The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 is moving towards its crucial stage, with England (ENG) set to face Afghanistan (AFG) in Match 8 at the Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore on February 26, 2025, at 2:30 PM IST. Both teams have lost their opening matches, making this a must-win game for survival in the tournament.
This match will be key for both sides, as a win will boost their chances of securing a semi-final berth. Let’s dive into the Dream11 prediction, match insights, fantasy tips, probable playing XI, pitch report, and more.
Match Details
| Match | England vs Afghanistan, Match 8 |
|---|---|
| Tournament | ICC Champions Trophy 2025 |
| Date | February 26, 2025 |
| Time | 2:30 PM IST |
| Venue | Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore |
| Live Streaming | Star Sports Network, JioHotstar |
ENG vs AFG Match Preview
Both England and Afghanistan suffered defeats in their first matches. England posted a 350+ total against Australia but failed to defend it, with Ben Duckett smashing a record-breaking 165 runs. Afghanistan, on the other hand, struggled against South Africa, losing by 107 runs, despite Rahmat Shah’s resilient 90-run knock.
This match will be crucial, as the losing team will be virtually out of the tournament.
Head-to-Head Record
| Teams | Matches Won |
| England | 2 |
| Afghanistan | 1 |
Pitch & Weather Report
Gaddafi Stadium Pitch Report
- The pitch has been batting-friendly, as seen in the previous game, where over 700 runs were scored.
- The chasing team has an advantage, as the wicket gets easier under lights.
- Pacers might get some swing early on, but overall, it is a high-scoring venue.
Weather Forecast
| Condition | Details |
| Temperature | 25-27°C |
| Humidity | 65-70% |
| Rain Chances | 10% |
Probable Playing XIs
England Predicted Playing XI
- Phil Salt
- Ben Duckett
- Joe Root
- Harry Brook
- Jos Buttler (c & wk)
- Liam Livingstone
- Jamie Overton
- Jofra Archer
- Adil Rashid
- Mark Wood
- Brydon Carse
Afghanistan Predicted Playing XI
- Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk)
- Ibrahim Zadran
- Sediqullah Atal
- Rahmat Shah
- Hashmatullah Shahidi (c)
- Azmatullah Omarzai
- Mohammad Nabi
- Gulbadin Naib
- Rashid Khan
- Noor Ahmad
- Fazalhaq Farooqi
ENG vs AFG Dream11 Fantasy Team Prediction
ENG vs AFG Small League Dream11 Team
Wicketkeepers: Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Jamie Smith
Batters: Ben Duckett (C), Rahmat Shah, Joe Root
All-rounders: Liam Livingstone, Mohammad Nabi
Bowlers: Mark Wood, Rashid Khan, Jofra Archer, Noor Ahmad
AFG vs ENG Grand League Dream11 Team
Wicketkeepers: Jos Buttler, Rahmanullah Gurbaz
Batters: Ben Duckett, Rahmat Shah, Harry Brook
All-rounders: Joe Root (C), Azmatullah Omarzai
Bowlers: Adil Rashid, Mark Wood, Jofra Archer, Noor Ahmad (VC)
Captain & Vice-Captain Choices
Top Picks for Captain
- Ben Duckett (ENG) – Scored 165 in the last game and is in top form.
- Joe Root (ENG) – Scored 68 runs and can contribute with his off-spin.
Best Vice-Captain Picks
- Rahmat Shah (AFG) – The backbone of Afghanistan’s batting lineup.
- Mark Wood (ENG) – England’s premier fast bowler with wicket-taking abilities.
Players to Avoid in Dream11
| Player | Reason |
| Hashmatullah Shahidi | Hasn’t been in good form in recent matches |
| Harry Brook | Struggled in the last match and might not get enough deliveries to face |
ENG vs AFG Match Winner Prediction
England has a strong batting lineup, but their bowling is a major concern. Afghanistan, on the other hand, has quality spinners who can exploit England’s weakness against spin.
Prediction: England is expected to win, but if Afghanistan’s spinners dominate, they can pull off an upset.
- England’s batting is powerful, but their bowling needs improvement.
- Afghanistan’s spin attack will be crucial in restricting England’s batters.
- The toss will be key, as chasing has been easier at Gaddafi Stadium.
Who do you think will win this ENG vs AFG ICC Champions Trophy 2025 match? Drop your predictions in the comments!
Disclaimer: The Dream11 fantasy team is based on analysis and insights. Please make your selections carefully, keeping financial risks in mind.
