Champions Trophy 2025: Afghanistan vs England Match Prediction – Who Will Win the 8th Match?

The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 continues with a must-win match between England and Afghanistan at the Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore. Both teams are under pressure after losing their first game England struggled against Australia, while Afghanistan faced a tough defeat against South Africa.

With only three group-stage matches, every game is crucial. The team that loses this match will be close to elimination, making this a high-stakes battle. Can England bounce back with their strong batting lineup, or will Afghanistan’s spinners create another big upset?

Today’s AFG vs ENG Match Prediction, we analyze key players, pitch conditions, and team form to help you understand what to expect in this exciting Champions Trophy 2025 clash. Let’s dive in!

AFG vs ENG Match Prediction Details

Pitch Report

The Gaddafi Stadium pitch is great for batting, with high scores common. Batters enjoy the flat surface, making stroke play easy. Pacers may get some movement early, while spinners can be useful later. Dew favors chasing teams, so captains might choose to bowl first.

Weather Report

Tomorrow, February 26, 2025, at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore, expect clear skies with temperatures ranging from 16°C in the morning to a high of 31°C in the afternoon. A light breeze of up to 21 km/h is anticipated. There’s a slight chance of light rain in the evening.

Toss Prediction & Impact on the Match

Toss Winner & Decision:

Captains in Lahore usually prefer to bowl first as pacers get early swing under lights. The flat pitch helps batters, but dew in the second innings makes chasing easier.

England might use Archer and Wood for early breakthroughs, while Afghanistan could rely on Rashid Khan later. Since chasing has been successful here, the toss will be crucial in this AFG vs ENG match. The team winning it will likely bowl first to take advantage of the conditions.

ENG vs AFG H2H in ODI

England Team Analysis & Playing XI

England enters the AFG vs ENG Champions Trophy 2025 clash looking to bounce back from a tough defeat against Australia. With a strong batting lineup and a well-rounded bowling attack, they will aim to dominate against Afghanistan.

Batting Strengths: England’s batting unit is packed with firepower. Phil Salt and Ben Duckett provide an aggressive start, while Joe Root stabilizes the innings with his experience. The middle order features the explosive trio of Harry Brook, Jos Buttler, and Liam Livingstone, capable of accelerating the scoring rate. This deep lineup makes England a formidable side in high-scoring matches.

Bowling Strengths: England’s bowling attack is a mix of pace and spin. Jofra Archer and Mark Wood bring raw speed, while Adil Rashid adds variety in the spin department. With Brydon Carse ruled out due to a toe injury, Jamie Overton is likely to replace him, providing extra pace and lower-order batting depth. Sam Curran offers all-round balance, making England’s attack well-rounded.

Weaknesses: Despite a strong squad, England has concerns in death bowling, often conceding runs in the final overs. Their batting lineup, while powerful, has struggled against quality spin, which could be an issue against Afghanistan’s spinners. The absence of Brydon Carse may also affect their bowling plans.

ENG’s Probable Playing XI

1️⃣ Phil Salt
2️⃣ Ben Duckett
3️⃣ Jamie Smith (wk)
4️⃣ Joe Root
5️⃣ Harry Brook
6️⃣ Jos Buttler (wk)
7️⃣ Liam Livingstone
8️⃣ Jamie Overton
9️⃣ Adil Rashid
🔟 Jofra Archer
1️⃣1️⃣ Mark Wood

Afghanistan Team Analysis & Playing XI

Afghanistan heads into this Champions Trophy 2025 match against England looking to bounce back after a tough start. They have a well-balanced squad with aggressive batters and world-class spinners who can challenge any opposition.

Batting Strengths: Afghanistan’s top order is crucial to its success. Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Ibrahim Zadran form a solid opening pair, capable of providing fast starts. Rahmat Shah and Hashmatullah Shahidi bring stability in the middle, while Azmatullah Omarzai and Gulbadin Naib offer all-round contributions.

Bowling Strengths: Afghanistan’s spin attack is their biggest weapon. Rashid Khan and Mujeeb Ur Rahman/Noor Ahmad can dominate in the middle overs, while Mohammad Nabi adds experience. In the pace department, Fazalhaq Farooqi leads the attack, with support from Gulbadin Naib and Azmatullah Omarzai.

Weaknesses: Afghanistan’s biggest challenge is its middle-order inconsistency. If early wickets fall, they might struggle to recover. Additionally, their pacers need to deliver in death overs, as England’s power hitters can take advantage of any loose bowling.

AFG’s Probable Playing XI

1️⃣ Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk)
2️⃣ Ibrahim Zadran
3️⃣ Sediqullah Atal
4️⃣ Rahmat Shah
5️⃣ Hashmatullah Shahidi (c)
6️⃣ Azmatullah Omarzai
7️⃣ Gulbadin Naib
8️⃣ Mohammad Nabi
9️⃣ Rashid Khan
🔟 Mujeeb Ur Rahman/Noor Ahmad
1️⃣1️⃣ Fazalhaq Farooqi

Afghanistan’s Possible Key Players

Rahmanullah Gurbaz – The aggressive opener has been in excellent form, scoring 312 runs in his last 7 matches at an average of 44.57. His ability to take on the new ball can give Afghanistan a strong start.

Sediqullah Atal – A solid batter who has amassed 246 runs in 7 matches at an average of 41. His consistency at the top order makes him crucial for Afghanistan’s stability.

Rashid Khan – The star leg-spinner remains Afghanistan’s biggest weapon, having taken 15 wickets in his last 7 matches at an economy of 3.87. His ability to break partnerships in the middle overs can put England under pressure.

Azmatullah Omarzai – A promising all-rounder, he has 13 wickets in 9 matches with an economy of 4.45. His ability to contribute with both bat and ball adds depth to Afghanistan’s lineup.

England’s Possible Key Players

Ben Duckett – England’s most in-form batter, scoring 474 runs in his last 7 matches at an average of 67.71 and a strike rate of 115.04. His ability to anchor the innings while accelerating when needed makes him a key player.

Liam Livingstone – A dangerous middle-order batter who has smashed 342 runs in 10 matches at an average of 48.86 and a strike rate of 122.14. His power-hitting and ability to bowl spin add extra value to England’s squad.

Adil Rashid – England’s lead spinner, who has picked up 12 wickets in his last 10 matches at an economy of 5.73. His variations and experience in big matches will be crucial against Afghanistan’s batting lineup.

Jofra Archer – The express pacer has taken 7 wickets in 7 matches at an economy of 5.89. His pace and ability to generate bounce can trouble Afghanistan’s top order, especially in the powerplay.

AFG vs ENG Today’s Match Prediction

England and Afghanistan will face each other in the Champions Trophy 2025. England has a strong batting lineup with Ben Duckett and Liam Livingstone in good form. Afghanistan will depend on Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Rashid Khan to perform well. England looks stronger, but Afghanistan has the talent to surprise everyone.

Winner Prediction: England Will Win The Match

Disclaimer: This match prediction is based on analyzing team performance, pitch conditions, and recent trends. Cricket is unpredictable, and actual results may vary. We do not guarantee accuracy and advise readers to use their judgment before making decisions.