Afghanistan has indeed proved once again that they are not just an “underdog” team, but a prepared, disciplined and victory-hungry team. Their journey is not just a story but an example for every small team that how with hard work, planning and passion, big cricketing giants can be defeated.
Ibrahim Zadran’s historical innings of 177* took Afghanistan’s batting unit to a new level. Hasmatullah Shahidi’s leadership is calm and composed, which keeps the team united even under pressure situations. Well, Azmatullah Omarzai’s all-round performance, Rashid and Nabi’s tactical bowling and Jonathan Trott’s coaching vision have together made Afghanistan a solid team.
Defeating a powerhouse like England is no fluke, and everyone has understood this after winning against Pakistan and England. Excluding England from the Champions Trophy 2025 and declaring that Afghanistan is now a serious contender in any major tournament is just one more step in their journey.
Now everyone’s eyes will be on tomorrow’s match against Australia. Afghanistan was very close to winning the last World Cup, but Maxwell’s historic innings shattered their dreams. But this time the scenario is different—Afghanistan has momentum and their confidence is also at its peak. Will they be able to beat Australia and make it to the semi-finals? This will be known tomorrow, but one thing is certain—Afghanistan has now become not just a “challenger” but a “threat” for any big team!