AFG vs ENG Dream11 Prediction, Champions Trophy 2025 Fantasy Cricket Tips, Match 8 Team, Playing XI, and Pitch Report

AFG vs ENG: Champions Trophy 2025 Match Preview: Key Players, Pitch Report, and Dream11 Picks

The 2025 ICC Champions Trophy continues with an exciting encounter between Afghanistan and England in Match 8 in Lahore. Both teams are looking to bounce back after losing their previous games. Here’s a detailed preview of the match, including key players, pitch conditions, and Dream11 predictions.

Match Overview

• Teams: Afghanistan vs England
• Venue: Lahore, Pakistan
• Date: February 2025
• Match Type: ICC Champions Trophy 2025—Group Stage
• Weather Forecast: Cloudy skies, temperature around 24°C

Team Performances in Previous Matches

• Afghanistan: Afghanistan faced a heavy 107-run defeat against South Africa. The team made multiple errors in all departments, and the pitch did not suit their playing style, causing them to fall short in the game.
• England: England was surprisingly defeated by Australia in a high-scoring thriller. Despite putting up a strong total in the first innings, England’s bowlers, especially the pacers, failed to maintain pressure, resulting in a five-wicket loss.

AFG vs ENG: Probable Playing XIs

• Afghanistan:
  • Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk), Ibrahim Zadran, Sediqullah Atal, Rahmat Shah, Hashmatullah Shahidi (c), Azmatullah Omarzai, Mohammad Nabi, Gulbadin Naib, Rashid Khan, Noor Ahmad, and Fazalhaq Farooqi.
• England:
  • Phil Salt, Ben Duckett, Jamie Smith (wk), Joe Root, Harry Brook, Jos Buttler (c), Liam Livingstone, Jamie Overton, Jofra Archer, Mark Wood, and Adil Rashid.

Pitch Report for AFG vs ENG

• Lahore Pitch Conditions: The pitch at Lahore is typically flat, favoring batting. On average, the first-innings score is 297, with pacers accounting for over 60% of the wickets. Expect a high-scoring match with the ball coming onto the bat nicely.
• Toss Strategy: The team winning the toss is likely to field first, given the chasing team’s advantage in Lahore. A score of around 290 will be competitive.
• Weather: Cloudy skies with a temperature around 24°C make for pleasant playing conditions.

Key Players to Watch

Afghanistan

• Rahmanullah Gurbaz (AFG): As an opening batter, Gurbaz can take advantage of the powerplay and provide Afghanistan with a strong start. His aggressive approach is vital for setting the tone in the innings.
• Rashid Khan (AFG): A top captaincy pick, Rashid Khan will be pivotal with both bat and ball. He has the ability to exploit England’s occasional weaknesses against spin bowling. Rashid can cause serious damage in the middle overs and is a threat in any condition.

England

• Phil Salt (ENG): Although Salt has been inconsistent in recent matches, his aggressive style of play makes him a dangerous opener. He’ll look to exploit Afghanistan’s bowling attack in the early overs and get England off to a solid start.
• Ben Duckett (ENG): Duckett is one of the most reliable batters in England’s lineup. With a solid performance in the previous match (scoring a magnificent 165), he is expected to be a key player for England in this match.
• Mark Wood (ENG): Known for his pace, Mark Wood will be a major threat on the quick pitch in Lahore. His short-pitched deliveries can trouble Afghanistan’s batters, and he could play a crucial role in breaking partnerships.
• Jofra Archer (ENG): Archer, with his speed and bounce, can cause issues for Afghanistan’s top-order. He has the ability to pick up wickets in crucial moments, making him an essential player for England.

Dream11 Top Picks

• Captaincy Pick: Rashid Khan (AFG) With his all-round capabilities, Rashid is an ideal captaincy option for Dream11 Fantasy. His spin bowling can be game-changing against England’s batters.
• Vice-Captaincy Pick: Ben Duckett (ENG) – Duckett’s consistency and recent form with the bat make him a strong vice captain’s choice.

Player to Avoid

• Hashmatullah Shahidi (AFG): Despite being a key player for Afghanistan, Shahidi might not be as effective in this match. His form and ability to impact the game in the current conditions make him a player to consider avoiding for this fixture.

Conclusion

This match promises to be a thrilling encounter, with England’s pace attack likely to dominate against Afghanistan’s batters on a fast pitch. Afghanistan will need to rely on their spinners, especially Rashid Khan, to counter England’s aggressive batting lineup. Keep an eye on key players like Ben Duckett and Rahmanullah Gurbaz as potential game-changers for both teams. The Dream11 picks should revolve around these influential players for a competitive edge.