3 Reasons Sediqullah Atal Will Be Afghanistan’s Surprise Package In Champions Trophy 2025

Sediqullah Atal has been in great form [Source: @ACBofficials/x.com]

The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 is almost here and all eyes are on the usual suspects Australia, India, England, and Pakistan. However, there is one team that could shake up the tournament and cause some serious upsets: Afghanistan.

Making their debut in the Champions Trophy, the Afghans will look to make a statement with their performances. They have already proven in recent ICC events that they can go toe-to-toe with the best and this time, they come in with a squad packed with exciting talent.

One player who could turn heads and be the X-factor for Afghanistan is Sediqullah Atal. He’s new to the international stage, but the buzz around him is real. Afghanistan isn’t short of match-winners, but Atal brings something fresh: a fearless attitude, a hunger to perform, and a game built for modern-day cricket. If he fires, Afghanistan could cause a few shocks in the tournament.

Let’s take a look at 3 reasons why Sediqullah Atal could be the surprise package for Afghanistan in Champions Trophy 2025.

3. Brute Power & Ability To Clear The Ropes

Modern-day cricket is all about power-hitting and Atal has that in abundance. The left-hander doesn’t just play big shots, he loves taking on the bowlers from ball one. His natural six-hitting ability makes him a dangerous batter, especially in a tournament where teams will look to start aggressively. Afghanistan needs a top-order batter who can set the tone, and Atal fits the bill perfectly.

He has already shown his intent in the SA20 2025, where he played for MI Cape Town. Even though he didn’t get too many chances, the glimpses he provided were enough to prove that he has the ability to take down even the best bowlers. His numbers in SA20 speak volumes about his aggressive style:

SA20 2025 Stats for MI Cape Town

A strike rate of nearly 150 in a league filled with world-class bowlers is no joke. It shows that Atal has the ability to go after any bowling attack. If he brings that same energy into the Champions Trophy, Afghanistan could find themselves in commanding positions early in their innings.

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2. Already Making Waves In ODIs

For someone so new to the international scene, Atal has wasted no time in showing that he belongs. His maiden ODI century against Zimbabwe in December was a massive statement. He played a mature innings, pacing it beautifully and showing that he has more than just power in his arsenal. His ODI career is still in its early days but the numbers already paint a promising picture.

Sediqullah Atal ODI Career Stats

His strike rate of 83.29 might not be explosive but it shows that he knows when to attack and when to hold back. In high-pressure games, that kind of temperament is invaluable. If Afghanistan needs a player to anchor the innings while also accelerating when required, Atal could be their man.

1. Thrives Under Pressure & Performs On The Big Stage

Not all players can handle pressure but Atal has already proven that he thrives in high-stakes matches. He was the leading run-scorer in the ACC Men’s T20 Emerging Teams Asia Cup 2024, where he dominated the tournament with his consistency and aggressive batting.

ACC Men’s T20 Emerging Teams Asia Cup 2024 Stats

These numbers are outrageous. Five fifties in five matches? A strike rate of almost 150 in a tournament filled with quality bowlers? That’s the sign of a player who doesn’t buckle under pressure. If he can translate this form into ODIs, Afghanistan could have a game-changer in their ranks.

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