England vs Afghanistan: Champions Trophy 2025 Match Preview and Predictions
England will play against Afghanistan in the eighth match of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 on February 26, looking for their first win. England faced a setback against Australia, whereas Afghanistan seeks redemption after losing to South Africa. The head-to-head record favors England, but Afghanistan’s spin attack presents a significant challenge.
England will face Afghanistan in the eighth match of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore on Wednesday, February 26. Both teams are eager to secure their first victory in the tournament, adding significance to this match for their respective campaigns.
In their opener, England faced a disappointing loss to Australia, despite scoring an impressive 351 runs, thanks to Ben Duckett’s remarkable 165. Unfortunately, their bowlers could not contain Australia, allowing them to easily chase the target. Meanwhile, Afghanistan faced a challenging start after suffering a 107-run defeat to South Africa in their debut Champions Trophy match. They will be keen to bounce back and seek their first win in this tournament.
Regarding their previous encounters, England and Afghanistan have met three times in One Day Internationals, with England leading the head-to-head record at 2-1. Their last encounter occurred during the 2023 World Cup, where Afghanistan delivered a notable upset.
The expected England lineup comprises Philip Salt, Ben Duckett, Jamie Smith (wk), Joe Root, Harry Brook, Jos Buttler (c), Liam Livingstone, Jamie Overton, Jofra Archer, Adil Rashid, and Mark Wood. On the other hand, Afghanistan is anticipated to field Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk), Ibrahim Zadran, Sediqullah Atal, Rahmat Shah, Hashmatullah Shahidi (c), Azmatullah Omarzai, Gulbadin Naib, Mohammad Nabi, Rashid Khan, Fazalhaq Farooqi, and Noor Ahmad.
In terms of predictions, England enters the match as notable favorites due to their experienced lineup and superior ODI record. Their dynamic batting lineup, led by Duckett, Root, and Buttler, possesses the capability to amass significant scores. However, the bowling unit must enhance their performance after the unsatisfactory showing against Australia. Conversely, Afghanistan’s formidable spin attack, including Rashid Khan and Mohammad Nabi, poses a potential threat if the pitch conditions favor spin.
Latest betting odds from Dafabet indicate that England is favored to win against Afghanistan. England’s odds stand at 3.55, while Afghanistan’s odds are at 1.30.
This match promises excitement, as both teams aim to recover from their initial setbacks and make a statement in the group stage of the Champions Trophy.
This upcoming match between England and Afghanistan in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 is crucial for both teams as they seek their first win. England holds an advantage in terms of experience and past encounters, while Afghanistan aims to leverage their spin strengths to create an upset. Betting odds favor England, but Afghanistan’s capability to challenge stronger teams cannot be dismissed.
Original Source: www.sportingnews.com
