Afghanistan and England will sq. off in Match 8 of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 on Wednesday, February 26, on the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore. Each groups discover themselves in must-win territory, as one other loss would all however verify their elimination from the match.
Afghanistan had a disastrous begin to their marketing campaign, struggling a 107-run defeat in opposition to South Africa of their opening recreation. Their batting unit crumbled below strain, failing to place up a aggressive struggle. In the meantime, England misplaced their first match to arch-rivals Australia regardless of posting an enormous 351-run complete, ultimately falling quick by 5 wickets attributable to an underwhelming bowling efficiency.
Afghanistan’s historic win over England
The final time these two groups met in an ICC occasion, Afghanistan shocked England by 69 runs within the 2023 ODI World Cup, pulling off one of many greatest upsets in match historical past. That victory will give Afghanistan confidence heading into this conflict, figuring out they’ve the power to bother the defending champions. Jos Buttler and his staff might be desperate to avenge their World Cup loss and get their marketing campaign again on monitor. With their match hopes hanging by a thread, England will want their batting firepower and bowling assault to ship below strain.
ODI Stats and Data at Lahore:
- Complete matches: 75
- Matches received batting first: 37
- Matches received bowling first: 36
- Common 1st Inns scores: 255
- Common 2nd Inns scores: 220
- Highest complete recorded: 375/3 (50 overs) by Pakistan vs Zimbabwe
- Lowest complete recorded: 75/10 (22.5 Overs) by Pakistan vs Sri Lanka
- Highest rating chased: 356/5 (47.3 Overs) by Australia vs England
- Lowest rating defended: 170/8 (40 Overs) by West Indies vs Pakistan
Gaddafi Stadium Pitch Report
The pitch is predicted to be a paradise for batters, providing constant bounce and wonderful carry, making stroke play extra rewarding. Quick bowlers would possibly discover some help with motion and seam early on, however as the sport progresses, their affect may diminish as a result of floor settling. With the passage of time, the pitch is prone to lose any preliminary moisture, making run-scoring simpler for set batters.
Nonetheless, because the monitor begins to dry out, spinners may come into play, extracting vital flip and bounce, particularly within the latter phases. The gradual nature of the wicket in the direction of the top would possibly check batters with variable spin and occasional grip. Total, a high-scoring contest is predicted, with spinners doubtlessly taking part in a key function within the second half.
Additionally READ: AFG vs ENG: Afghanistan and England’s taking part in XI for the Champions Trophy 2025 – Predicted
Lahore Climate Forecast
The climate in Lahore on Wednesday, February 26, for the essential Afghanistan vs England conflict within the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 is predicted to be cloudy all through the day. The temperature will peak at 26°C, with a minimal of 15°C, making for heat however comfy taking part in circumstances. Humidity ranges might be round 66%, which may make it barely difficult for the gamers, particularly within the afternoon. There’s a 10% probability of precipitation, that means rain is unlikely to disrupt the sport. Winds blowing at 13 km/h could help swing bowlers, particularly below overcast skies. The cloud cowl may additionally assist quick bowlers generate motion, making batting difficult early on. Total, circumstances are anticipated to stay favorable for a full recreation, with no main weather-related interruptions anticipated.