Afghanistan have done well in recent ICC events and will fancy their chances to at least reach the semifinal again this time.
Afghanistan have announced the squad for the Champions Trophy 2025, which includes some quality names. Ibrahim Zadran returns to the team after being out of action due to an ankle injury, while Sediqullah Atal retains his place in the side after his recent rise.
Hashmatullah Shahidi will continue leading the side, whereas other common names include Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Rahmat Shah, Gulbadin Naib, and Azmatullah Omarzai. The most notable aspect of their squad is the quality of the spin attack, comprising some big names like Rashid Khan and Mohammed Nabi.
Rashid Khan will lead the spin attack and is among the finest white-ball spinners in the world. Since 2023, he has 35 wickets at an average of 26.02 in 23 outings, including a five-wicket haul.
Since Pakistan’s conditions are mostly flat, he must weave his magic and provide crucial breakthroughs in the middle overs. He has 7 wickets at 39.14 in six innings against Pakistan and has played two ODIs in Pakistan, snaring two wickets.
Mohammad Nabi is the most experienced member of the squad and will provide control in the middle overs. He bowls defensive lines and lengths and can contain the batters, for he is known for his economical spells.
Since 2023, he has dismissed 28 batters at 34.17 runs apiece and conceded only 4.23 runs per over. Nabi has 7 wickets at 39.57 runs apiece in eight outings against Pakistan but has been wicketless in two innings in Pakistan.
Also Read: Why Is Naveen-Ul-Haq Absent in Afghanistan’s Squad for Champions Trophy 2025?
Among the biggest wicket-takers in white-ball cricket, Noor Ahmad will be one to watch out for in the Champions Trophy 2025. Noor has a range of variations and can bring consistent breakthroughs since teams haven’t picked him well, even in the international arena.
He doesn’t have much experience in this format, having played only ten matches. However, his skillsets are too high to ignore him, even if his numbers are slightly underwhelming.
Allah Ghazanfar was the story of the last year, especially in the 50-over format. In 11 outings, he has 21 wickets at a marvellous average of 13.57 and a strike rate of 20, including two five-wicket hauls.
He has mostly bowled on helpful decks but has shown expertise in providing regular breakthroughs, making him a solid contender to start in the XI. Ghazanfar might be preferred over Noor if the situation arises to play three spinners at any stage.
Afghanistan are placed in Group B with Australia, England, and South Africa. While these teams have a few quality spin players, Afghanistan’s spinners are skilled enough to wreak havoc since spin is not the stronger suit of their opponents.
During the World Cup 2023, they showed how dangerous they can be on subcontinent decks, taking a few quality opponents down. The selection of four spinners suggests they have kept the opponents in mind.
They don’t play any Asian side in the group stage and can be a dark horse in the tournament again. Afghanistan have done well in recent ICC events and will fancy their chances to at least reach the semifinal again this time.
Hashmatullah Shahidi (c), Ibrahim Zadran, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Sediqullah Atal, Rahmat Shah, Ikram Alikhil, Gulbadin Naib, Azmatullah Omarzai, Mohammad Nabi, Rashid Khan, AM Ghazanfar, Noor Ahmad, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Farid Malik, Naveed Zadran
Reserves: Darwish Rasooli, Nangyal Kharoti, Bilal Sami
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