ICC Champions Trophy 2025
Afghanistan plays all group stage games in Pakistan ©AFP
overview
Afghanistan’s victory over England at the 2023 ODI World Cup was considered an extraordinary given their previous defeats to Bangladesh and India, and was subsequently defeated by New Zealand after a victory over Jos Butler’s side. However, their growth in the 50-over format was soon revealed as they comfortably beat Pakistan, Sri Lanka and the Netherlands and won three consecutive wins. They were on the brink of a fourth, if not due to a sensational inning from Glenn Maxwell, and just missed out on their place in the semi-finals of the 2023 event.
Currently ranked 8th in the ICC ODI rankings, Afghanistan is not among the elites and has long been recognized for his skills in T20 cricket. However, they are steadily making marks even in the 50-over format. Following their good run at the 2023 World Cup, they made their first appearance in the semifinals of the 2024 Men’s T20 World Cup, highlighting their height gains on the global stage with their recent ODI victory. With the advantage of playing in familiar Asian situations, Afghanistan meets as the dark horse of the Champions Trophy.
ODI Form Guide: W | w | w | l | W (Completing the last 5 games)
Since the end of the 2023 World Cup, Afghanistan has scored 8 out of 14 ODIs, including a famous 2-1 series victory over South Africa in Sharjah. They also defeated Ireland, Bangladesh and Zimbabwe in the bilateral series, but their only loss came against Sri Lanka.
squad:
Rahmat Shah (VC), Ramara Ghabaz (WK), Ikram Alikhil (WK), Ibrahim Zadran, Sedikula Atal, Hasmatullah Omarzai, Mohammad Navi, Galbadin Naive Fakatiamuamumamatii, Naveed Zadran And Farid Ahmad Malik
Ibrahim Zadran’s return and the revival of current Rahmanora Galbaz and Azmathura Omarzai (recently named ICC Men’s Odicricketer of the Year) is all cheerful for Afghan teams who will go with a well-balanced team is. Experienced Rashid Khan leads a spin attack with four slow bowlers. Despite his absence, which forced Am Ghazanfar to be injured, Afghanistan has a solid spin bowling unit. The Afghan team includes 10 players featured at the 2023 World Cup, covering all bases in terms of experienced batting, reliable pace attacks and the presence of quality all-rounders. It’s there.
Group Stage Schedule:
February 21: Karachi, South Africa
February 26: vs England, Lahore
February 28: Against Australia, Lahore
The four-day gap before the second match with England provides a well-earned break, but Afghanistan quickly turns ahead of the final group match with Australia. However, based in Pakistan for all the games and playing two matches in Lahore will allow you to read the sense of continuity and conditions better. Afghanistan also confidently heads to the tournament after beating the group’s teams previously.
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