England and Afghanistan face off in the Champions Trophy 2025 group stage at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore. England will look to bounce back after a disappointing start, relying on their strong batting lineup. Meanwhile, Afghanistan’s bowling attack could pose a challenge, but their batting remains a concern. With both teams eager for a crucial win, this promises to be an exciting contest.
📅 Match Date: February 26, 2025
⏰ Nepali Time: 2:45 PM
🏟 Venue: Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore
Team Preview
Afghanistan’s Performance
Afghanistan enter this match following a strong run in bilateral ODIs, securing victories against Ireland, South Africa, Bangladesh, and Zimbabwe. However, they suffered a setback in their opening Champions Trophy match against South Africa.
While their bowling attack, featuring Rashid Khan and Fazalhaq Farooqi, remains their biggest strength, Afghanistan’s batting lacks the same level of quality. Their familiarity with subcontinental conditions could play a crucial role in this encounter.
England’s Performance
Jos Buttler’s England side has struggled for consistency in ODIs, highlighted by their 3-0 series defeat to India before this tournament. In their opening Champions Trophy fixture, England posted an impressive 351 runs against Australia but ultimately lost due to a weak bowling performance.
Despite recent struggles, England’s batting unit remains one of the strongest in world cricket, featuring experienced players like Joe Root and Jos Buttler, alongside young stars such as Harry Brook and Phil Salt.
Key Stats
✅ Afghanistan won their first-ever ODI against England in the 2023 World Cup.
✅ England posted 351 runs against Australia in their opening match but lost due to bowling concerns.
✅ Gaddafi Stadium has favored batting, with 330+ runs expected from the team batting first.
Match Prediction
England’s powerful batting lineup gives them the upper hand in this contest. However, Afghanistan’s strong bowling attack, combined with their familiarity with subcontinental conditions, could make things difficult.
Prediction: England to win
Probable Playing XIs
Afghanistan:
Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk), Ibrahim Zadran, Sediqullah Atal, Rahmat Shah, Hashmatullah Shahidi (c), Azmatullah Omarzai, Mohammad Nabi, Gulbadin Naib, Rashid Khan, Noor Ahmad, Fazalhaq Farooqi
England:
Phil Salt, Ben Duckett, Jamie Smith (wk), Joe Root, Harry Brook, Jos Buttler (c), Liam Livingstone, Jamie Overton, Jofra Archer, Adil Rashid, Mark Wood
Where to Watch from Nepal
Fans in Nepal can watch the match live on:
✅ Star Sports Network
✅ YoSin TV
