A crucial encounter awaits at the Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore, as Afghanistan (AFG) takes on England (ENG) in a do-or-die match in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 on Wednesday, February 26. Both teams suffered heavy defeats in their opening games and need a win to stay in contention for the knockout stage.
Match Details
- Fixture: Afghanistan vs England, Match 8, Champions Trophy 2025
- Date & Time: Wednesday, February 26, 2025 – 2:30 PM (IST) | 2:00 PM (PST)
- Venue: Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore
- Live Streaming: JioStar (Jio Hotstar, Star Sports, Network 18 channels)
Team Overviews
Afghanistan (AFG)
Afghanistan had a disappointing start, losing to South Africa by 107 runs in their opening game in Karachi. Despite a valiant 90 off 92 balls by Rahmat Shah, the batting lineup collapsed while chasing 316, managing only 208 in 43.3 overs. Lungi Ngidi and Kagiso Rabada were too hot to handle for the Afghan batters.
Strengths:
- A well-balanced spin attack with Rashid Khan, Mohammad Nabi, and Mujeeb-ur-Rahman.
- Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Ibrahim Zadran can be explosive at the top.
- All-rounders like Azmatullah Omarzai and Gulbadin Naib add depth.
Weaknesses:
- Fragile middle order under pressure.
- Lack of experienced pacers compared to England.
England (ENG)
England’s campaign started with a frustrating defeat against Australia, despite a brilliant 165 off 143 balls from Ben Duckett. Their bowlers failed to defend 351/8, as Josh Inglis’ unbeaten 120 off 86 balls took Australia home comfortably.
Strengths:
- Strong batting lineup with Ben Duckett, Joe Root, and Harry Brook in form.
- Experienced pace attack with Jofra Archer, Mark Wood, and Adil Rashid.
- Power-hitters like Jos Buttler and Liam Livingstone.
Weaknesses:
- Bowling struggles under dew conditions.
- Over-dependence on key batters like Duckett and Root.
Key Players to Watch
Afghanistan:
- Rahmanullah Gurbaz – Aggressive opener, can take on England’s pacers early.
- Rahmat Shah – In form after a fighting 90 against South Africa.
- Rashid Khan – Afghanistan’s main weapon with the ball.
England:
- Ben Duckett – In sublime form after a 165-run knock.
- Joe Root – Key anchor in England’s middle order.
- Jofra Archer – A lethal pacer who can exploit Lahore’s conditions.
Head-To-Head Record (ODIs)
- Matches Played: 3
- England Won: 2
- Afghanistan Won: 1
- First Meeting: March 13, 2015
- Last Meeting: October 15, 2023 – Afghanistan stunned England with a 69-run win in the ODI World Cup 2023.
Probable Playing XIs
Afghanistan:
- Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk)
- Ibrahim Zadran
- Sediqullah Atal
- Rahmat Shah
- Hashmatullah Shahidi (c)
- Azmatullah Omarzai
- Gulbadin Naib
- Mohammad Nabi
- Rashid Khan
- Mujeeb-ur-Rahman / Noor Ahmad
- Fazalhaq Farooqui
England:
- Phil Salt
- Ben Duckett
- Joe Root
- Harry Brook
- Jos Buttler (c & wk)
- Liam Livingstone
- Jamie Overton
- Adil Rashid
- Mark Wood
- Jofra Archer
- Chris Woakes
Pitch Report – Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore
- A batting paradise with minimal assistance for bowlers.
- High scores expected; 351 was posted but chased down in the last game.
- Dew factor plays a crucial role in night matches, favoring the chasing team.
- Expect a fast outfield, making boundaries easy to find.
Live Streaming
India:
- TV Channel: Sony Pictures Network (Specific channel to be announced)
- Live Streaming: SonyLIV app and website
Pakistan:
-
- TV Channel: Asports
- Live Streaming: Tamasha App, Tapmad
Probable Scenarios
- If England bats first: They will aim for 350+ considering their strong batting lineup.
- If Afghanistan bats first: They must post at least 300+ to challenge England’s powerful batting.
- Toss Factor: Winning the toss and chasing could be ideal due to the dew effect.
Match Prediction
England starts as favorites, given their superior batting and pace attack. However, Afghanistan’s spin trio (Rashid, Nabi, Mujeeb) could trouble England, especially if the pitch slows down. If Afghanistan’s top order fires, they can pull off another upset like the 2023 ODI World Cup.
Prediction: England to win, but Afghanistan can be dangerous if they post a big total.