Champions Trophy 2025: England vs Afghanistan – 8th ODI Match Preview
Match Details
- Match: England (ENG) vs Afghanistan (AFG), 8th ODI
- Date: Wednesday, February 26, 2025
- Time: 2:30 PM IST
- Venue: Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore, Pakistan
- Live Streaming: Sports 18, Star Sports Network, JioCinema
Pitch Report
The Gaddafi Stadium pitch has historically favored batting, with an average first-innings score of 290. However, chasing has been slightly tougher, with an average second-innings score of 241.
- The highest total here is 375/3 by Pakistan.
- Pacers have dominated with 67 wickets (54%), but spinners have also had a significant impact, taking 57 wickets (46%).
- The weather forecast indicates 17°C temperature, 7% chance of rain, and 86% humidity, which could assist seamers early on.
A score above 280+ would be highly competitive, and teams winning the toss might opt to bat first.
Team Preview
England (ENG)
England comes into this match struggling with form, having won only 3 out of their last 10 matches. Their batting lineup, however, boasts a strong average of 279, with the ability to score big (highest total: 351). The return of Jofra Archer has strengthened their pace attack, and Adil Rashid remains their trump card in the spin department.
Key Players:
- Ben Duckett – Scored a massive 165 vs AUS recently.
- Joe Root – Consistent with back-to-back half-centuries.
- Adil Rashid – Experienced spinner with a 4-wicket haul vs India.
- Jofra Archer – Pace spearhead, key in powerplays and death overs.
England’s Strategy: They will rely on their batting depth and experienced bowlers like Rashid and Archer to dismantle Afghanistan’s middle order.
Afghanistan (AFG)
Afghanistan, on the other hand, has been in excellent form, winning 7 out of their last 10 games. Their highest total of 311 showcases their improving batting lineup, while their spin attack, led by Rashid Khan and Noor Ahmad, remains a major threat.
Key Players:
- Rahmanullah Gurbaz – Aggressive opener, capable of quick starts.
- Rahmat Shah – In-form middle-order batter with a 90 vs SA.
- Rashid Khan – World-class spinner, always a match-winner.
- Azmatullah Omarzai – All-rounder with a crucial role in both departments.
Afghanistan’s Strategy: Their key focus will be on spin dominance and early breakthroughs with the new ball. Batting depth will be tested against England’s pace attack.
Fantasy Cricket Team Suggestions
Small League Team (Safe Picks)
Wicketkeeper: Rahmanullah Gurbaz
Batters: Ben Duckett (C), Joe Root, Rahmat Shah, Sediqullah Atal
All-rounders: Azmatullah Omarzai, Liam Livingstone (VC)
Bowlers: Adil Rashid, Rashid Khan, Mark Wood, Fazalhaq Farooqi
Grand League Team (Risky Picks & Differential Players)
Wicketkeeper: Jos Buttler
Batters: Philip Salt, Harry Brook, Hashmatullah Shahidi, Joe Root (VC)
All-rounders: Mohammad Nabi (C), Azmatullah Omarzai
Bowlers: Jofra Archer, Noor Ahmad, Adil Rashid, Rashid Khan
Fan Poll Result (Approx. 1 Lakh Votes)
- England - 64%
- Afghanistan - 36%
Despite England’s poor recent form, fans still back them as favorites.
Head-to-Head Record
- Matches Played: 3
- England Won: 2
- Afghanistan Won: 1
Afghanistan has already beaten England once in their previous encounters, and with their recent form, they are capable of causing another upset.
Who Will Win?
- England’s Strengths: Batting firepower, experienced pace attack.
- Afghanistan’s Strengths: Spin dominance, recent winning form.
- England’s Weakness: Struggles in Asian conditions.
- Afghanistan’s Weakness: Over-reliance on spin attack.
Prediction:
Given the conditions and form, England holds a slight edge, but Afghanistan is more than capable of pulling off an upset. If Afghanistan bowls first and restricts England below 280, they have a strong chance to win.
Final Verdict: England (55%) vs Afghanistan (45%)
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