England and Afghanistan will face off in a crucial Champions Trophy 2025 match at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore, on February 26 at 2:30 PM IST. Both teams are in a do-or-die situation after losing their opening matches. England, currently third in Group B, lost to Australia, while Afghanistan, at the bottom of the table, suffered defeat against South Africa. A loss here means elimination, making this match a high-stakes encounter.
- England lost to Australia and are at third place in Group B.
- Afghanistan lost to South Africa and are at the bottom of Group B.
- Winner stays in the tournament; loser gets eliminated.
Gaddafi Stadium Pitch Report
The pitch at Gaddafi Stadium is known for being a batting-friendly surface. The last match at this venue saw a total of over 700 runs, proving how much it supports the batters. Pace bowlers might get some movement with the new ball, but as the game progresses, batting becomes easier.
Key Pitch Insights:
- Batting-friendly pitch with high-scoring potential.
- Pacers get assistance early in the innings.
- Second innings becomes easier for batting.
Champions Trophy 2025 – Gaddafi Stadium Stats
| Category | Stats |
|---|---|
| Matches Played | 1 |
| Matches Won Batting 1st | 0 |
| Matches Won Batting 2nd | 1 |
| Average 1st Innings Total | 351 |
| Average 2nd Innings Total | 356 |
Players to Watch Out For
Ben Duckett (ENG)
The English opener showed great form in the first match. He has previously enjoyed batting at Gaddafi Stadium and will be a key player for England.
Rahmanullah Gurbaz (AFG)
A consistent performer for Afghanistan, but he struggled in the first match. He will be determined to make a strong comeback against England.
Adil Rashid (ENG)
The English leg-spinner was the most effective bowler against Australia, conceding only 47 runs in 10 overs with one wicket. His performance will be crucial in this match.
Match Prediction
Considering the pitch conditions, this could be a high-scoring match. Chasing teams have had an advantage, so the toss could play a crucial role. Both teams need a strong batting performance to stay alive in the tournament.
Check out the Champions Trophy Stats
