Because their players have played in many franchise-based leagues around the world, Afghanistan has been known for a long time as a strong team in T20 cricket. Still, the team is making big steps forward in the 50-over game, showing they are more than just a T20 team.

Afghanistan has gained confidence since its strong performance in the 2023 World Cup. They come into the Champions Trophy having already won several important games.

With platforms like the bpexch app gaining popularity, cricket fans are closely following Afghanistan's rise. Afghanistan is becoming a real contender on the world stage as key players step up and learn how to play ODI cricket.

A strong bowling attack and a change in how you bat

The spin bowlers Rashid Khan and Mujeeb Ur Rahman have always been the stars of Afghanistan's strong bowling attack. In ODIs, though, their hitting has often been a worry.

Due to their tendency to play with a T20 attitude, the team used to have trouble building innings well. This way of playing often led to quick dismissals and a failure to keep going for over 50 overs.

There are changes, though. Some players, like Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Azmatullah Omarzai, have done very well in ODI cricket and have been important to Afghanistan's recent wins.

The team has been able to put on regular shows even when Ibrahim Zadran, who usually leads the innings, isn't there.

Rahmanullah Gurbaz: A Rising Star

In recent years, Rahmanullah Gurbaz has been Afghanistan's best player. Gurbaz has been known as a special talent ever since his first international match. He is known for making bold shots and not being afraid of bowlers.

On the other hand, his behavior in ODIs was often a worry. His highly aggressive style sometimes hurt and kept him from playing long, important innings.

In 2024, Gurbaz has found his groove in the 50-over division, showing that he is more mature and calm. He averaged 48.27 runs per eleven innings and made three hundreds and two fifties.

Since Zadran was hurt and couldn't play, Gurbaz stepped up and hit important hundreds in the series-deciding games against South Africa and Bangladesh.

Andy Puttick, Afghanistan's batting teacher, has nothing but good things to say about Gurbaz. He says he is one of the hardest workers he has ever had and a "super athlete." Puttick talks about how carefully Gurbaz prepares and how much he wants to improve.

Puttick says Gurbaz has made some small changes to his technique, but his major goal has been to make the most of his skills and play the game the way it calls for it.

"He is trying to understand his duty as one of the best batters at the top of the order," says Puttick. "He sets the tone for us." We do well most of the time when he gets runs.

Puttick also says that Gurbaz's game has become more controlled. He plays closer to his body and focuses on making long innings instead of going for big shots.

Puttick adds, "He wants to bat long and get big hundreds." "He has the skills, and now he's working on them to become a better player overall."

Is Azmatullah Omarzai the next great all-around player?

Gurbaz's rise to the top of the order has been a surprise, but Azmatullah Omarzai's rise has been just as amazing.

Omarzai has become a real all-rounder who makes a big difference with the bat and the ball. His batting has improved, which adds to his already amazing bowling.

Omarzai had a great year in 2024. He took 17 wickets at an average of 20.47, including a great run of 4-18 against Zimbabwe.

He made 417 runs at an average of 52.12 with the bat, showing that he could do well under pressure. He was so good at everything that he was the first Afghan player to win the ICC Men's ODI Cricketer of the Year award.

Puttick thanks head coach Jonathan Trott for letting Omarzai bat higher up the order. It was a great decision that paid off big time.

Puttick says, "He bowls well and can bat at any point in the innings, which balances the team." "He can get off strike quickly and drive the ball past the boundaries." He strikes the ball cleanly more than anyone else.

Afghanistan's hitting order is much stronger now that Omarzai is in the middle order. His ability to play innings that win games and make important contributions in the middle overs has changed the game for the team.

Afghanistan's Self-Assurance Rising

Afghanistan has much more faith in the ODI format now that key players like Gurbaz and Omarzai have stepped up. The team has won games against Zimbabwe and Bangladesh in a row and a historic win against South Africa.

These accomplishments have not only made the team feel better, but they have also shown that they are a strong 50-over team.

Afghanistan is no longer just an interesting threat to the 2025 Champions Trophy. They have the skills to play against the best teams in the world.

They are a tough opponent because they have a good bowling attack and a more balanced, experienced batting lineup.

To read more blog: India Declines to Travel for Champions Trophy 2025: A Setback for Cricket Fans

The Way Ahead

This is because of how hard the players and coaches work. Afghanistan is now doing better in ODI cricket. The team has shown they can work with different situations and get through tough ones.

Afghan cricket has a bright future because young players like Gurbaz and Omarzai are always getting better. Afghanistan could become a major player on the world stage if it continues in the right direction.

The 2025 Champions Trophy will be a big test for the team, and people worldwide can't wait to see how they do against the best teams in the world.

In the end, Afghanistan's rise from a T20 expert team to a strong ODI team is an inspiring story of growth and determination.

Now that key players have stepped up and played consistently well, the team is well on its way to greater heights in international cricket.