England is facing a crucial moment in the Champions Trophy 2025. Jos Buttler and his team are battling for survival as they take on Afghanistan at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore. The match is intense, and England needs a win to keep their hopes alive.
- England must win against Afghanistan to stay in the tournament.
- Afghanistan set a target of 326 runs, thanks to Ibrahim Zadran’s 177 off 146 balls.
- If England loses, they will have zero points before their last league match against South Africa.
- Australia and South Africa already have three points each, reducing England’s qualification chances.
Match Summary: England vs Afghanistan
Afghanistan won the toss and opted to bat first. Jofra Archer gave England a great start, taking quick wickets and reducing Afghanistan to 37/3 in nine overs. However, a 103-run partnership between Hashmatullah Shahidi and Ibrahim Zadran brought Afghanistan back into the game.
Zadran played a sensational innings, scoring 177 runs off 146 balls, helping Afghanistan post a strong total of 326 runs. If Afghanistan picks early wickets, England could be in trouble.
England’s Qualification Scenario
The current Group B Points Table before the match:
| Teams | Matches Played | Matches Won | Matches Lost | Points |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| South Africa | 2 | 1 | 0 | 3 |
| Australia | 2 | 1 | 0 | 3 |
| England | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Afghanistan | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
- If England loses to Afghanistan, they will have zero points.
- They will then face South Africa in their final group match.
- Even if they win against South Africa, they will end with just two points.
- Since Australia and South Africa already have three points, England’s chances of making the top four will be over.
Can England Survive?
The England team management must be aware of the situation. They need their best performance in the second innings to stay alive. Their batting lineup must handle the pressure and chase the 326-run target effectively.
If England fails, they will be eliminated early, a massive setback for a team that has always been a strong contender in ICC tournaments.
The question now is—can England fight back, or will Afghanistan cause a major upset?
England’s future in Champions Trophy 2025 depends on this match. If they lose, their campaign is over. However, if they win, they still have a chance to qualify. The game is at a critical stage, and England must deliver under pressure to stay in the race.
Check out the Champions Trophy Stats
