Exclusive: ‘Nothing to worry about …’, says Ibrahim Zadran ahead of Afghanistan vs South Africa Champions Trophy clash | Cricket News

(L-R) Rashid Khan, Ibrahim Zadran and Noor Ahmad of Afghanistan (Photo by Robert Cianflone/Getty Images)

NEW DELHI: Afghanistan enter the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy aiming to proceed their development of upsetting top-tier groups – a ability they’ve honed in recent times. In the 2023 ODI World Cup, they shocked England, Pakistan and Sri Lanka, whereas within the 2024 T20 World Cup, they made historical past by defeating New Zealand, Australia and Bangladesh en route to their first-ever ICC match semifinals.
Buoyed by confidence, Afghanistan will look to construct on that success and push for a semifinal spot within the Champions Trophy. Led by captain Hashmatullah Shahidi, they’ll start their marketing campaign in opposition to South Africa in Karachi on Friday.
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Batter Ibrahim Zadran is assured that the staff will enter the match with the identical intent and mindset.
“We’re going to play against South Africa in Karachi. I don’t think there’s anything to worry about or overthink. We just need to go out there, give 100% on the field, and show the same passion and energy. I’m sure that if we bring that mindset onto the field, the results will come our way. If we start focusing on the outcome too early, the pressure will build on us. So, we just need to work on our skills and approach the game with the same passion and confidence. The simpler we keep it, the better we will play in the Champions Trophy,” Zadran instructed TimesofIndia.com in an interview.

“I’m pretty sure we will perform really well. If you look at the recent 50-over series against South Africa, which we played here at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium, we won that. It was our first-ever 50-over series against them. And if you look at Afghanistan’s performance over the last two to three years, it has been brilliant. We have played outstanding cricket during this period. That energy, passion, and confidence are there in the team. I’m sure we will perform really well,” he mentioned.
Afghanistan are positioned in a tricky group alongside South Africa, Australia and England — groups they’ve crushed previously and can look to problem as soon as once more.
Afghanistan boast a powerful batting lineup that includes Rahmat Shah, Ibrahim Zadran, Gulbadin Naib, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, veteran Mohammad Nabi, and the explosive Rashid Khan.
Their bowling assault is equally formidable, with pacers Fazalhaq Farooqi and Fareed Ahmad Malik offering firepower, whereas skilled spinners Rashid and Noor Ahmad will spearhead the spin division.
“Rashid is a match-winner and a game-changer. He can change the game in all departments, but his biggest impact is in bowling. At times, he also sets the momentum for the team with his all-round performance. He is in good form and full of confidence. I’m sure he will be the game-changer and win matches for us in the Champions Trophy,” Zadran mentioned.