Former India player Aakash Chopra has reckoned Afghanistan’s strategy in the Champions Trophy 2025 and also predicted that the side could reach the semi-finals in the tournament.
The Champions Trophy 2025 will be played across Pakistan and Dubai. Placed in Group B alongside Australia, England and South Africa, Afghanistan will play their first match against Proteas in Karachi.
In a video shared on his YouTube Channel, the former India opener expressed a desire on Afghanistan’s chances of reaching semi-finals.
“Their strategy is very simple. They will bowl 40 overs of spin. No matter how flat a pitch you make, they will do the job considering the quality of spin they have.”
“If you survive against Rashid Khan, you will get stuck against Noor Ahmad. If you survive against Noor, Allah Ghazanfar will catch you, and if you survive there, Mohammad Nabi’s experience will come in handy,” he said.
“They will want 270 to 280-run matches. They won’t want 325 to 350-run pitches. Their range will be between 250 and 290, where their batting will do the job, and they won’t let you reach there.”
“They have a good chance of making it to the semis. There is a strong possibility,” Chopra added.
Aakash Chopra also pointed out that Afghanistan, are heading into the Tournament with lots of experience in ODI cricket. He added that they could be one of the strongest contender in Group B as the pitches and conditions suits them.
He also predicted Afghanistan’s probable playing Xl for Champions Trophy 2025, choosing Ibrahim Zadran and Rahmanullah Gurbaz as their openers.
“What could be their probable playing XI? Ibrahim Zadran with Rahmanullah Gurbaz, both are quality players. Ibrahim Zadran plays very well technically and Rahmanullah Gurbaz’s last year was very good. After that, you will see either Rahmat Shah or Sediqullah Atal,” he said.
The analyst chose Fazalhaq Farooqi as the only specialist seamer in his Afghanistan Xl.
“Then Hashmatullah Shahidi, Azmatullah Omarzai, Mohammad Nabi, and you will have batting till Gulbadin Naib. After that, Rashid Khan. They might play Allah Ghazanfar, and then Noor Ahmad and Fazalhaq Farooqi. The team is looking good to me,” Chopra concluded.
Aakash Chopra’s Probable Afghanistan Xl for Champions Trophy 2025: Ibrahim Zadran, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Rahmat Shah / Sediqullah Atal, Hashmatullah Shahidi, Azmatullah Omarzai, Mohammad Nabi, Gulbadin Naib, Rashid Khan, Allah Ghazanfar, Noor Ahmad, Fazalhaq Farooqi.
