Can Afghanistan live up to elevated expectations?

Afghanistan enter the T20 World Cup having outgrown their underdog status. Consistent qualification and strong performances in recent ICC events have raised expectations. With a core of players experienced in high-level T20 leagues globally, the team believes it can make another deep tournament run, as it did in the last edition. Their identity remains defined by a potent bowling attack, especially in spin. This World Cup is about sustaining their 2024 momentum.

The Squad

Rashid Khan (c), Noor Ahmad, Abdullah Ahmadzai, Sediqullah Atal, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Ziaur Rahman Sharifi, Mohammad Ishaq, Shahidullah Kamal, Mohammad Nabi, Gulbadin Naib, Azmatullah Omarzai, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Darwish Rasooli, Ibrahim Zadran

The squad features a threatening spin attack, led by Rashid Khan and the experienced Mohammad Nabi. The rise of Ibrahim Zadran, Azmatullah Omarzai, and Noor Ahmad strengthens the side. If the batting clicks, Afghanistan will fancy their chances of another deep run.

Recent Form

Afghanistan surprisingly missed the Super Four in last year's Asia Cup but have since registered impressive wins over Zimbabwe and West Indies.

Last five T20Is: W-W-W-W-L (most recent)

Previously, the team relied heavily on its openers, but recent additions like Sediqullah Atal and Darwish Rasooli have bolstered the batting. A firing top four, combined with middle-order power from Nabi and Omarzai, allows for bigger totals. With the ball, Mujeeb Ur Rahman's early strikes enable aggressive middle-over attacks through Rashid and Noor.

Key Match-Winner

Captain Rashid Khan can turn a game in a handful of balls. As one of T20 cricket's most successful bowlers, he remains Afghanistan's primary weapon. His ability to contribute quick cameos with the bat adds another dimension.

Group Stage Fixtures

Afghanistan begins and ends its group stage in Chennai, with matches in Ahmedabad and Delhi in between. While expected to defeat UAE and Canada, the group is challenging with South Africa and New Zealand.

Afghanistan thrashed New Zealand in the last World Cup, though New Zealand remains favored on paper. If the Chennai pitch is slow, Afghanistan will back themselves to land an early blow, reminiscent of their ODI World Cup win over Pakistan at the same venue.

Tournament Outlook

Can Afghanistan match or surpass its 2024 semifinal appearance? In these conditions, the team has the personnel to challenge the top sides again. However, simply advancing from the group to the Super 8s would be considered a successful campaign.