Steyn backs Afghanistan to win an ICC trophy in the next decade but calls for more patience. Afghanistan’s campaign at the Champions Trophy 2025 ended in disappointment. Despite a thrilling victory over England in Lahore, their loss to South Africa and no result due to rain against Australia on Friday night saw them likely to miss out on a knockout berth. However, they have an outside chance if England beat South Africa by a margin of 270 runs in Saturday’s match, then by Net Run Rate (NRR) Afghanistan can qualify. If South Africa beat England, the Proteas will qualify for the semifinals as the top-ranked team from Group B. Their middle order, particularly Nos. 3, 4, and 5, needs more consistency. Rahmat Shah and Hashmatullah Shahidi must take greater responsibility. Rahmanullah Gurbaz endured a forgettable tournament, scoring just 16 runs in three innings. Ibrahim Zadran’s majestic 177 against England was a standout, but opener Sediqullah Atal couldn’t convert his 85 against Australia into a bigger score.
