AFG vs ENG Today | Afghanistan vs England, 8th Match, Group B - ICC Champions Trophy 2025: Match Preview, Playing XI, Score Prediction & Fantasy Picks

High-Stakes Encounter: Afghanistan and England Battle for Survival

The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 has already delivered its fair share of surprises, and as England and Afghanistan face off in Lahore, both teams find themselves in a precarious situation. With both sides suffering defeats in their opening fixtures, the outcome of this match will be crucial in determining their chances of making it to the semifinals. The high-pressure contest at the Gaddafi Stadium promises to be an exhilarating showdown between two teams desperate to keep their campaign alive.

Flashback: Afghanistan’s Historic Win Over England

The last time Afghanistan and England met in an ICC event, the cricketing world witnessed a monumental upset. Afghanistan stunned the defending champions in the 2023 ODI World Cup, securing a commanding 69-run victory. Led by Rahmanullah Gurbaz’s explosive batting and Afghanistan’s world-class spinners, the win was a defining moment in Afghan cricket history. With similar subcontinental conditions in Lahore, England will be wary of a repeat of that humiliation.

Team Form and Performance in Opening Matches

England’s Struggles Against Australia

England’s campaign began with a tough loss against arch-rivals Australia, despite posting a massive total of 351 runs. Their bowlers failed to defend the score as Australia chased it down comfortably, exposing England’s weaknesses in both bowling and fielding. While Ben Duckett’s heroic 165 was a standout performance, captain Jos Buttler and his side must address their inconsistencies, particularly in their death bowling.

Afghanistan’s Disastrous Start Against South Africa

Afghanistan suffered a crushing 107-run defeat against South Africa, failing to adjust to the conditions in Karachi. Their bowlers, known for their spin prowess, struggled to find the right lengths, allowing South Africa to rack up 315 runs. In response, their batting lineup crumbled, with only Rahmat Shah (90) showing resistance. A much-improved performance will be needed if they are to challenge England.

Pitch and Weather Conditions in Lahore

Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium has been a batting paradise in recent years, with high-scoring matches becoming the norm. The last two ODIs here saw teams chase down 300+ scores with ease. The presence of dew in the second innings could be a deciding factor, making the toss crucial. Teams winning the toss might opt to bowl first to take advantage of the improved batting conditions under lights. Additionally, cloudy conditions and mild temperatures could provide some assistance to fast bowlers early on.

England vs Afghanistan: Probable Playing XIs

Afghanistan

• Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk)

• Ibrahim Zadran

• Sediqullah Atal

• Rahmat Shah

• Hashmatullah Shahidi (c)

• Azmatullah Omarzai

• Mohammad Nabi

• Gulbadin Naib

• Rashid Khan

• Mujeeb-ur-Rahman/Noor Ahmad

• Fazalhaq Farooqi

Key Changes: Mujeeb-ur-Rahman could replace Noor Ahmad after the latter’s expensive spell against South Africa.

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

Key Changes: Brydon Carse is ruled out, with Jamie Overton likely to replace him due to his all-round abilities.

Fantasy Cricket & Dream11 Player Picks

Top Batting Picks:

• Ben Duckett (ENG): In red-hot form after scoring a record-breaking 165 against Australia.

• Rahmanullah Gurbaz (AFG): Has five ODI hundreds since 2023 and is capable of explosive starts.

• Joe Root (ENG): A dependable anchor who can hold the innings together.

All-Rounders to Watch:

• Mohammad Nabi (AFG): Can contribute with both bat and ball, making him a solid fantasy pick.

• Liam Livingstone (ENG): Capable of quick runs and handy with the ball.

Bowlers to Consider:

• Rashid Khan (AFG): England’s historical struggles against quality spin make him a key player.

• Mark Wood (ENG): Express pace can trouble Afghan batters on a pitch that might assist seamers early on.

• Adil Rashid (ENG): England’s key spinner will play a crucial role in the middle overs.

Fantasy Captain Picks: Ben Duckett, Rashid Khan
Fantasy Vice-Captain Picks: Joe Root, Jofra Archer

Winning Prediction: Who Holds the Edge?

While England have the stronger squad on paper, their inconsistency in ICC events and struggles against spin give Afghanistan a fair shot at an upset. If Afghanistan can post a competitive total and make early inroads with their spin attack, they could trouble the English batters. However, England’s superior batting depth and extra pace in their attack give them a slight edge in what promises to be a thrilling contest.

Prediction: England to win, but Afghanistan could make it a close battle, especially if they bat first.

Key Stats & Facts

• Jos Buttler’s ODI World Cup Woes: Buttler averages only 25.82 in ICC ODI tournaments, significantly lower than his career average of 39.2.

• England’s Losing Streak: England have lost five consecutive ODIs, their joint-worst run since 2009.

• Rashid Khan Nears Milestone: Needs just two wickets to become Afghanistan’s first bowler to reach 200 ODI wickets.

• Rahmat Shah on the Verge of History: Needs 41 runs to become the first Afghan batter to reach 4000 ODI runs.

Final Thoughts

The England vs Afghanistan clash in Lahore is more than just a group-stage game it’s a fight for survival in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. With both teams reeling from heavy defeats, expect an intense battle filled with high-quality cricket. Whether it’s England’s power-packed batting or Afghanistan’s crafty spin attack, fans are in for an electrifying encounter. Who will handle the pressure better? We’ll find out soon!