Afghanistan’s journey in the ongoing Champions Trophy may have come to an end, but they have once again made a lasting impact with their remarkable victory over England. Their defeat to South Africa had exposed some weaknesses, particularly in bowling on a favorable surface. However, the way they bounced back against England reaffirmed why Afghanistan is a formidable force in white-ball cricket.

One of the key takeaways from that triumph was that it wasn’t just an individual effort but a result of meticulous preparation and teamwork. While Ibrahim Zadran and Azmatullah Omarzai grabbed the spotlight, Afghanistan’s success stems from a well-structured approach to the game, which has seen them grow steadily in the 50-over format.

Afghanistan entered the Champions Trophy riding on an impressive winning streak, having secured four consecutive ODI series victories against Ireland, South Africa, Bangladesh, and Zimbabwe. These triumphs underscore their transformation from a team previously recognized for its T20 prowess to one that is making waves in the ODI format. Their strong performance in the 2023 ODI World Cup was the first major indication of this transition, and their recent win over England further solidifies their reputation as a rising powerhouse. Given that many of their players are active in T20 leagues throughout the year, adapting to the longer white-ball format is no small feat.

Afghanistan’s fielding coach, Shane McDermott, credits their success to long-term planning and a commitment to the fundamentals.

“The team’s progress is built on consistency, confidence, and mastering the small details that require no talent but are crucial to the game,” McDermott told Cricbuzz.

Since the ODI World Cup, Afghanistan has shown significant improvement in all departments—batting, bowling, and fielding. McDermott highlighted how they have focused on enhancing fitness, agility, and mental resilience to ensure they can perform under pressure.

“Preparation has been key. We’ve emphasized match simulations, decision-making under pressure, and refining core skills to maintain consistency at the highest level,” he added.

A major factor in Afghanistan’s rapid progress has been their strategic planning. While natural talent has always been abundant, their attention to detail in both batting and bowling has taken them to the next level.

“Afghanistan is highly disciplined in planning. We meticulously analyze our opponents, assess strengths and weaknesses, and formulate strategies accordingly,” McDermott explained. “Bowlers work on specific matchups, and batters focus on adapting to different conditions. Fielding has also become more structured, with key performance indicators tracking progress.”

However, Afghanistan’s fielding against Australia in the latter half of their match left much to be desired. Several regulation catches were dropped, including a rare mistake by Rashid Khan, who put down a straightforward chance from Travis Head. Despite their overall improvement since the 2023 ODI World Cup, fielding lapses continue to haunt them, as seen in their loss to Australia, where missed opportunities proved costly.

McDermott, who joined the team after the World Cup, noted the shift in the team’s morale and approach toward fielding.

“When I came in, I sensed a lack of confidence and cohesion in the field. Players seemed to be functioning more as individuals rather than as a unit,” he said.

Now, the emphasis is on maintaining energy, executing plans effectively, and sustaining intensity for the full 50 overs.

“We have instilled a ‘hunting in packs’ mentality, encouraging players to rally around each other and stay positive. We constantly review our field placements, catching under pressure, and ways to keep composure against in-form opposition players,” McDermott added.

Afghanistan has long been labeled as a ‘dark horse’ in major tournaments, with their victories against stronger teams often considered upsets. However, their phenomenal rise over the past two years has redefined their standing in international cricket. While raw talent has always been their strong suit, it is now being complemented by strategic planning and disciplined execution.

With the T20 World Cup 2026 set to be hosted in India, Afghanistan has yet another opportunity to further establish themselves as a dominant force in white-ball cricket. Their journey from a promising side to a genuine contender is well underway, and if their recent performances are any indication, Afghanistan is no longer just an underdog—they are a team to be reckoned with.

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