In Lahore, Pakistan, the critical Champions Trophy match between Afghanistan and England unfolds as Afghanistan captain Hashmatullah Shahidi opts to bat first after winning the toss. This high-stakes encounter in Group B is essential for both sides, as the losing team will face elimination from the chance to reach the semifinals.
The lead-up to this match wasn’t without controversy. Prior to the tournament, over 160 British politicians called upon the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) to withdraw from the game against Afghanistan. This plea was a response to the Taliban’s suppression of women’s sports and diminishing women’s rights in Afghanistan. Despite this, the ECB decided to proceed with the match.
Afghanistan’s team approach is consistent as they retain the lineup from their previous match, which includes the spin-bowling trio of Rashid Khan, Noor Ahmad, and Mohammad Nabi. This decision follows their recent 107-run defeat by South Africa, where Ryan Rickelton achieved his first ODI century in Karachi.
Meanwhile, England faces a necessary alteration. With Brydon Carse sidelined due to a toe injury, fast bowler Jamie Overton steps in as his replacement. The English team recently experienced a challenging game against Australia at the same venue, where Australia achieved a record chase of 352 runs in an ICC tournament, emerging victorious by five wickets.
Group A has already seen India and New Zealand secure their semifinal spots, eliminating host Pakistan and Bangladesh in the process. As the tournament progresses, the outcome of this clash between Afghanistan and England remains pivotal for Group B’s progression.
The playing lineups for the match are as follows:
Afghanistan: Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Ibrahim Zadran, Sediqullah Atal, Rahmat Shah, Hashmatullah Shahidi (captain), Azmatullah Omarzai, Mohammad Nabi, Gulbadin Naib, Rashid Khan, Noor Ahmad, Fazalhaq Farooqi.
England: Phil Salt, Ben Duckett, Jamie Smith, Joe Root, Harry Brook, Jos Buttler (captain), Liam Livingstone, Jamie Overton, Jofra Archer, Adil Rashid, Mark Wood.
