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Afghanistan and England will square off in Match 8 of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 on Wednesday, February 26, at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore. Both teams find themselves in must-win territory, as another loss would all but confirm their elimination from the tournament.
Afghanistan had a disastrous start to their campaign, suffering a 107-run defeat against South Africa in their opening game. Their batting unit crumbled under pressure, failing to put up a competitive fight. Meanwhile, England lost their first match to arch-rivals Australia despite posting a massive 351-run total, eventually falling short by five wickets due to an underwhelming bowling performance.
Afghanistan’s historic win over England
The last time these two teams met in an ICC event, Afghanistan stunned England by 69 runs in the 2023 ODI World Cup, pulling off one of the biggest upsets in tournament history. That victory will give Afghanistan confidence heading into this clash, knowing they have the ability to trouble the defending champions. Jos Buttler and his team will be eager to avenge their World Cup loss and get their campaign back on track. With their tournament hopes hanging by a thread, England will need their batting firepower and bowling attack to deliver under pressure.
ODI Stats and Records at Lahore:
- Total matches: 75
- Matches won batting first: 37
- Matches won bowling first: 36
- Average 1st Inns scores: 255
- Average 2nd Inns scores: 220
- Highest total recorded: 375/3 (50 overs) by Pakistan vs Zimbabwe
- Lowest total recorded: 75/10 (22.5 Overs) by Pakistan vs Sri Lanka
- Highest score chased: 356/5 (47.3 Overs) by Australia vs England
- Lowest score defended: 170/8 (40 Overs) by West Indies vs Pakistan
Gaddafi Stadium Pitch Report
The pitch is expected to be a paradise for batters, offering consistent bounce and excellent carry, making stroke play more rewarding. Fast bowlers might find some assistance with movement and seam early on, but as the game progresses, their impact could diminish due to the surface settling. With the passage of time, the pitch is likely to lose any initial moisture, making run-scoring easier for set batters.
However, as the track begins to dry out, spinners could come into play, extracting significant turn and bounce, especially in the latter stages. The slow nature of the wicket towards the end might test batters with variable spin and occasional grip. Overall, a high-scoring contest is expected, with spinners potentially playing a key role in the second half.
Also READ: AFG vs ENG: Afghanistan and England’s playing XI for the Champions Trophy 2025 – Predicted
Lahore Weather Forecast
The weather in Lahore on Wednesday, February 26, for the crucial Afghanistan vs England clash in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 is expected to be cloudy throughout the day. The temperature will peak at 26°C, with a minimum of 15°C, making for warm but comfortable playing conditions. Humidity levels will be around 66%, which could make it slightly challenging for the players, especially in the afternoon. There is a 10% chance of precipitation, meaning rain is unlikely to disrupt the game. Winds blowing at 13 km/h may assist swing bowlers, especially under overcast skies. The cloud cover could also help fast bowlers generate movement, making batting tricky early on. Overall, conditions are expected to remain favorable for a full game, with no major weather-related interruptions anticipated.
