The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 is heating up as Afghanistan (AFG) prepares to face England (ENG) in a crucial Group B encounter. Scheduled for February 26 at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium, this match is pivotal for both teams, each seeking their first tournament victory to keep semifinal aspirations alive. In this blog, we will share the AFG vs ENG Dream11 Prediction, Fantasy Cricket Tips, and key insights to help you pick the best fantasy team.
Match Preview
Afghanistan and England will play an important Group B match in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium on February 26. Both teams are looking for their first win in the tournament, making this game crucial for reaching the semifinals.
Afghanistan, led by Hashmatullah Shahidi, has improved a lot in recent years. Their 69-run win against England in the 2023 ODI World Cup gave them confidence and proved they can compete with top teams.
England, under Jos Buttler’s captaincy, is going through changes in white-ball cricket. They lost to Australia in their first match and now face a must-win situation to stay in the race for the semifinals. Injuries have also been a challenge, with fast bowler Brydon Carse ruled out due to a toe injury. Leg-spinner Rehan Ahmed has replaced him in the squad. England needs a strong performance against Afghanistan to stay in the tournament.
AFG vs ENG Head to Head Records
Afghanistan and England have faced each other three times in One Day Internationals (ODIs). England has secured two victories, while Afghanistan has won once. Below is a detailed breakdown of their head-to-head record:
| Date | Tournament | Venue | Result | Highest Run Scorer | Best Bowling Figures |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| March 13, 2015 | ICC Cricket World Cup | Sydney | England won by 9 wickets (DLS method) | Ian Bell (52 runs) | Chris Jordan (2/13) |
| June 18, 2019 | ICC Cricket World Cup | Manchester | England won by 150 runs | Eoin Morgan (148 runs) | Jofra Archer (3/52) |
| October 15, 2023 | ICC Cricket World Cup | Delhi | Afghanistan won by 69 runs | Rahmanullah Gurbaz (80 runs) | Mujeeb Ur Rahman (3/51) |
AFG vs ENG Weather Report
The weather forecast for Lahore on February 26, 2025, indicates overcast conditions with passing showers. Temperatures are expected to range from a low of 55°F (13°C) to a high of 74°F (23°C). Humidity levels will be around 52%, and there is a 44% chance of precipitation, with an estimated rainfall of 0.04 inches. Wind speeds are anticipated to be light, averaging around 4 mph (6 km/h).
AFG vs ENG Pitch Report
Match Details:
- Date & Time: February 26, 2025, 2:30 PM IST
- Venue: Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore
| Pitch Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Pitch Type | The surface is predominantly flat and hard, providing an excellent platform for batsmen to execute their shots with confidence. The even bounce and minimal lateral movement contribute to high-scoring encounters. |
| Pace and Bounce | Fast bowlers may find some assistance early in the innings with consistent bounce, but as the ball loses its shine, the effectiveness of pace diminishes. Batsmen can capitalize on the true nature of the pitch to build substantial innings. |
| Spin Factor | As the match progresses, the pitch tends to offer more grip and turn for spinners. The dry conditions and wear and tear on the surface enhance spin bowlers’ impact, especially during the middle overs. |
| Dew Influence | Dew is generally not a significant factor in Lahore during this time of year, minimizing its impact on evening matches. |
| Average First-Innings Score | The average first-innings score in ODIs at Gaddafi Stadium is approximately 253 runs, reflecting the batting-friendly nature of the pitch. Teams have frequently posted competitive totals, with the highest team total being 375/3 by Pakistan against Zimbabwe in 2015. |
| Preferred Strategy | Considering the pitch’s characteristics, teams winning the toss often opt to bat first. Setting a substantial total allows the batting side to exploit the favorable conditions early on and then utilize their spinners to apply pressure on the chasing team as the pitch deteriorates. |
AFG vs ENG Playing 11 Predictions
Afghanistan Predicted 11:
- Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk)
- Ibrahim Zadran
- Sediqullah Atal
- Rahmat Shah
- Hashmatullah Shahidi (c)
- Azmatullah Omarzai
- Gulbadin Naib
- Mohammad Nabi
- Rashid Khan
- Fazalhaq Farooqi
- Noor Ahmad
England Predicted 11:
- Philip Salt (wk)
- Ben Duckett
- Joe Root
- Harry Brook
- Jos Buttler (c)
- Liam Livingstone
- Jamie Overton
- Jofra Archer
- Adil Rashid
- Mark Wood
- Rehan Ahmed
Injury and Availability News
Afghanistan: Promising 18-year-old spinner Allah Mohammad Ghazanfar has been ruled out of the tournament due to a fracture in his L4 vertebra, sustained during a recent tour of Zimbabwe. This injury not only sidelines him for the Champions Trophy but also the upcoming IPL season, where he was set to represent Mumbai Indians. In his absence, left-arm spinner Nangyal Kharoti has been promoted from the reserves to the main squad. Additionally, experienced spinner Mujeeb Ur Rahman continues to be unavailable for ODI selection as he focuses on recovering from previous injuries.
England: Fast bowler Brydon Carse has been ruled out of the remainder of the Champions Trophy due to a left toe injury, which he aggravated during England’s opening match against Australia. In response, leg-spinner Rehan Ahmed has been called up as his replacement, adding depth to England’s spin options. With Carse’s absence, Jamie Overton is expected to feature in the playing XI against Afghanistan, providing an additional pace option.
AFG vs ENG Dream11 Prediction
As Afghanistan prepares to face England in the 8th match of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, fantasy cricket enthusiasts will be eager to make the best picks for their teams. A well-researched AFG vs ENG Dream11 Prediction can help in constructing a strong lineup based on current form, player statistics, and match conditions.
Wicketkeeper:
- Rahmanullah Gurbaz (AFG): An aggressive opener, Gurbaz has been in excellent form, providing strong starts for Afghanistan. His dual role as a wicketkeeper-batsman adds significant value.
Batsmen:
- Ben Duckett (ENG): A reliable top-order batsman, Duckett has consistently contributed runs, making him a valuable pick.
- Joe Root (ENG): With vast experience and a steady batting approach, Root anchors England’s innings effectively.
- Ibrahim Zadran (AFG): A promising talent, Zadran has shown the ability to play crucial knocks, stabilizing Afghanistan’s batting lineup.
- Sediqullah Atal (AFG): A rising star, Atal’s recent performances have been impressive, making him a potential game-changer.
All-rounders:
- Mohammad Nabi (AFG): A seasoned campaigner, Nabi’s contributions with both bat and ball are invaluable, especially in pressure situations.
- Liam Livingstone (ENG): Known for his explosive batting and handy bowling, Livingstone adds depth to both departments.
Bowlers:
- Rashid Khan (AFG): A premier leg-spinner, Rashid’s wicket-taking ability makes him a must-have in the lineup.
- Adil Rashid (ENG): England’s leading spinner, Rashid’s experience and skill are crucial, particularly on subcontinental pitches.
- Jofra Archer (ENG): With his express pace and knack for breakthroughs, Archer is a significant threat to any batting lineup.
- Fazalhaq Farooqi (AFG): A left-arm pacer, Farooqi has been effective with the new ball, often providing early wickets.
Suggested Dream11 Team
- Wicketkeeper: Jos Buttler (VC)
- Batsmen: Joe Root, Ben Duckett, Ibrahim Zadran, Rahmat Shah
- All-rounders: Mohammad Nabi, Liam Livingstone, Azmatullah Omarzai
- Bowlers: Rashid Khan (C), Adil Rashid, Jofra Archer
Note: Fantasy cricket involves an element of luck, and player performances can vary. It’s advisable to stay updated with the latest team news and player form before finalizing your team.
I love Cricket and Kabaddi and know a lot about them. I like talking about matches and players, helping people understand these sports better. Additionally, I enjoy providing predictions for upcoming games to add an extra layer of excitement for fans.
