Afghanistan’s upcoming clash against Australia in the ICC Champions Trophy promises to be an exciting contest. Despite a disappointing start against South Africa, where their key players struggled to make an impact, Afghanistan has a history of bouncing back when it matters most. Their stunning victory over 2019 champions England in their last encounter showcased their potential to upset the best. With that dominant performance fresh in mind, Australia cannot afford to take them lightly.

Afghanistan are constantly improving and improving fast. Their performance in the T20 World Cup was a historic milestone, marking their arrival on the global stage. More recently, in the 50-over World Cup, Afghanistan had Australia on the ropes until a miraculous innings from Glenn Maxwell turned the tide.

That night, Maxwell’s unforgettable double century single-handedly lifted Australia from the depths of despair to victory. It was a masterclass in resilience and shot-making, an innings that will be talked about for years. But Afghanistan would have taken a lot from that match. They know they can push the best teams to the limit, and this time around, they will be determined to go one step further.

For Afghanistan to put Australia under real pressure, their best strategy would be to bat first and set a commanding total—just as they did in their victory against England. A strong start from the top order will be crucial, with Ibrahim Zadran and Rahmanullah Gurbaz playing key roles. Zadran, in sublime form, holds the tournament record with a stunning 177, and Afghanistan will rely on him to deliver once again. Meanwhile, Gurbaz, a player of immense talent, has struggled with consistency. If he can find his rhythm early and provide stability at the top, Afghanistan will have a solid platform to build on, minimizing the risk of early setbacks.

While Afghanistan does possess firepower in the lower middle order, including the likes of Mohammad Nabi and Rashid Khan, relying on them to rescue the innings every time is not a sustainable strategy. If the top order delivers, Afghanistan could find themselves in a position to dictate terms.

Australia, of course, will enter the match as favorites. They have an exceptional history in ICC white-ball tournaments, having dominated global cricket for decades. Even when missing key players like Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, and Josh Hazlewood, their squad boasts enough depth to pose a significant challenge.

Adam Zampa will be a key player for Australia, given his effectiveness in middle overs. His ability to control the game with his leg-spin makes him a first-choice bowler. However, with several key pacers missing, Australia will be looking to other bowlers to step up. Nathan Ellis, a talented medium pacer with variations, might get an opportunity. Then there’s Glenn Maxwell, who can chip in with a few overs. While Maxwell’s primary strength is his explosive batting, his off-spin provides Australia with flexibility.

Should the top order fail, Afghanistan will once again look to their experienced all-rounders to contribute. Nabi, a veteran campaigner, is capable of playing crucial cameos. His experience in pressure situations will be invaluable. Similarly, Rashid is more than just a world-class bowler; his aggressive batting can take on any bowling attack. His powerful wrist work and helicopter-style shots make him a dangerous lower-order batter, capable of scoring at a high strike rate. If Afghanistan can get past 350, they will be in with a real chance of putting Australia under pressure.

While Afghanistan’s batting will be crucial, their bowlers will also need to step up against a formidable Australian batting lineup. Australia has the ability to chase down big targets, so Afghanistan’s bowling attack must be disciplined. Rashid will be the key weapon. His ability to spin the ball both ways and trouble even the best batters gives Afghanistan a fighting chance.

Apart from Rashid, the likes of Mujeeb Ur Rahman and Fazalhaq Farooqi need to be at their best. If they can take early wickets and put Australia under pressure, it will open up opportunities. The key will be maintaining control in the middle overs and not allowing Australia’s aggressive batters to dominate.

Weather and pitch conditions will also play a role. Recent rain in northern Pakistan has already impacted the tournament. If conditions remain damp, the ball might swing early on, making batting first slightly trickier. However, if Afghanistan wins the toss, they should still consider batting first, trusting their batters to put up a challenging total.

Australia’s batting lineup is packed with talent, but they do have vulnerabilities. If Afghanistan can remove the top order quickly, they could expose an Australian middle order that has been untested in recent times. Without some of their regular stars, this could be an opportunity for Afghanistan’s bowlers to make a real impact.

Australia will likely look to the likes of Marnus Labuschagne, and Josh Inglis to steady the innings if early wickets fall. But these players do not have the same level of experience or consistency as some of Australia’s past greats. If Afghanistan can execute their bowling plans well, they could cause serious problems for Australia.

This match presents Afghanistan with a golden opportunity. They have shown glimpses of their potential in previous tournaments, and now is the time to take the next step. By batting first and setting a big total, they can put Australia under real pressure. If their bowlers deliver a disciplined performance, they have every chance of securing a famous victory.