Afghanistan’s Strong Hopes in Champions Trophy 2025 Fueled by Gurbaz’s Form and Bowling Attack

Afghanistan heads into the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 with confidence, backed by the red-hot form of opening batter Rahmanullah Gurbaz and a strong bowling attack. Despite missing promising young spinner Allah Ghazanfar, the team has reasons to be optimistic about making a deep run in the tournament. Their campaign begins on February 21 against South Africa in Karachi, followed by crucial group-stage matches against England (February 26 in Lahore) and Australia (February 28 in Lahore).

Since the conclusion of the 2023 ODI World Cup, Afghanistan has played five bilateral series, winning four of them. Their most significant achievement came in the form of a historic series victory against South Africa. In total, they have won eight out of 13 ODIs, showcasing consistent performance.

Afghanistan’s ODI record since the end of the World Cup 2023:

• Lost 0-3 to Sri Lanka (away)
• Won 2-0 against Ireland (UAE)
• Won 2-1 against South Africa (UAE)
• Won 2-1 against Bangladesh (UAE)
• Won 2-0 against Zimbabwe (away)

Afghanistan’s biggest asset heading into the tournament is their star opener Rahmanullah Gurbaz. Since the 2023 ODI World Cup, he has scored 531 runs in 11 matches at an average of 48.27, including three centuries and two half-centuries. His ability to provide aggressive starts at the top order will be crucial for Afghanistan’s success in the tournament.

Afghanistan has built a reputation as giant slayers in ICC tournaments. In the 2023 ODI World Cup, they secured a sixth-place finish with wins over defending champions England, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka. Their remarkable run continued in the T20 World Cup 2024, where they defeated heavyweights New Zealand and Australia on their way to the semifinals. This experience and confidence will be key as they face strong opponents in the Champions Trophy group stage.

A crucial factor in Afghanistan’s consistency has been the retention of their core players from the World Cup squad. Key players such as Gurbaz, Ibrahim Zadran, Mohammad Nabi, Rashid Khan, Noor Ahmad, Hashmatullah Shahidi, and Rahmat Shah continue to be integral to the team. Their experience playing together will provide stability in high-pressure situations.

Spin bowling remains Afghanistan’s biggest strength. Led by Rashid Khan, the attack also features Noor Ahmad, Mohammad Nabi, and the promising all-rounder Nangeyalia Kharote. The trio of Rashid, Noor, and Nabi has troubled top batting lineups across formats and will be vital on spin-friendly pitches in Pakistan.

Afghanistan will be without one of their most exciting new talents, Allah Ghazanfar, who has been ruled out due to injury. The young off-spinner made an immediate impact after the 2023 World Cup, taking 21 wickets in 11 matches at an average of just 13.57, including two five-wicket hauls and a six-wicket haul on debut. His absence will be a significant loss for the team.

While Afghanistan’s batting unit has improved in terms of spending more time at the crease, some of their batters have been playing at a slower strike rate. Since the end of the 2023 World Cup, key players such as Hashmatullah Shahidi (strike rate: 69.37), Rahmat Shah (68.12), and Ibrahim Zadran (70.50) have struggled to accelerate the scoring. Against strong opponents like South Africa, England, and Australia, they will need to score at a faster rate to remain competitive.

Afghanistan will also miss the experience of Mujeeb Ur Rahman, who is not part of the squad. The seasoned spinner has been an integral part of Afghanistan’s bowling attack in previous ICC tournaments, and his absence leaves a gap in their bowling options.

Top Performers Since the 2023 World Cup

Top Run-Scorers:

1. Rahmanullah Gurbaz – 531 runs in 11 matches, avg 48.27 (3 centuries, 2 fifties)
2. Azmatullah Omarzai – 417 runs in 14 matches, avg 52.12 (1 century, 3 fifties)
3. Mohammad Nabi – 410 runs in 14 matches, avg 41.00 (1 century, 1 fifty)
4. Hashmatullah Shahidi – 290 runs in 14 matches, avg 32.22 (3 fifties)
5. Rahmat Shah – 280 runs in 14 matches, avg 23.33 (4 fifties)

Top Wicket-Takers:

1. Allah Ghazanfar – 21 wickets in 11 matches, avg 13.57
2. Azmatullah Omarzai – 17 wickets in 14 matches, avg 20.47
3. Rashid Khan – 15 wickets in 8 matches, avg 12.46
4. Fazalhaq Farooqi – 12 wickets in 12 matches, avg 40.08
5. Nangeyalia Kharote – 11 wickets in 7 matches, avg 16.54

Afghanistan Squad:

Hashmatullah Shahidi (c), Ibrahim Zadran, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Sediqullah Atal, Rahmat Shah, Ikram Alikhil, Gulbadin Naib, Azmatullah Omarzai, Mohammad Nabi, Rashid Khan, Nangyal Kharoti, Noor Ahmad–, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Farid Malik, Naveed Zadran. Reserves: Darwish Rasooli, Bilal Sami.