The Afghanistan men’s cricket team currently ranked eighth position in the ICC ODI rankings is steadily improving its standards in the 50-over format and has marked its debut as a dark horse in the Champions Trophy 2025. However, their recent 107-run loss against South Africa points out their inability to chase high-scoring targets and wouldn’t find a place among the elite teams.

The Afghans had a memorable run in the ODI World Cup 2023 and narrowly missed out on a spot in the knockouts. However, the team under Rashid Khan’s captaincy qualified for their first-ever ICC semi-final in the T20 World Cup 2024. In addition, their recent success rate in the ODI series highlights their rise to prominence at an international level, and are no longer the underdogs.

Afghanistan’s Growth in 50-Over Format

The success of the Afghanistan cricket team became notable in the ODI format during the 2023 World Cup.

After losing their first two games against Bangladesh and India, the Hashmatullah Shahidi’s led side bounced back with a stunning 68-run victory against England.

However, the Afghans suffered a massive defeat to New Zealand by 149 runs. But, their remarkable efforts to triumph over Pakistan (by 8 wickets), Sri Lanka (by 7 wickets), and Netherlands (by 7 wickets) showcased their mettle in a high-profile tournament and kept their hopes in the hunt to qualify for the semifinals.

Afghanistan were on the verge of achieving a fourth straight win against the Aussies. At one stage, the Australians were struck at 91/7 in 18.3 overs. But, Glenn Maxwell’s maiden ODI double-century single-handedly steered his steam to a 3-wicket victory and chased the target of 292 within 46.5 overs.

Unfortunately, the Afghans couldn’t qualify for their first ODI World Cup final and concluded in the 6th position after facing a 5-wicket loss to South Africa in their last match of the group stages.

Having finished in the top eight spots in the CWC 2023, the Afghans succeeded in gaining entry into their first-ever Champions Trophy.

Afghanistan’s Progress After the ODI World Cup 2023

Afghanistan has been in brilliant form winning the 3-match ODI series against Sri Lanka, Ireland, South Africa, Bangladesh, and Zimbabwe after the 2023 World Cup, and the results are tabulated below:

Since the conclusion of the 50-over World Cup in 2023, Afghanistan won five ODI series. In other words, they were triumphant in 10 out of 15 ODIs with 3 losses and 2 abandoned matches. Especially, their sensational victory against South Africa in Sharjah by 2-1 proves their skill as one of the most competitive contenders to watch out for in the Champions Trophy 2025.

Afghanistan’s Champions Trophy Debut Match vs South Africa: A Flop Show!

In contrast to the expectations, the Afghanistan cricketers exhibited a lackluster performance in their Champions Trophy debut match against South Africa on February 21 (Friday).

Batting first, the Proteas managed to post 315/6 in 50 overs despite the decent contributions from Mohammad Nabi (2-51 in 10 overs), Noor Ahmad (1-65 in 9 overs), Azmatullah Omarzai (1-39 in 6 overs), and Fazalhaq Farooqi (1-45 in 7 overs).

Ryan Rickelton’s century along with the half-centuries of Temba Bavuma, Rassie van der Dussen, and Aiden Markram guided South Africa to surpass the 300-run mark.

Chasing a target of 316 at the National Stadium in Karachi seemed to be a grueling task for Afghan batters. Although Rahmat Shah’s lone battle of 92-ball-90-run knock (including 9 fours and 1 six) aided his team to surge above 200, the lack of contributions from the top-order couldn’t steer Afghanistan to the winning total.

Afghanistan’s Chances to Qualify for ICC Champions Trophy 2025 Knockouts

With 2 more matches to go, Afghanistan’s -2.140 net run rate (NRR) after a massive defeat to South Africa pressurizes them to secure victories in their remaining group stages matches. However, it would be challenging to defeat England (on February 26) and Australia (on February 28) at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore to keep their chances of qualifying for knockouts.

Although Afghanistan gets a 4-day break before their second match against England, but has a day’s gap before they compete against Australia in their last game of the group stages.

At the same time, the visitors playing all their matches in Pakistan and their forthcoming two games in Lahore allow them to adapt to the playing conditions. Moreover, Afghanistan’s confidence in the tournament will be enhanced, having previously defeated the teams in their group in earlier ICC events.

Final Opinion: Afghanistan’s Chances to Continue their Rise in ODI Cricket

Afghanistan’s recent loss to South Africa raises questions if their 15-member squad is balanced or not, despite 10 players from the team having appeared in the ODI World Cup 2023.

Regardless of AM Ghazanfar’s absence due to injury, Rashid Khan’s experience is certain to add fuel to the spin bowling attack.

Overall, Afghanistan has all their boxes ticked for Champions Trophy 2025 in terms of a solid batting line-up, a reliable bowling attack (including spin and pace), and the presence of outstanding all-rounders. All they require is more time to improve in the ODI format and achieve successful outcomes by learning to adapt according to different playing conditions.