NEW DELHI: Afghanistan enter the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy aiming to continue their trend of upsetting top-tier teams – a skill they’ve honed in recent years. In the 2023 ODI World Cup, they stunned England, Pakistan and Sri Lanka, while in the 2024 T20 World Cup, they made history by defeating New Zealand, Australia and Bangladesh en route to their first-ever ICC tournament semifinals.
Buoyed by confidence, Afghanistan will look to build on that success and push for a semifinal spot in the Champions Trophy. Led by captain Hashmatullah Shahidi, they will begin their campaign against South Africa in Karachi on Friday.
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Batter Ibrahim Zadran is confident that the team will enter the tournament with the same intent and mindset.
“We’re going to play against South Africa in Karachi. I don’t think there’s anything to worry about or overthink. We just need to go out there, give 100% on the field, and show the same passion and energy. I’m sure that if we bring that mindset onto the field, the results will come our way. If we start focusing on the outcome too early, the pressure will build on us. So, we just need to work on our skills and approach the game with the same passion and confidence. The simpler we keep it, the better we will play in the Champions Trophy,” Zadran told TimesofIndia.com in an interview.
“I’m pretty sure we will perform really well. If you look at the recent 50-over series against South Africa, which we played here at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium, we won that. It was our first-ever 50-over series against them. And if you look at Afghanistan’s performance over the last two to three years, it has been brilliant. We have played outstanding cricket during this period. That energy, passion, and confidence are there in the team. I’m sure we will perform really well,” he said.
Afghanistan are placed in a tough group alongside South Africa, Australia and England — teams they have beaten in the past and will look to challenge once again.
Afghanistan boast a strong batting lineup featuring Rahmat Shah, Ibrahim Zadran, Gulbadin Naib, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, veteran Mohammad Nabi, and the explosive Rashid Khan.
Their bowling attack is equally formidable, with pacers Fazalhaq Farooqi and Fareed Ahmad Malik providing firepower, while experienced spinners Rashid and Noor Ahmad will spearhead the spin department.
“Rashid is a match-winner and a game-changer. He can change the game in all departments, but his biggest impact is in bowling. At times, he also sets the momentum for the team with his all-round performance. He is in good form and full of confidence. I’m sure he will be the game-changer and win matches for us in the Champions Trophy,” Zadran said.