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The eighth match of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 will take place between Afghanistan and England at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore on February 26. Both teams are entering this match on the back of defeats, making this contest crucial in determining the Group B standings. A win is required for both sides to remain alive in the competition
Afghanistan and England’s disappointing start in the Champions Trophy 2025
Afghanistan, who are making a debut in the tournament, faced South Africa in their opening match. The contest was completely dominated by the Proteas as they handed Afghanistan a massive defeat by 107 runs. Despite having experienced campaigners like Rashid Khan, Mohammad Nabi and Gulbadin Naib, the Afghans failed to leave a lasting impression and were crushed by the South Africans. Though, Rahmat Shah kept them alive in the hunt with his brilliant innings but lack of support from other batters did the most damage to Afghanistan.
England, on the other hand, did most things right and gave their best to live up to the expectations of a high-voltage contest but ended up losing the match against the Australians. The Jos Buttler-led side went on to post the massive total of 351/8 and with Australia having arguably the weakest team in their history, England must have anticipated an easy win. But Australia still managed to get past the winning line.
Afghanistan’s predicted XI for the clash against England
It’s unlikely that Afghanistan will change their batting as it looks solid despite not clicking enough in the first match. Rahmanullah Gurbaz is expected to be opening with Ibrahim Zadran and expectations will be high from the duo. Similarly, Sediqullah Atal shall be filling the number three spot. Following will be the entry of their star batter Rahmat. He smashed 90 in the first match and will again be expected to shine for the Afghan team. Captain, Hashmatullah Shahidi, and all-rounders like Azmatullah Omarzai, Naib, Nabi and Rashid shall be handling the middle and lower-middle order and also the bowling department. Fazalhaq Farooqi and Noor Ahmad will be expected to shine with the ball, which has been the biggest strength of Afganistan.
Also READ: Champions Trophy 2025: Rashid Latif terms an Afghanistan star as greater cricketer than Wasim Akram
England’s predicted XI for the clash against Afghanistan
Ben Duckett had a brilliant start to the tournament as he smashed a sensational century against the Aussies. Though he still ended up for the losing side, but fans will again be expecting high from Duckett, who is set to open the innings with another explosive batter Phil Salt. In the first game, Jamie Smith came to bat at number three, it would be interesting to see whether England will follow the same approach or Joe Root, who came at number 4, will walk down to bat after the first dismissal in the clash against the Afghans. Harry Brook, Buttler, and Liam Livingstone will be handling the middle-order. The trio failed to impress in their first game and will be focusing to bounce back. Jofra Archer, Mark Wood and Adil Rashid will be the stars in the bowling attack. They will however be missing Brydon Carse, who has been ruled out of the tournament. In his place, England might go for Saqib Mahmood.
