented side with lots of potential
Despite being considered underdogs, Afghanistan’s recent performances suggest they are more than capable of making a deep run in the tournament. They impressed in the 2023 ODI World Cup, finishing sixth with the same points as Pakistan, and reached the semi-finals of the 2024 T20 World Cup, defeating top-tier teams along the way. Their squad is packed with match-winners who have gained valuable experience playing in international leagues and ICC events.
A dark horse in the tournament
Afghanistan’s ability to punch above their weight makes them a dangerous side in the Champions Trophy 2025. They have already proven they can beat teams like England and Pakistan on the big stage, and with a balanced squad featuring top-class spinners, aggressive batters, and skillful pacers, they are a team to watch out for. If they can maintain consistency and handle pressure against cricketing powerhouses, Afghanistan might just pull off a few upsets and make history in the tournament.
Also READ: South Africa captain Temba Bavuma reveals why Champions Trophy is more challenging than World Cup
Afghanistan’s predicted playing XI for the Champions Trophy 2025 game against South Africa
1. Ibrahim Zadran (Opener)
- Role: Top-order batter
- Strength: Solid technique and ability to anchor the innings
- Expectations: Afghanistan will rely on Zadran to provide a steady start against South Africa’s pace attack. His consistency at the top will be crucial in setting a platform for the middle order.
2. Rahmanullah Gurbaz (Opener & Wicketkeeper)
- Role: Explosive opener & wicketkeeper
- Strength: Aggressive stroke play and ability to take on fast bowlers
- Expectations: Gurbaz will be expected to give Afghanistan a flying start, taking advantage of the powerplay with his attacking shots. His performance behind the stumps will also be key.
3. Sediqullah Atal (Top-order batter)
- Role: Aggressive batter at No. 3
- Strength: Attacking mindset and ability to accelerate the innings
- Expectations: Atal’s role will be to maintain the momentum set by the openers and take on South Africa’s spinners in the middle overs.
4. Rahmat Shah (Middle-order batter)
- Role: Stabilizer in the middle order
- Strength: Classical batting technique and ability to play long innings
- Expectations: Rahmat will be tasked with anchoring the innings and playing spin effectively. He will need to build partnerships if early wickets fall.
5. Hashmatullah Shahidi (c) (Captain & Middle-order batter)
- Role: Captain & anchor in the middle order
- Strength: Calm approach and leadership ability
- Expectations: As the captain, Shahidi will need to hold the innings together and guide Afghanistan under pressure situations. His ability to rotate strike and play till the end will be vital.
6. Azmatullah Omarzai (All-rounder)
- Role: Batting all-rounder & medium pacer
- Strength: Power-hitting and useful seam bowling
- Expectations: Omarzai will be expected to provide the finishing touch in the death overs and contribute with crucial breakthroughs with the ball.
7. Rashid Khan (All-rounder)
- Role: Lead spinner & impact player
- Strength: World-class leg-spin and finishing ability with the bat
- Expectations: Rashid will be Afghanistan’s trump card. His ability to bowl in any phase of the innings and contribute quick runs will be essential in a high-stakes match.
8. Mohammad Nabi (All-rounder)
- Role: Senior all-rounder & off-spinner
- Strength: Vast experience and match-winning ability
- Expectations: Nabi will be the backbone of Afghanistan’s middle-lower order and a key weapon with his off-spin against left-handers in the Proteas lineup.
9. Gulbadin Naib (Fast bowler)
- Role: Experienced all-rounder
- Strength: Ability to swing the ball and play quick cameos
- Expectations: Naib’s experience will be crucial in both batting and bowling. He will be expected to provide balance in the lower order and chip in with key overs.
10. Noor Ahmad (Left-arm spinner)
- Role: Mystery spinner
- Strength: Variations and ability to trouble batters with his angles
- Expectations: Noor will be expected to complement Rashid Khan and keep South Africa’s batters in check during the middle overs. His ability to take wickets will be crucial.
11. Fazalhaq Farooqi (Fast bowler)
- Role: Lead pacer
- Strength: Swing and accuracy with the new ball
- Expectations: Farooqi will be expected to make early inroads with the ball and provide breakthroughs at crucial junctures. His death-over bowling will also be key.
