ENG vs AFG Match Preview, Key Players & Fantasy Team
As the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 continues, England and Afghanistan are set to clash in a crucial Group B match. Both teams are coming off losses in their previous encounters and will be eager to bounce back. This high-stakes game at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore, will play a significant role in determining their fate in the tournament.
Match Details:
- Match: 8th Match, Group B
- Date: February 26, 2025 (Wednesday)
- Time: 2:30 PM Local Time
- Venue: Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore
Recent Performances of Both Teams
England’s Last Match: Lost vs Australia
England put up a massive 351/8 in their last game against Australia, but despite the big total, they couldn’t defend it.
- Ben Duckett was outstanding, scoring a breathtaking 165 off 124 balls.
- Joe Root played a supporting role with 68 runs.
- Phil Salt, Harry Brook, and Jos Buttler chipped in with useful contributions.
However, England’s bowling faltered as Australia successfully chased the target with 15 balls to spare.
- Josh Inglis led Australia’s chase with a brilliant century (120 off 88 balls).*
- Alex Carey (69), Matt Short (63), and Marnus Labuschagne (47 & 2 wickets) ensured a comfortable chase.
- England’s bowling lacked penetration, with even experienced players like Jofra Archer and Adil Rashid failing to contain the Aussies.
We fall just short in our opening game of the Champions Trophy. pic.twitter.com/aN2fcpoGCo
— England Cricket (@englandcricket) February 22, 2025
Afghanistan’s Last Match: Lost vs South Africa
Afghanistan faced a tough challenge against South Africa, who posted 316/6.
- Ryan Rickelton scored a century (101 off 92 balls).
- Aiden Markram (58) and Rassie van der Dussen (52) stabilized the innings.
- Kagiso Rabada took 3 wickets, restricting Afghanistan’s chase.
In reply, Afghanistan’s batting struggled:
- Rahmat Shah fought hard, scoring 90 off 105 balls, but lacked enough support.
- Afghanistan was bowled out in 44 overs, losing the match by a significant margin.
Not the result we would've wanted to begin our #ChampionsTrophy campaign with, but #AfghanAtalan remain committed to bouncing back in the games ahead. 👍#AFGvSA | #GloriousNationVictoriousTeam pic.twitter.com/yuwKRNttS3
— Afghanistan Cricket Board (@ACBofficials) February 21, 2025
Key Players to Watch Out For : ENG vs AFG
England
Phil Salt (WK-Batsman)
Salt is known for his aggressive batting style and ability to dominate in powerplays. Although he didn’t convert his start against Australia, he remains a crucial opener. His explosive batting could be a game-changer against Afghanistan’s spinners.
Joe Root (Batsman, All-Rounder)
The experienced campaigner provides stability in the middle order. His ability to rotate strike and anchor the innings was evident in his 68-run knock against Australia. Root can also contribute with part-time spin, making him valuable on the Lahore pitch, which might assist spinners.
Ben Duckett (Batsman)
Duckett was the star of England’s last match, scoring 165 runs off just 124 balls. He played brilliant strokes all around the park. England will hope he carries that form against Afghanistan’s quality spinners.
Jofra Archer (Fast Bowler)
Archer struggled against Australia, failing to break partnerships at crucial moments. However, his pace and accuracy could trouble Afghanistan’s batsmen, especially on a wicket that might offer extra bounce.
Adil Rashid (Leg-Spinner)
Rashid remains England’s strike bowler in the middle overs. His ability to break partnerships and trick batsmen with his variations will be key against a side that plays spin well.
Afghanistan
Rashid Khan (Leg-Spinner, All-Rounder)
The backbone of Afghanistan’s bowling attack, Rashid Khan is a match-winner with both ball and bat. He could be lethal against England’s middle order, especially if the pitch favors spin. His late-order batting also adds depth to Afghanistan’s lineup.
Noor Ahmad (Left-arm Wrist Spinner)
The young sensation has impressed with his accuracy and ability to contain runs in the middle overs. Noor Ahmad will be key in Afghanistan’s plan to slow down England’s powerful batting unit.
Probable Playing XIs : AFG vs ENG
England’s Playing XI:
- Phil Salt (WK)
- Ben Duckett
- Jamie Smith
- Joe Root
- Harry Brook
- Jos Buttler (C)
- Liam Livingstone
- Saqib Mahmood / Jaime Overton
- Jofra Archer
- Adil Rashid
- Mark Wood
Afghanistan’s Playing XI:
- Rahmanullah Gurbaz (WK)
- Ibrahim Zadran
- Sediqullah Atal
- Rahmat Shah
- Hashmatullah Shahidi (C)
- Azmatullah Omarzai
- Mohammad Nabi
- Gulbadin Naib
- Rashid Khan
- Noor Ahmad
- Fazalhaq Farooqi
Dream 11 Team Prediction
| Category | Players |
|---|---|
| Wicketkeepers | Phil Salt, Jos Buttler |
| Batsmen | Ben Duckett, Rahmat Shah |
| All-Rounders | Joe Root, Azmatullah Omarzai, Liam Livingstone |
| Bowlers | Rashid Khan, Noor Ahmad, Jofra Archer, Adil Rashid |
Captain: Ben Duckett
Vice-Captain: Rashid Khan
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Match Prediction & Analysis
- England’s batting depth makes them the favorites, especially with players like Duckett, Root, and Buttler in form.
- Afghanistan’s strength lies in their spinners, and a lot will depend on Rashid Khan and Noor Ahmad to trouble England’s batting.
- If Afghanistan’s top order provides a solid start, they could push England into a tight game.
Final Verdict:
England has the edge, but if Rashid Khan and Noor Ahmad bowl well, Afghanistan could pull off an upset!
This match is expected to be a thriller, with both teams fighting to stay alive in ICC Champions Trophy 2025. Who do you think will win? Let us know your predictions! 🚀🔥