Expectations
Expectations of Afghanistan aren’t very high, and there are reasons for this. While their players have showcased their skills in the 20-over format, they are still in the process of mastering the nuances of the 50-over game. Fortunately, the subcontinent conditions should help them adapt swiftly and capitalize on their strengths. This is an opportunity for them to challenge a few teams and show that they may not be serious contenders, but serious competitors they are.
Where they finished last time
Afghanistan displayed only glimpses of their potential. They defeated the West Indies twice to qualify, but struggled to maintain that momentum. Nine defeats in nine games left them bottom of the table. Although they came close against India and Pakistan, their tournament remained a story of narrow misses and big defeats.
Strengths and weaknesses
Strength in spin: Their bowling strategy revolves around some world-class spinners like Rashid Khan, Mujeeb-ur-Rahman, Mohammad Nabi and the young Noor Ahmad. Mujeeb is effective in the powerplay, Rashid shines in crunch situations and Nabi controls the run rate. Noor’s left-arm wrist spin adds variety to the attack. With matches in spin-friendly venues like Delhi, Chennai and Lucknow, this quartet can make a significant impact.
Pace concerns: While pacers Fazalhaq Farooqi, Naveen-ul-Haq and Azmatullah Omarzai have shown promise, they lack experience. Naveen is the sole pacer with limited experience in India, having played only two games. This inexperience is a concern. T20 globetrotter Naveen, who last played an ODI in 2021, will be tested in ODIs, especially his fitness to bowl 10 overs.
Top-order reliance and fragile middle-order: Afghanistan’s over-reliance on the top-order is a growing issue. The emergence of Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Ibrahim Zadran as a dependable opening pair has masked the fragility of their middle-order. When the top fails, the belly often struggles to assume the responsibility of scoring big.
Star turn
Rashid Khan, Afghanistan’s most seasoned player when it comes to playing in Indian conditions, is set to shine once again. With 172 wickets in 94 ODIs and an economy rate of 4.21, the leg-spinner is a proven performer. Additionally, he is a handy lower-order bat who has played some crucial innings for his team. He has 1,211 ODI runs, including five half-centuries. Afghanistan will rely on Rashid’s contributions with the ball and bat. His skills, experience, fighting spirit and showmanship make him a formidable force on the biggest stage.
New kid on the block
Ibrahim Zadran has been remarkable ever since his starting days in international cricket. He has 911 runs in 19 ODIs, including four centuries and four half-centuries, at an average of 53.38 and a strike rate of 84.35. The 21-year-old has excelled this year, notching up 478 runs in 11 innings, with an average of 47.80. His partnership with Rahmanullah Gurbaz at the top of the order has been fruitful. Afghanistan’s hopes hinge on Zadran’s ability to perform consistently.
Where they should finish
While Afghanistan are expected to perform better than their two previous World Cup appearances, the likelihood of them reaching the top four appears slim. Therefore, it’s reasonable to expect their exit from the tournament following the conclusion of the group stage.
Match schedule
October 7: Versus Bangladesh, Dharamsala
October 11: Versus India, Delhi
October 15: Versus England, Delhi
October 18: Versus New Zealand, Chennai
October 23: Versus Pakistan, Chennai
October 30: Versus Sri Lanka, Pune
November 3: Versus Netherlands, Lucknow
November 7: Versus Australia, Mumbai
November 10: Versus South Africa, Ahmedabad
Full squad
Hashmatullah Shahidi (c), Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Ibrahim Zadran, Riaz Hassan, Rahmat Shah, Najibullah Zadran, Mohammad Nabi, Ikram Alikhil, Azmatullah Omarzai, Rashid Khan, Mujeeb ur Rahman, Noor Ahmad, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Abdul Rahman, Naveen-ul-Haq.
Likely first-choice XI
Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk), Ibrahim Zadran, Riaz Hassan, Rahmat Shah, Hashmatullah Shahidi (c), Mohammad Nabi, Najibullah Zadran, Rashid Khan, Mujeeb ur Rahman, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Naveen-ul-Haq.