SWOT analysis of Afghanistan cricket team ahead of ODI World Cup 2023

The World Cup is around the corner. The marquee event is just two days away. All the 10 teams are preparing at their best for the World Cup. Afghanistan will be the underdogs for the World Cup as they have a good mixture of players. The spin department of this side is one the best in the World Cup.

Though they lost the ODI series against Pakistan, Afghanistan has shown glimpses of being a competitive side and will try and give their best to get out of the World Cup. They could have an edge with the Indian conditions with quality spinners they have in their squad.

However, they will be greatly challenging for the other sides in the upcoming World Championship. With Rashid Khan and Mujeeb Ur Rahman on the side, the Afghanistan side can create havoc for other teams if they find some bit of turn from the Indian pitches and give some upsets in the mega event. We will do a SWOT analysis of the Afghans.

Strength 

Their strength is the opener Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Ibrahim Zadran. Both the batters have shown good partnership at the top of the order. Zadran is more of a stroke player and gives support to his partner. Gurbaz is known for his aggressive approach, in the powerplay. In an ODI against Pakistan, both these batters made a sensational 227-run partnership for the first wicket.

Afghans have a brilliant spin department. The trio of Rashid Khan, Mujeeb-ur-Rahman, and Mohammad Nabi will be their greatest strength in the Indian conditions, with all these three players having a lot of experience playing in India in the Indian Premier League (IPL). Rashid has played 94 ODIs, picking up 172 wickets at an average of 19.53. The leg-spinner is also the highest wicket-taker for the Afghans in ODIs.

Weakness 

Despite their strong opening pairs inconsistency is the main weakness for the side. If in one match, the batting performs well in the second they will fail. It has been the story of Afghanistan since the team's introduction to international cricket. They also have a weak middle order, with only Najibullah Zadran and Mohammad Nabi being crucial for them.

Their pacers have not performed as per the team's requirements. With the experienced Naveen ul Haq, in the squad for the World Cup, they might look a bit more relieved as he has experience with the Indian conditions.

Opportunities 

Afghanistan recently defeated Bangladesh 2-1 in the ODI series earlier this year. They have the potential to create upsets in the 2023 ODI World Cup, with their great spin bowling attack, they will have an opportunity for to play beyond their expectations and once again show that they are one of the rising teams in international cricket.

Threats 

Afghans' main problem is playing under pressure. They have to deal with the pressure of performing at the big stage. They have often crumbled in pressure situations, and have to keep their nerves under control this time. The team needs to step up on the big occasions and prove themselves in the mega event.