T20 World Cup 2024: SWOT analysis of Afghanistan squad 

With the ICC T20 World Cup not very far away it is time to talk about one of the major underdogs or potential dark horses in the tournament. The Afghanistan side is the best example of this term. Even though they are not considered one of the top sides in international cricket, they have proven themselves as worthy competitors, especially in the shortest format of the game.

The Afghans did impress a bit in the ODI World Cup but the T20 World Cup has not been one of their strongest tournaments at all. They have not had the best of tournaments and the last victory they have had was against the West Indies in  2016. Though there is a lot of potential in this Afghanistan side they are yet to live up to the potential of some of the world-class players they have in their side. 

Let’s take a look at the SWOT analysis of this current Afghanistan T20 World Cup squad:

Afghanistan squad: Ibrahim Zadran, Najibullah Zadran, Nangyai Kharoti, Azmatullah Omarzai, Mohammad Nabi, Rashid Khan(c), Gulbadin Naib, Karim Janat, Rahmanullah Gurbaz(wk), Mohammad Ishaq, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Noor Ahmad, Naveen-ul-Haq, Fazalhaq Farooqui, Fareed Ahmad Malik.

Strengths

1. One of the best spinners in the tournament

There is no doubt that Afghanistan has one of the strongest spin attacks going forward in the tournament. The likes of Rashid Khan, Mohammad Nabi and Mujeeb Ur Rahman are capable of fixing any top batter with their variations and speed in the game. They will be one of the key players in the middle overs.

2. Few young and explosive batters in the mix

What has made this team slightly dangerous and capable of winning against the big teams is some great T20 batters in the mix. Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Najibullah Zadran and Karim Janat have shown ability with the bat to finish innings for their side. They will be put to the test in this tournament as well.

Weakness

1. Struggling pace attack

The pace of attack has been a major concern for Afghanistan. Even though we see the potential in Naveen ul Haq and Fazalhaq Farooqi, they have not been that consistent in the tournament. This is something that the team has to look into or it will be a huge problem in the tournament going forward.

2. Number 3 position in jeopardy

Though we see some impressive batters in the side there is a slight problem in the top 3 after the openers that will come to bite them. There is no perfect number 3 batter in this squad and there will be a problem where there will be a lot of chopping and changing which could lead to imbalances in the team itself.

Opportunities

1. Rashid Khan to lead the team in his first ICC trophy

There is now a new leader in the Afghanistan setup in Rashid Khan and he will have an opportunity to prove himself as a leader. This will surely be something he will be looking forward to and test himself in this major tournament.

Threats

1. Key and iconic players out of form

It is always important for your key players to be in form and recently we have seen Rashid Khan and Mohammad Nabi struggling to get going. The team will hope that they get back to their best or find their form just ahead of the World Cup. They are one of the most important players in the side and they have to get going to give them a chance.

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