ODI PROFILE
afghanistan
TEAM RANKING
8th
Nickname: The Lions of Afghanistan
Captain: Hashmatullah Shahidi
Head Coach: Jonathan Trott
Uniform: Afghanistan’s team colors are primarily blue and red. Their playing kit features these bold colors, with a modern design reflecting the national identity and spirit of the team.
Afghanistan has shown remarkable growth in ODI cricket since gaining full ICC membership. They have made significant strides, and their qualification for the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy marks a new milestone in their cricketing journey. Achievements: Afghanistan has earned a reputation for upsets, including notable wins against major teams in the 2023 ICC World Cup, such as England and Pakistan
The Afghanistan national cricket team is also called the Afghan Lions. They have made great progress in international cricket, especially in One Day International (ODI) cricket. Afghanistan started playing ODI cricket in 2009 and has quickly risen to compete with top teams.
One of their best moments was in 2018 when they won the ICC Cricket World Cup Qualifier, securing their place in the 2019 Cricket World Cup. Another proud achievement was their historic win against Pakistan in the 2023 Cricket World Cup, showcasing their growing strength and skill.
Afghanistan’s cricket team is famous for their determination and emerging talent!
Key Players to Watch in ICC Champions Trophy 2025
Mohammad Nabi
Why They’re Important
Mohammad Nabi, Afghanistan’s veteran all-rounder, is a cornerstone of his team’s setup due to his vast experience and versatile skill set. As the most capped ODI player for Afghanistan with 167 matches, he brings a balanced combination of batting power, bowling prowess, and exceptional fielding. His ability to deliver under pressure has been instrumental in Afghanistan’s rise in international cricket. Known for his smart off-spin and clutch performances with the bat, Nabi is also a mentor for younger players in the squad.
Notable Achievements
Batting: Nabi has amassed over 3,600 runs in ODIs, becoming Afghanistan’s second-highest run-scorer in the format.
Bowling: He has taken 172 wickets, making him one of the team’s leading bowlers.
Leadership: He captained Afghanistan during their debut in the 2015 ODI World Cup and contributed significantly in the 2019 and 2023 editions.
Recent Form: Nabi was named Player of the Series in Afghanistan’s 2-1 ODI series victory over Bangladesh in late 2024, showcasing his current form and readiness for the Champions Trophy 2025.
Expected Impact in 2025
The 2025 ICC Champions Trophy will mark Nabi’s ODI swan song, making it a high-stakes tournament for the all-rounder. His ability to control the game in the middle overs with the ball and finish innings strongly with the bat will be pivotal, especially as Afghanistan makes its debut in the tournament. His presence adds depth and stability, which could be critical for the team’s performance in this global event.
Rashid Khan
Why They’re Important:
Rashid Khan, Afghanistan’s spin maestro, is renowned for his match-winning abilities in limited-overs cricket. His exceptional leg-spin bowling, featuring quick arm speed and deceptive variations, makes him a nightmare for batters. He also brings versatility, contributing as a lower-order power-hitter and an experienced leader, as seen during his stints as Afghanistan’s captain.
Notable Achievements:
Rashid has consistently been a standout performer in major tournaments. In Afghanistan’s recent historic series win over South Africa, he led the bowling unit with seven wickets across two matches at an impressive average of 7.00. His World Cup 2023 and T20 World Cup campaigns also showcased his ability to excel under pressure, taking crucial wickets and handling captaincy responsibilities.
Expected Impact in 2025:
Heading into the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, Rashid is expected to spearhead Afghanistan’s bowling attack in challenging conditions against top-tier teams like Australia, South Africa, and England. His role will be pivotal in controlling the middle overs, breaking partnerships, and setting up wins for his team. Additionally, his experience and leadership will be vital in guiding a relatively young Afghan side through a competitive group stage
Azmatullah Omarzai
Why They’re Important:
Azmatullah Omarzai is a versatile all-rounder for Afghanistan, known for his impactful batting and bowling. His ability to strike big under pressure makes him a vital asset, especially in tight chases. Omarzai’s pace bowling, combined with his knack for middle-order stabilization, has earned him recognition as a game-changer. He also has a proven ability to hit sixes and rotate the strike effectively, adapting to various match situations.
Notable Achievements:
Batting: In the 2023 ICC Cricket World Cup, Omarzai scored 353 runs in nine innings, including a standout 97* against South Africa. His ability to perform in both chasing and setting targets was evident, averaging 34.3 while batting first and an impressive 100 while chasing. Bowling: He contributed significantly with the ball in the middle overs, consistently picking wickets and maintaining control, even in high-pressure situations. Leagues & Domestic Success: Omarzai has participated in key T20 leagues such as the PSL and BPL and was picked by Gujarat in the IPL, highlighting his growing reputation internationally.
Expected Impact in 2025:
In the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy, Omarzai is expected to play a pivotal role for Afghanistan. With his capability to anchor the innings and accelerate as needed, he is likely to be a key figure in the middle order. His bowling in the middle overs, paired with Afghanistan’s spin-heavy attack, will be crucial in disrupting opposition line-ups. Additionally, his experience in global T20 leagues will bolster his confidence and adaptability in the tournament.
Team Afghanistan Strategies
Past Performances in Champions Trophy
Tournament History
Afghanistan’s Journey in the ICC Champions Trophy
Afghanistan’s journey in the ICC Champions Trophy is relatively new but filled with promise and determination. Emerging as a cricketing force in recent years, they have brought their distinctive flair and resilience to the global stage.
Appearances
Afghanistan has participated in 1 edition of the ICC Champions Trophy since their rise in international cricket, making their debut in the 2017 tournament.
Wins
Afghanistan has not won the Champions Trophy yet but continues to grow as a formidable team in global tournaments.
Best Finish
Their best finish came in 2017, where they made a spirited effort in the group stages, showcasing their potential against top-ranked teams.
Memorable Matches
ICC Champions Trophy 2025 – Afghanistan’s Fixtures
Click on any match to view more details (e.g., head-to-head stats, key players, venue info).
| Match # | Fixture | Date | Time | Venue | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Afghanistan vs South Africa | Feb 21, 2025 | TBC | Karachi | View Details |
| 2 | Afghanistan vs England | Feb 25, 2025 | TBC | Lahore | View Details |
| 3 | Afghanistan vs Australia | Feb 28, 2025 | TBC | Rawalpindi | View Details |
Knockout Stages
| Date | Fixture | Location | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| March 5 | Semi-Final: TBC vs TBC | Karachi | View Details |
| March 6 | Semi-Final: TBC vs TBC | Rawalpindi | View Details |
| March 9 | Final: TBC vs TBC | Lahore | View Details |
Fan Corner
Social Media
Stay Connected with Afghanistan Cricket Team
Follow us on social media for live updates, behind-the-scenes content, and more:
- Twitter: Afghanistan Cricket Twitter
- Instagram: Afghanistan Cricket Instagram
- Facebook: Afghanistan Cricket Facebook
- YouTube: Afghanistan Cricket YouTube
Join the conversation using #Afghanistan2025 on social media!
Fun Facts About Afghanistan Cricket Team
Afghanistan made their Champions Trophy debut in 2025, marking a historic moment for the team.
Strengths
The team is renowned for their exceptional spin attack, led by world-class bowlers like Rashid Khan and Mujeeb Ur Rahman.
Historic Achievement
Afghanistan achieved their first-ever ICC tournament victory against a Test-playing nation in 2018, a milestone that showcased their rapid growth in international cricket.
Fan Chant/Tradition
- Afghanistan fans passionately chant “Afghan Jalebi” during celebrations and wickets.
- Fans often wear traditional blue attire to match the team’s iconic jersey, creating a vibrant and unified atmosphere in the stands.
Did You Know?
Afghanistan’s journey from an Associate Member to competing in global tournaments is one of cricket’s most inspiring stories.
Related Teams
- Pakistan: Discover the spirited encounters between Afghanistan and Pakistan, showcasing the rising competition in cricket.
- India: Dive into the intense matches between Afghanistan and India, where talent meets experience on the grand stage.
Stay tuned and cheer for Afghanistan as they take on the world in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025!
Please note that player selections and tournament arrangements are subject to change. For the most current information, it’s advisable to follow official announcements from the Afghanistan Cricket Board and the ICC.
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