
Afghanistan faces England in Match 9 of the Champions Trophy 2025 at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore, on February 26 at 2:30 PM (IST). With both teams fighting for a semi-final spot, small battles within the game could shape the outcome. One of the most crucial duels will be Rahmat Shah vs Adil Rashid. Can Rahmat Shah overcome his struggles against Rashid, or will the English spinner continue his dominance?
- Rahmat Shah is Afghanistan’s key middle-order batter.
- He has struggled against Adil Rashid, scoring only 2 runs in 9 balls.
- Rashid’s success in this battle could give England a major advantage.
- Rahmat needs to improve his game against leg-spin to boost Afghanistan’s chances.
Why Rahmat Shah Is Crucial for Afghanistan?
Rahmat Shah is Afghanistan’s backbone in the middle order. His ability to anchor the innings while aggressive batters attack around him makes him a key player. Against England’s strong bowling attack, his role becomes even more critical.
- Strengths:
- Reliable middle-order batter.
- Good at rotating the strike.
- Can handle pressure in tricky situations.
- Concerns:
- Struggles against quality leg-spin.
- England will use Rashid to exploit this weakness.
Rahmat Shah vs Adil Rashid – A Match-Defining Contest
A quick look at their head-to-head record in ODIs paints a concerning picture for Afghanistan:
Categories | Numbers |
---|---|
Runs | 2 |
Balls | 9 |
Dismissals | 2 |
Average | 1.0 |
Strike Rate | 22.2 |
Rahmat Shah vs Adil Rashid in ODIs
- Rashid has dismissed Rahmat Shah twice in just 9 balls.
- Rahmat has managed only 2 runs at a strike rate of 22.2.
- He hasn’t hit a single boundary against Rashid.
These stats highlight Rashid’s complete dominance over Rahmat in ODIs. If the trend continues, Afghanistan’s batting could collapse in the middle overs, making England the favorites.
How Can Rahmat Shah Overcome Adil Rashid?
If Afghanistan wants to compete, Rahmat Shah must find a way to counter Rashid’s spin. Here’s what he can do:
- Improve footwork: Getting to the pitch of the ball can reduce Rashid’s effectiveness.
- Use the sweep shot: This can disrupt Rashid’s rhythm.
- Rotate the strike: Instead of getting stuck, taking quick singles can ease the pressure.
- Be aggressive when needed: Playing Rashid too defensively might allow him to dictate terms.
Why This Battle Could Decide the Game?
If Adil Rashid dominates Rahmat Shah again, Afghanistan could lose momentum and struggle to build partnerships. However, if Rahmat finds a way to counter Rashid, it could set the stage for a competitive total or a successful chase.
Afghanistan’s hopes in the Champions Trophy 2025 depend heavily on this battle. Will Rahmat Shah turn the tables, or will Rashid continue his dominance? The answer to this question could decide the fate of the match.
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ICC Champions Trophy 2025 Matches
Pakistan vs New Zealand - 1st Match, Group A | Bangladesh vs India - 2nd Match, Group A | Afghanistan vs South Africa - 3rd Match, Group B | Australia vs England - 4th Match, Group B | Pakistan vs India - 5th Match, Group A | Bangladesh vs New Zealand - 6th Match, Group A | Australia vs South Africa - 7th Match, Group B | Afghanistan vs England - 8th Match, Group B | Pakistan vs Bangladesh - 9th Match, Group A | Afghanistan vs Australia - 10th Match, Group B | England vs South Africa - 11th Match, Group B | New Zealand vs India - 12th Match, Group A | TBA vs TBA, 1st Semi-Final | TBA vs TBA, 2nd Semi-Final | TBA vs TBA, Final |
ICC Champions Trophy 2025 Teams
PAKISTAN | NEW ZEALAND | BANGLADESH | INDIA | AFGHANISTAN | SOUTH AFRICA | AUSTRALIA | ENGLAND