As the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 progresses, Afghanistan is gearing up to face one of the tournament’s favorites, Australia.
Despite being considered an underdog, Afghanistan has several factors in their favor that could lead to a surprising upset.
Here are three key reasons why Afghanistan might pull off a victory against the strong Australian side:
1. Spin Bowling Strength
Afghanistan’s spin attack, led by Rashid Khan, Mohammad Nabi, and Noor Ahmad, is one of the most formidable in international cricket.
These bowlers have consistently proven their ability to trouble top teams with their variety and skill. The Gaddafi Stadium pitch in Lahore, where the match will be played, is expected to favor spin bowlers, which could play into Afghanistan’s hands.
Rashid Khan, in particular, has a reputation for taking crucial wickets in high-pressure situations, making him a key player in Afghanistan’s bid to upset Australia.
2. Recent Form and Confidence
Afghanistan’s recent victory over England in the Champions Trophy has boosted their confidence significantly.
This win not only eliminated England from the tournament but also highlighted Afghanistan’s growing strength in international cricket.
The team’s ability to perform under pressure, as seen in their thrilling eight-run victory over England, demonstrates their capacity to handle big matches.
This newfound confidence could propel them to challenge Australia more effectively than expected.
3. Australia’s Vulnerability Against Spin
Australia has historically struggled against quality spin bowling, especially in subcontinental conditions.
Afghanistan’s spin trio can exploit this weakness by creating pressure and taking wickets at regular intervals.
Additionally, Australia’s batting lineup, while powerful, can sometimes be slow to adapt to spin-friendly conditions, which could give Afghanistan an edge.
If Afghanistan can manage to restrict Australia’s top order early, they might be able to limit their opponents to a manageable total.
