todays match Afghanistan vs England: high-stakes champions trophy showdown

Afghanistan and england are set to clash today, february 26, 2025, in a do-or-die icc champions trophy group b match at gaddafi stadium, lahore. the match kicks off at 2:30 pm local time (9:00 am gmt).

match significance

this crucial encounter determines which team advances closer to a semi-final spot and which exits the tournament. england, under captain jos buttler, faces mounting pressure after their recent defeat to australia. questions surrounding buttler’s white-ball captaincy have intensified.

afghanistan, guided by former england cricketer jonathan trott, looks to repeat their historic win over england. in the 2023 icc cricket world cup, afghanistan secured a landmark 69-run victory against england in delhi.

team news

• england: jamie overton replaces the injured brydon carse. england is expected to tweak their bowling lineup, strengthening spin options to suit subcontinental conditions.
  
• afghanistan: rahmanullah gurbaz, who played a key role in afghanistan’s last win against england with an 80-run knock, remains a crucial player to watch.