The 8th Group B fixture of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 sees a resurgent Afghanistan take on a struggling England at Lahore’s batting-friendly Gaddafi Stadium. While Afghanistan ride a wave of confidence with four wins in their last five matches, England’s alarming five-match losing streak raises questions about their ability to defend their reputation in global tournaments. With both teams needing a win to bolster their knockout stage hopes, this clash promises high stakes and thrilling cricket.
Afghanistan vs England Match Info
- Match: AFG vs ENG, 8th Match, Group B, ICC Champions Trophy, 2025
- Date:Wednesday, February 26, 2025
- Time: 6:00 PM
- Venue:Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore
Recent Performance:
Afghanistan: W NR W W L
Afghanistan have shown resilience in recent matches, with three wins in their last four completed games. Their spin-heavy attack and fearless batting make them a threat in subcontinental conditions.
South Africa: L L L L L
England’s alarming five-match losing streak raises concerns about their confidence and balance. Their batting unit, usually explosive, has misfired recently, and their pace attack lacks consistency.
Head to head Last Matches
- Afghanistan won by 69 runs
- England won by 150 runs
- England won by 9 wickets (with 41 balls remaining) (D/L method)
England historically dominate, but Afghanistan’s recent 69-run victory (possibly in spin-friendly Asian conditions) suggests they can exploit weaknesses.
AFG/Player/Role
- Hashmatullah Shahidi (c):Top order Batter
- Rahmat Shah (vc):Allrounder
- Azmatullah Omarzai:Allrounder
- Fareed Ahmad:Bowler
- Fazalhaq Farooqi: Bowler
- Gulbadin Naib: Batting Allrounder
- Ibrahim Zadran: Opening Batter
- Ikram Alikhil:Wicketkeeper Batter
- Mohammad Nabi: Allrounder
- Nangeyalia Kharote: Allrounder
- Naveed Zadran: Bowler
- Noor Ahmad:Bowler
- Rahmanullah Gurbaz:Wicketkeeper Batter
- Rashid Khan:Bowling Allrounder
- Sediqullah Atal:Opening Batter
ENG/Player/Role
- Jos Buttler: Wicketkeeper Batter
- Jofra Archer: Bowler
- Gus Atkinson: Bowler
- Tom Banton: Wicketkeeper Batter
- Harry Brook: Batter
- Brydon Carse: Bowling Allrounder
- Ben Duckett: Top order Batter
- Liam Livingstone: Batting Allrounder
- Saqib Mahmood: Bowler
- Jamie Overton: Bowling Allrounder
- Adil Rashid: Bowler
- Joe Root: Top order Batter
- Phil Salt: Wicketkeeper Batter
- Jamie Smith: Wicketkeeper Batter
- Mark Wood: Bowler
Key Players to Watch
Afghanistan:
Rashid Khan (Bowling Allrounder): The spin wizard remains Afghanistan’s trump card. His ability to dismantle middle orders on spin-friendly Asian tracks could cripple England’s shaky batting.
Rahmanullah Gurbaz (WK Batter): A fearless opener who can exploit powerplay fielding restrictions. His duel against England’s pace attack will set the tone.
Azmatullah Omarzai (Allrounder): A rising star with clutch performances in both departments. His medium-pace variations and lower-order hitting add balance.
England:
Jos Buttler (WK Batter): England’s captain needs to lead from the front. His explosive batting in the middle overs could revive their faltering campaign.
Jofra Archer (Bowler): Returning from injury, his raw pace and yorkers in death overs will test Afghanistan’s finishers.
Joe Root (Top-order Batter): The anchor. Root’s ability to rotate strike and neutralize spin will be critical against Rashid & Co.
Prediction
England to win (55-45 edge)
Despite their recent slump, England’s depth in batting and X-factor pace attack should edge this contest if they adapt to the conditions. However, Afghanistan’s spinners and fearless approach make this a high-risk game for punters.
Betting Tips:
- Safe: England to win (odds likely ~1.60).
- Risky: Afghanistan top batter – Rahmanullah Gurbaz.
- Wildcard: Rashid Khan to take 3+ wickets.
Expect a nail-biter, but England’s experience and firepower should prevail in a must-win Group B clash. Afghanistan’s spinners, however, will keep it closer than the odds suggest.
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