AFG vs ENG: Top 3 Player Battles to Watch Out for in Champions Trophy 2025

Afghanistan and England will take on each other in the eighth game of the ongoing ICC Champions Trophy 2025. The game will be played at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore on Wednesday, February 26, at 2:30 PM (IST). Both teams are coming off with a defeat in their respective campaign openers against South Africa and Australia, respectively.

After a game between Australia and South Africa got washed out, the Afghanistan vs England clash will be a virtual knockout as the losing side will be eliminated from the tournament. So, it will be a must-win and all-important game for both sides to keep their hopes alive in the tournament.

Given that, here we’ll have a look at the top 3 players to watch out for in the upcoming Afghanistan vs England, the eighth clash of the ongoing Champions Trophy 2025.

Also Read: WATCH: South Africa skipper Temba Bavuma grabs stunning catch to dismiss his Afghanistan counterpart Hashmatullah Shahidi

Here are 3 player battles to Watch Out for in Afghanistan vs England – Champions Trophy 2025

Rahmanullah Gurbaz vs Jofra Archer

Star Afghanistan opener Rahmanullah Gurbaz failed to perform up to the expectations in the last game against South Africa. But he can be quite lethal for the opponent bowlers if he stays there in the middle till the end of the first powerplay. Gurbaz has a knack for hitting big shots to get a quick start for Afghanistan.

However, Gurbaz will have a challenge to face in star England pacer Jofra Archer. Notably, Archer will also aim to get his form back after a poor show in the game against Australia. He could be quite dangerous in his comeback while bowling against Afghanistan.

Sediqullah Atal vs Mark Wood

Afghanistan will have a lot of hopes with their number three batter Sediqullah Atal who showed good intent in the warm-up game but failed to continue it in the game against South Africa. He can play a crucial role with the bat, adding some crucial runs and playing an anchor role to help his side post a big total.

Sediqullah will also have a tough test to pass through if Afghanistan loses their first wicket early; he will be facing the star England pacer Mark Wood who is known for his sheer pace and lethal bowling in the powerplay phase of the innings. So, it will also be an interesting player battle to watch out for in the Afghanistan vs England clash.

Ben Duckett vs Rashid Khan

Star England opener Ben Duckett played a sensational century knock in the last game against Australia, smashing 165 runs off just 143 balls, with 17 fours and three sixes. He was also the leading run-scorer for his side in the game against Australia. Duckett’s form will also be a major concern for Afghanistan to tackle. 

However, Afghanistan will look ahead to challenge Ben Duckett with their most lethal spin weapon Rashid Khan. Notably, Rashid has been quite impressive with the ball in limited-overs cricket for the last couple of months, especially after the end of powerplay. So, if Ben Duckett survives post-powerplay, he might be put under a tough test by star Afghanistan spinner Rashid Khan.

Also Read: Champions Trophy: Ben Duckett breaks 21-year-old tournament record as England score 351/8 vs Australia