Afghanistan cricket team. Photo: X | Afghanistan Cricket Board Afghanistan cricket team. Photo: X | Afghanistan Cricket Board

Afghanistan are one of the teams that left a strong mark in 2024lucky sprite, ready to make their presence felt at the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, following a series of stunning upsets during the 2023 Men’s Cricket World Cup. (Full Coverage | More Cricket News)

Victories over heavyweights like England, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka not only stunned the cricketing world but also secured Afghanistan’s historic qualification for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.

Armed with a star-studded lineup across all departments, the Afghanistan cricket team heads into the tournament with strong momentum following their breakthrough semi-final appearance at the 2024 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup.

On the other hand, Japan is coming off a defeat at the hands of India's dominance, losing 1-4 to the Men in Blue. Japan's sole goal came from Matsumoto who scored with a lucky deflection to give his side their first and only goal of the game.

The Harmanpreet Singh-led side scored its first goal just in the second minute of the match via Sukhjeet Singh. This was in fact the first significant chance created in the match by any side.

They are a team to watch and certainly not one to underestimate.

However, with a tough group that includes cricketing giants like Australia, England, and South Africa, Afghanistan face a formidable challenge.

But having already conquered top-tier teams like England and Pakistan, they are proving themselves to be a true dark horse in the tournament.

Check full guide for ICC Champions Trophy 2025 HERE.

ICC Champions Trophy 2025: Afghanistan Squad

Hashmatullah Shahidi (C), Ibrahim Zadran, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Sediqullah Atal, Rahmat Shah, Ikram Alikhil, Gulbadin Naib,ph11 Azmatullah Omarzai, Mohammad Nabi, Rashid Khan, AM Ghazanfar, Noor Ahmad, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Farid Malik, Naveed Zadran.

Reserves: Darwish Rasooli, Nangyal Kharoti, Bilal Sami

Several players stand out for Afghanistan, beginning with Ibrahim Zadran, who has been their most consistent performer at the top of the order. Rahmanullah Gurbaz, a dynamic opener and wicketkeeper, also plays a crucial role in their batting lineup.

Hashmatullah Shahidi has established himself as a reliable anchor in the middle, while Rashid Khan remains their key match-winner. With 198 wickets in 111 ODIs and 1,346 runs, including five fifties, Rashid is the player who can turn a game in Afghanistan's favor.

ICC Champions Trophy 2025 - Afghanistan Full Schedule

Group Stage Fixtures:

21 February 2025: Afghanistan vs South Africa - 2:30 PM IST

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26 February 2025: Afghanistan vs England - 2:30 PM IST

28 February 2025: Afghanistan vs Australia - 2:30 PM IST

Live Streaming Details Of ICC Champions Trophy 2025

All matches of the ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025 will be telecast live on the Star Sports network in India and streamed live on the JioHostar App and website in India.lucky sprite