From Giant-Killers to Contenders: Can Afghanistan Repeat Their T20 World Cup Heroics?

They shocked Australia. They rattled New Zealand. Afghanistan didn’t just reach the 2024 semifinals, they changed perceptions. Now, back in familiar conditions, the question returns: can they summon lightning twice?

What does ‘do it again’ really mean for Afghanistan?

It means replicating—or bettering—their historic 2024 T20 World Cup run, where Afghanistan reached the semifinals and beat giants like Australia and New Zealand. That campaign redefined their identity from plucky underdogs to genuine contenders.

What has changed since the 2024 World Cup?

Momentum has dipped. Afghanistan have won 12 of their last 21 T20Is, but results in big tournaments tell a different story. They lost the tri-nation series final to Pakistan and exited the Asia Cup in the first round—early reminders that sustaining excellence is harder than achieving it once.

Are Afghanistan still a threat in subcontinent conditions?

Absolutely. If anything, conditions in India and Sri Lanka amplify their biggest strength: spin. With Rashid Khan, Mujeeb-ur-Rahman, Noor Ahmad and Mohammad Nabi, Afghanistan possess one of the most formidable spin attacks in world cricket—tailor-made for slow, turning pitches.

Who are Afghanistan’s standout performers right now?

Ibrahim Zadran has been their most consistent batter, scoring 590 runs at an average of nearly 40. Rashid Khan remains lethal, with 35 wickets at an average of 11.25. Azmatullah Omarzai has emerged as a genuine match-winner, contributing with both bat and ball and offering balance Afghanistan once lacked.

What’s holding Afghanistan back?

Batting intent. Their collective strike rate since the last World Cup is around 125—well below what elite T20 teams operate at. Against power-packed line-ups like India,

England or Australia, this conservative approach could leave them chasing games they should be controlling.

Is this still an underdog story?

Not anymore. Afghanistan are now studied, planned for, and respected. Opponents no longer take them lightly. The freedom of surprise that powered their 2024 run is gone—replaced by expectation.

So, what will decide their fate this World Cup?

Evolution. If Afghanistan trust their spin dominance but unlock a more fearless batting gear, they can go deep again. If they cling to caution, they risk being overtaken by faster, deeper teams.

Final verdict: Can Afghans do it again?

Yes, but only if they reinvent the way they win. History will not repeat itself unless Afghanistan choose to push beyond it.

(With inputs from ANI)