Gurbaz, Rashid In; Star Batter Out: Afghanistan's Strongest Playing XI For Champions Trophy Match vs SA

Afghanistan team in action [Source: @ACBofficials/X]

To the delight of cricket fans across the globe, the much-awaited ICC Champions Trophy is all set to kickstart on February 19, with Pakistan taking on New Zealand in the tournament opener. Eight teams, divided into two groups, will clash in twelve matches before the top two sides from each group qualify for the semifinals. 

Talking about Afghanistan, the giant killers have been placed in group B alongside Australia, England and South Africa. As they prepare for their first game against the Proteas on the 21st, let's analyse and find out their most potent combination for the high-octane face-off. 

Openers: Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Ibrahim Zadran

(Stats of Gurbaz and Ibrahim as an opening pair)

• Given their impact as a pair in ODI cricket, Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Ibrahim Zadran are the obvious choices for opening the batting for Afghanistan. 
• Gurbaz, who has struck 1769 runs, including eight tons, at an average of 39.31, ensures dynamism. Meanwhile, Ibrahim, who has slammed 1440 runs at a magnificent average of 48, can be Afghanistan's Mr reliable with the bat in top order. 

Should Afghanistan Drop Rahmat Shah For Sediqullah Atal?

(Rahmat Shah's stats in ODIs since 2024)

• The numbers presented in the above table pretty much sum up Rahmat Shah's mediocre performances in ODIs of late. While he has been Afghanistan's first-choice number-three batter, Rahmat's prolonged rough patch might prompt the Atalans to think beyond him in the Champions Trophy. 
• In such a scenario, young top-order batter Sediqullah Atal emerges as a frontrunner to replace Rahmat at three. Although he has played only six matches, Atal has shown a lot of promise with the bat, scoring 230 runs at an average of 46 and a strike rate of 83.03. Thus, his inclusion could certainly empower Afghanistan with an in-form and more dynamic batter at three. 

---

ALSO READ

'Rashid Khan's Stature Bigger Than Wasim Akram': Ex-Pakistan Player Makes Big Claim

---

Upper Middle Order: Hashmatullah Shahidi, Azmatullah Omarzai

(Stats of Shahidi and Omarzai at 4 and 5)

• Afghanistan captain Hashmatullah Shahidi has been one of their most consistent performers with the bat. Although his strike rate is low as per modern-day standards, Shahidi has the ability to shift gears if needed. 
• On the other hand, Azmatullah Omarzai is Afghanistan's premier all-rounder and can be a match-winner with bat and ball. Apart from scoring 638 runs at a blistering strike rate of 98, Omarzai has bagged 30 wickets and can be a potent bowling option with the new ball. 

Lower Middle Order: Mohammad Nabi, Gulbadin Naib

(Nabi and Gulbadin's record in ODIs)

• Mohammad Nabi and Gulbadin Naib have been integral members of Afghanistan's ODI setup. Besides providing fitting finishes to the innings with their hard-hitting, Nabi and Gulbadin can be handy bowling options in the middle and death overs. 
• In fact, Afghanistan have a tendency to use Gulbadin as a pinch-hitter, and he could be their game-changer with his flamboyant stroke play on the batting-friendly pitches in Pakistan. 

Pacer: Fazalhaq Farooqi

(Fazalhaq Farooqi's record in ODIs)

• Afghanistan have three pure fast bowlers in their squad. However, they should prefer Fazalhaq Farooqi as the leader of the pack, considering he has performed superbly in the ODI format. 
• Farooqi can swing the ball both ways and could be a genuine threat to the opposition's top order in the Champions Trophy. 

Spin Bowling Unit: Rashid Khan, Noor Ahmad, Nangeyalia Kharote

(Stats of Afghanistan spinners in ODIs)

• Afghanistan have always been a spin-heavy side in white-ball cricket. While Rashid Khan is a certain starter, thanks to his experience and stature, the Afghans should bank on their strength and prefer Noor Ahmad and Nangeyalia Kharote for the remaining slots. 
• Considering they have Omarzai and Gulbadin, who can assist Farooqi with their seam-ups, Afghanistan must ensure variety in their spin department by adding Noor and Kharote to their lineup. While Rashid can be a game-changer with his leg spin, Noor's left-arm wrist spin and Kharote's left-arm off-spin, along with Nabi's off-breaks, make Afghanistan's spin unit the most flexible as well as lethal in the Champions Trophy. 

Afghanistan's Strongest Playing XI For Champions Trophy Match vs SA

Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Ibrahim Zadran, Sediqullah Atal, Hashmatullah Shahidi (C), Azmatullah Omarzai, Mohammad Nabi, Gulbadin Naib, Rashid Khan, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Noor Ahmad, Nangeyalia Kharote

---

ALSO READ

Shadab Khan Reminds Pakistan Of Special Talent With Unexpected Afghanistan Demolition

---