Shahidi's Afghanistan shut outside noise as England encounter beckons
Afghanistan skipper Hashmatullah Shahidi acknowledged the confidence gained from experts' praise but stressed the importance of staying grounded to compete successfully at this level.
Afghanistan received high praise even before their tournament started, with many cricketing voices backing the Asian side to make the final four of the ICC Men's Champions Trophy 2025.
However, as they prepare for the all-important contest against England following a loss to South Africa, Afghanistan are avoiding the outside chatter.
"Yeah, it feels good when legends and cricket experts talk positively about you and your team. So that gives you confidence but at the same time, if someone talks and says that doesn't mean that we will [do well].
"If they say we [will] qualify for the semi-final, we have to work hard for that on the ground."
He highlighted the challenge that Afghanistan were up against in the Champions Trophy.
"As I said, there are quality teams in the Champions Trophy, the world's top eight-ranked teams. So it's a tough challenge to face each other. These things give us confidence but at the same time, we have to work hard on the ground and have to play our best cricket on the day if we want to beat these teams."
South Africa breeze past Afghanistan | Match Highlights | Champions Trophy 2025
Afghanistan had a disappointing Champions Trophy debut, suffering a heavy 107-run defeat against South Africa.
Analysing the performance, the skipper was asked whether bowling first could suit his side more.
“I think when we bat first, that gives us more chance," Shahidi acknowledged. "But at the same time, we beat teams in the last World Cup batting second too. And after that in the [bilateral] series also.”
He highlighted how the lack of support for the spinners in the conditions made it difficult for Afghanistan’s bowling unit to contain the South African batters.
“In the South Africa game, I think the wicket was a little bit supportive for the fast bowling. And when our spinners were bowling, there was no support for them.
"I didn't even see one ball turning. So we didn't play well, especially in batting. We didn't start well in the first 20 overs.
"At the same time, it's not an excuse, but the world knows that we have good spinners.”
Rahmat Shah with a gritty knock | AFG v SA | Champions Trophy 2025
Afghanistan famously defeated England by 69 runs in the 2023 Cricket World Cup, pulling off a major upset. However, while drawing confidence from their recent win over them, Shahidi believed they were up for a tough contest when the two teams lock horns on 26 February in Lahore.
“In 2023 we had a good game against England and we beat them. We have that confidence with us but that's part of the history.
"And now we have to go to ground with a new mindset and with new planning. I think we all know that England is one of the best teams. It's a tough challenge for us but we are ready for any kind of challenge."
Match highlights as Afghanistan win their second-ever ICC Men's Cricket World Cup match with a shock victory over England in the 2023 edition
