Afghanistan vs England Match Preview & Prediction – ICC Champions Trophy, 2025

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.