Champions Trophy 2025: Afghanistan - Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, And Threats

Afghanistan SWOT Analysis for CT 2025 [Source: @mufaddal_vohra/x.com]

Afghanistan is no longer a minnow in international cricket; it is a side that commands respect and is capable of toppling the biggest teams on its day.

The T20 World Cup 2024 in the West Indies and the USA solidified Afghanistan’s rise, proving that they are not just here to make up the numbers but to challenge for global silverware. Their journey to the semifinals of the T20 World Cup displayed their skills, depth, and growing confidence.

The upcoming Champions Trophy 2025 will mark Afghanistan’s maiden appearance in the 50-over edition of the tournament. Placed in Group B alongside heavyweights Australia, England, and South Africa, Afghanistan faces a stern challenge but also a golden opportunity to make history. The conditions in Pakistan should suit their style of play with spin-friendly tracks expected to play a crucial role.

Ahead of the tournament, let’s dissect Bangladesh’s squad and evaluate the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats that define their Champions Trophy 2025 campaign.

Afghanistan Squad For ICC Champions Trophy 2025

Batsmen: Hashmatullah Shahidi (c), Ibrahim Zadran, Rahmat Shah, Sediqullah Atal
All-rounders: Mohammad Nabi, Gulbadin Naib, Azmatullah Omarzai, Karim Janat
Wicketkeeper: Rahmanullah Gurbaz
Bowlers: Rashid Khan, Nangeyalia Kharote, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Naveed Zadran, Noor Ahmad, Fareed Ahmad 

Strengths Of Afghanistan Team For ICC Champions Trophy 2025

1. World-Class Spin Attack 

Table - Afghanistan spinners' ODI stats

Inference: Afghanistan’s biggest weapon remains its lethal spin department, led by the ever-reliable Rashid Khan. With 198 ODI wickets at an economy rate of just 4.2, Rashid continues to be Afghanistan’s trump card across formats. He is well supported by Mohammad Nabi, Noor Ahmad and Nangeyalia Kharote, making Afghanistan’s spin unit one of the most well-rounded in the tournament.

Such is Afghanistan’s depth in spin that they can cope with the absence of Mujeeb Ur Rahman, one of their most experienced spinners, from the squad. If the pitches in Karachi and Lahore offer turn, expect Afghanistan to put teams in a stranglehold.

2. Explosive Opening Pair 

Table - Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Ibrahim Zadran's Opening Stats In ODIs

Inference: Afghanistan’s batting success in recent years has been built around the strong foundation provided by Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Ibrahim Zadran. The duo has combined for 1,514 runs in 31 ODIs, averaging a healthy 48.83 per partnership. Gurbaz’s attacking mindset complements Zadran’s measured approach, ensuring Afghanistan starts strong in the PowerPlay.

The chemistry between the two is evident and with both players in form, Afghanistan will be banking on them to deliver match-winning starts.

Weaknesses Of Afghanistan Team For ICC Champions Trophy 2025

1. Middle-Order Inconsistency

Table - Afghanistan middle-order stats in ODIs since 2024

Inference: While Afghanistan’s top order has been rock solid, their middle order remains a cause for concern. Hashmatullah Shahidi, Rahmat Shah and Gulbadin Naib have struggled for form, with Shahidi averaging just 32.22 in ODIs since 2024, while Rahmat Shah’s numbers have dipped to 23.33 in the same period.

Afghanistan has often relied on their openers to do the bulk of the scoring, and if they fail, the middle order has struggled to absorb pressure or accelerate when needed.

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2. Inexperienced Pace Attack

Table - Afghanistan pacers' stats in ODIs 

Inference: Afghanistan’s pace attack, while showing promise, lacks the depth and experience needed to compete against top-tier teams. The unit is heavily reliant on Fazalhaq Farooqi, who has been their standout seamer in recent tournaments. 

While Azmatullah Omarzai, Fareed Ahmad and Naveed Zadran provide support, none pf them has consistently delivered against high-quality opposition. Without a seasoned pace spearhead alongside Farooqi, Afghanistan may struggle to maintain pressure, especially on batting-friendly pitches where seamers need to play a bigger role.

3. Poor Record in Chases

Afghanistan has found chasing big totals to be a major challenge. The team has won just one out of ten ODIs when chasing 300 or more. Their batters tend to struggle under scoreboard pressure which could be a key factor against strong teams like England and Australia, known for setting massive targets.

Addressing this weakness will be crucial if Afghanistan wants to progress deep into the tournament.

Opportunities For Afghanistan Team For ICC Champions Trophy 2025

Afghanistan has a great opportunity to leave a mark at the world stage [Source: @Insights4Cric/x.com]

1. Familiar Conditions

With all of Afghanistan’s group-stage matches scheduled in Karachi and Lahore, they will be playing in conditions similar to those back home. This gives them a slight advantage, especially if the pitches assist spin.

Many Afghan players have experience playing in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) which could further help them acclimatize quickly.

2. Young Guns To Leave A Mark

The Champions Trophy presents an opportunity for Afghanistan’s young guns to announce themselves on the world stage. Sediqullah Atal, Noor Ahmad, Nangeyalia Kharote and Naveed Zadran are promising talents who have the chance to make an impact.

A breakout tournament for any of these players could add an extra dimension to Afghanistan’s strength.

Threats For Afghanistan Team For ICC Champions Trophy 2025

1. Formidable Group Stage Opponents

Being in the same group as Australia, England and South Africa means Afghanistan has no room for error. All three teams have powerful batting lineups and quality seam attacks that can test Afghanistan’s middle order.

If Afghanistan cannot consistently put up competitive totals, they might struggle to keep pace with these powerhouse teams.

2. Lack of Recent ODI Match Practice

Afghanistan’s last ODI series was in December 2024 against Zimbabwe which means they will enter the Champions Trophy with limited 50-over match practice. Unlike their opponents who have been playing more ODI cricket in preparation, Afghanistan’s lack of recent experience in the format could seriously hurt them.

Predictions For Afghanistan In Champions Trophy 2025

Afghanistan has all the ingredients to cause a few upsets in the Champions Trophy 2025 but whether they can go all the way is another story. Their spin attack is world-class, and if the pitches favour turn, they’ll be a nightmare for opponents.

However, their middle-order struggles and over-reliance on Fazalhaq Farooqi in the pace department could hurt them against top teams like Australia and England. If Gurbaz and Zadran fire at the top and Rashid Khan works his magic, a semi-final spot isn’t out of reach but they’ll need to be at their absolute best to make it happen.

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