AFG vs ENG Match Preview- ICC Champions Trophy 2025, Match 8

In the eighth game of the ongoing ICC Champions Trophy 2025, England and Afghanistan will be facing each other. The game is scheduled to take place at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore on Wednesday (February 26).

Both teams will be keen to win the upcoming game and open their account in the competition. England and Afghanistan have started their campaign with a loss and another defeat could very well end their hopes of progressing ahead of the group stage.

Afghanistan were up against South Africa in their first game and lost the game by 107 runs. On the other hand, England faced Australia and ended up losing the game by 5 wickets. So, as Afghanistan and England gear up for the crucial clash, here is the AFG vs ENG match preview.

AFG vs ENG Match Preview- ICC Champions Trophy 2025, Match 8:

AFG vs ENG, Date and Venue:

The upcoming AFG vs ENG match will be played on Wednesday (February 26) at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore. The match will be played from 02:30 PM (IST).

Squads:

Afghanistan:

Rahmanullah Gurbaz(w), Ibrahim Zadran, Sediqullah Atal, Rahmat Shah, Hashmatullah Shahidi(c), Azmatullah Omarzai, Gulbadin Naib, Mohammad Nabi, Rashid Khan, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Noor Ahmad, Fareed Ahmad Malik, Ikram Alikhil, Naveed Zadran, Nangeyalia Kharote

England:

Philip Salt, Ben Duckett, Jamie Smith(w), Joe Root, Harry Brook, Jos Buttler(c), Liam Livingstone, Rehan Ahmed, Jofra Archer, Adil Rashid, Mark Wood, Jamie Overton, Saqib Mahmood, Tom Banton, Gus Atkinson

AFG vs ENG key battles:

Rahmanullah Gurbaz vs Jofra Archer:

The battle between Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Jofra Archer could decide the course of the rest of the innings. One of the main reasons behind Afghanistan's strong display in recent ICC tournaments is Gurbaz's performance. While he failed to score big in the previous game, he will be eyeing a big score in the upcoming game.

England will be hoping that they get the wicket of Gurbaz before he gets set. The onus will be on Archer to strike with the new ball and give his team a good start.

Ben Duckett vs Fazalhaq Farooqi:

Ben Duckett started his campaign in the Champions Trophy on a brilliant note. While England ended up losing the game, Duckett managed to grab the eyeballs with his stunning display. The left-handed batsman played a historic knock of 165 runs, the highest-ever individual score in the Champions Trophy.

With form on his side, Duckett will look to score big against Afghanistan as well. And the onus will be on Fazalhaq Farooqi to ensure that Duckett does not get the start. Farooqi will be operating with the new ball and will be keen to get Duckett's wicket.

Jos Buttler vs Rashid Khan:

The battle between Jos Buttler and Rashid Khan could decide the outcoming of the AFG vs ENG game. With England in dire need of a win, the onus will be on their captain Jos Buttler to lead the team from the front. Time and again, Buttler has given his best in pressure situations and will be eyeing the same against Afghanistan too.

However, his plans could be foiled by Rashid Khan, one of the best spinners in the world. Rashid will be keen to win this duel and can do so.

AFG vs ENG Key Players

AFG - Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Rahmat Shah, Hashmatullah Shahidi, Azmatullah Omarzai, and Rashid Khan will be the key players for Afghanistan.

ENG - Ben Duckett, Jos Buttler, Joe Root, Jamie Overton, Jofra Archer, and Adil Rashid will be the key players for England.

AFG vs ENG Weather And Pitch Report:

The pitch at the Gaddafi Stadium is set to favor the batsmen once again. In the previous game played at the same venue, both the teams posted 350-plus totals as Australia chased down 352 runs against England. The upcoming AFG vs ENG game also promises to be a high-scoring game.

As far as the weather report is concerned, there is no prediction for rain. The temperature will be hovering in the 20s throughout the game.

Conclusion:

Neither England nor Afghanistan can afford to lose the upcoming AFG vs ENG game. Both the teams have started their campaign with a loss and will be desperate to win the contest to open their account.