The secret behind fearless Afghanistan’s stunning rise in world cricket

Dubai: Afghanistan’s rise in world cricket is no longer a fairytale — it’s a statement. From stunning the giants in the 2023 World Cup to storming into their first-ever ICC semi-final last year, Jonathan Trott’s side are rewriting history one match at a time. And with another knockout spot within touching distance, they’re proving they belong among the best.

Few teams have climbed the cricketing ladder as quickly — or as fearlessly — as Afghanistan. In the last two years, they’ve humbled former champions, sent heavyweights packing, and forced the cricketing world to sit up and take notice.

Now, with one win separating them from back-to-back ICC semi-final appearances, Afghanistan are no longer asking for respect. They demand it.

Secret of success

The driving force behind Afghanistan’s rise is a mix of passion, resilience, and unshakeable belief.

All-rounder Gulbadin Naib, who played a key role in Dubai Capitals’ DP World ILT20 Season 3 triumph, believes the mindset shift has been the biggest factor.

“We can’t say we have achieved a lot of success, but in the last couple of years we have managed to win some games,” Naib said, downplaying their meteoric rise. “Our goal is to go and give our 100 per cent on the field and do well in every game — and once we achieve that, the results will follow.”

“Every day is a different day, and our fans have supported us through good and bad times, so we want to bring cheer to them.”

The passion isn’t limited to the stands — it’s reflected on the field too. Afghanistan’s players wear their hearts on their sleeves, turning setbacks into comebacks and defying the odds with every tournament.

Bouncing back in style

That resilience was on full display in the Champions Trophy after a crushing 107-run defeat to South Africa in their opening match.

Afghanistan bounced back with a fearless display against England, posting 325-7 — their highest-ever total in an ICC event. Ibrahim Zadran led the charge with 177, the highest individual score in Champions Trophy history, pulling his side out from a precarious 37-3.

Their victory knocked England out of the tournament — another scalp added to Afghanistan’s growing list of giant-killing acts.

Now they face Australia in a virtual quarter-final, with rain threats hanging over their heads.

“Since I’ve been coach, we’ve played against Australia three times and we’ve been in the game each time,” said Jonathan Trott. “Afghanistan is never going to be taken lightly ever again. I expect to win every game we go into.”

Australia in their sights

Australia are a familiar foe, who broke Afghan hearts in the 50-over World Cup last year with Glenn Maxwell’s unforgettable double century in Mumbai.

But Afghanistan are a different side now — hardened by heartbreak and hungry for revenge.

Asked about Maxwell’s threat, skipper Hashmatullah Shahidi brushed aside the memories of that night.

“I know that he played really well in the 2023 World Cup, but that’s part of history.”

Now, Afghanistan are chasing their own piece of history — a second consecutive ICC semi-final spot, and another giant-killing chapter in their remarkable journey.

Once the team no one took seriously, Afghanistan are now the team no one underestimates. They’ve gone from making up the numbers to dictating the narrative. One more win, and they will step into the Champions Trophy semi-finals — not as underdogs, but as equals.