Afghanistan set sights on Champions Trophy title

Afghanistan are confident heading into their Champions Trophy opener against South Africa on Friday in Karachi, despite being the lowest-ranked team in Group B.

Cricket betting sites have Afghanistan at +200 to beat South Africa, but captain Hashmatullah Shahidi is taking confidence from his side’s recent results heading into the fixture.

“Just recently we beat them in Sharjah — 2-1 — so we have that confidence with us,” Shahidi said on Thursday.

“We are not under pressure anyway.

“Right now we are focusing what we can do in this tournament, and I believe that our team is more ready for this tournament.

“We are focusing on our own team. There is no pressure on us.”

With Afghanistan appearing in their first-ever Champions Trophy, top bookmakers have them at long odds to win the tournament.

While the odds might be against them, Shahidi insists Afghanistan will not be content with merely making up the numbers.

“We are doing very good and, in this tournament, we are here to compete here and our aim is to win the final,” he said. 

“We are not here just to participate here in this tournament. We are definitely 100% looking to win this event.

“At the same time, because we played a lot of quality cricket from last two years, it’s a good chance for us.

“The boys are very experienced and these conditions are also suitable for us, so we have a good chance and let’s start it from tomorrow.

“Hopefully we start with the win and we go with the same momentum throughout the tournament.”