AFG vs ENG Match Preview & Prediction – ICC Champions Trophy, 2025

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 enters the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 with some solid performances, having won three of their last five games. Their resilience and tactical awareness, especially in big tournaments, will be crucial in this encounter.

South Africa: L L L L L

England, despite being a top team globally, has faced a series of losses in their recent outings. However, with their strong lineup and a history of bouncing back from tough situations, they will look to turn the tide in this important match.

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)

Afghanistan has a single win against England in their past encounters, with the most recent match being a dominant display by England. Afghanistan will be looking to make a statement, while England will aim to continue their winning ways.

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:

• Hashmatullah Shahidi (Captain) – A solid top-order batter with leadership skills. His calm presence will be crucial in building innings.
• Rahmat Shah (Vice-Captain) – A versatile all-rounder who can anchor the middle-order and provide stability.
• Rashid Khan (Bowling Allrounder) – Known for his sharp spin, Rashid will be key to Afghanistan’s bowling attack and providing breakthroughs in the middle overs.
• Rahmanullah Gurbaz (Wicketkeeper Batter) – A dynamic opener capable of shifting momentum early in the innings.
• Mohammad Nabi (Allrounder) – A seasoned campaigner with the ability to contribute with both bat and ball, especially in crunch situations.

England:

• Jos Buttler (Wicketkeeper Batter) – England’s key wicketkeeper-batter, Buttler is known for his explosive batting and ability to finish matches under pressure.
• Jofra Archer (Bowler) – One of the best pacers in world cricket, Archer can be a match-winner with his speed and aggression.
• Ben Duckett (Top-order Batter) – A top-order batter with the ability to build partnerships and score consistently.
• Joe Root (Top-order Batter) – A reliable run-scorer who can anchor the innings and provide stability in the middle overs.
• Adil Rashid (Bowler) – England’s lead spinner, Rashid’s control and variations will be crucial in the middle overs, especially in subcontinental conditions.

Prediction:

England enters this match as the stronger team on paper, with a more experienced squad and a superior track record in global tournaments. However, Afghanistan’s unpredictability and strong spinners can make this match exciting. If Afghanistan’s top order performs well and their spinners can get early breakthroughs, they could put England under pressure.

Prediction: England to win by 30-50 runs, but Afghanistan could put up a fight if their spinners excel and the batting clicks.