Champions Trophy 2025: Predicting England’s playing XI for their clash against Afghanistan

England and Afghanistan will be taking on each other in the 8th match of the Champions Trophy 2025. The Group B match will act as a must-win situation for both England and Afghanistan following their losses to Australia and South Africa in their previous games respectively. Both England and Afghanistan are in the bottom half of the table and a loss would nearly mean an end to their campaign.

The match between England and Afghanistan is set to take place at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore on the 26th of February at 2:30 PM (IST). Both the teams have some of the best players in the world in their lineup. While England has the likes of Joe Root, Jos Buttler, Adil Rashid, Jofra Archer, and others, Afghanistan has Mohammad Nabi, Rashid Khan, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Azmatullah Omarzai, and others. One can expect a good match between the two teams.

Predicted playing XI of England for their clash against Afghanistan in the Champions Trophy 2025 –

Top Order –  

England’s top order is likely to remain the same despite a lack of performance from Phil Salt and Jamie Smith. While the duo did not have an impact with the bat managing to score 10(6) and 15(13) respectively, they might get another chance. Ben Duckett was the star of the match who smashed a brilliant 165(143), the highest score for a batter in the history of the Champions Trophy. If Salt and Duckett get going, ENG would have a good chance.

Middle Order –  

In the middle order, England has their anchor in Joe Root at 4. He batted well against Australia and scored 68(78). His dismissal led to a collapse which was one of the decisive moments of the match against Australia. To follow him are Harry Brook and skipper Jos Buttler. Brook hasn’t been in a good form in the last few months. Buttler is past his prime and might need a defining knock to return to his best. 

Lower Middle Order – 

In the lower middle order, Liam Livingstone and Brydon Carse are likely to continue. Livingstone struggled hard to finish for England against Australia. With the ball, he claimed 1/47 in his 7 overs. Brydon bowled a poor spell as he conceded 69 runs in his 7 overs and managed a solitary wicket against Australia. He must perform better in the middle overs and claim important wickets.

Bowlers – 

The failure of England’s bowling was the key reason behind their loss against Australia. While they bowled well in this first half and had Australia at 142/4 at one stage, England bowlers couldn’t dismiss Alex Carey, Josh Inglis, and Glenn Maxwell as early as they would’ve liked. Both Jofra Archer and Mark Wood went for runs in their second spells. Adil Rashid was the best of the lot as he claimed 1/47 including a maiden over.

England’s playing XI for their match against Afghanistan in the CT 2025 –

Phil Salt

Ben Duckett

Jamie Smith (WK)

Joe Root

Harry Brook

Jos Buttler (C)

Liam Livingstone

Brydon Carse

Jofra Archer

Mark Wood

Adil Rashid

Disclaimer: This Exclusive News is based on the author’s understanding, analysis, and instinct. As you review this information, consider the points mentioned and form your own conclusions.

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