Wed Feb 26 11:10:00 UTC 2025: ## Afghanistan’s Zadran Hits Century as Rain Threatens England Clash in ICC Champions Trophy

**Lahore, Pakistan** – Afghanistan and England clashed in a crucial Group B match of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 at Gaddafi Stadium today. Afghanistan captain Hashmatullah Shahidi won the toss. Ibrahim Zadran’s impressive century (his sixth in ODIs) helped Afghanistan reach a score over 200 despite losing five wickets. However, their start was shaky, losing three quick wickets including Rahmanullah Gurbaz (7) and Sadidullah Atal to Jofra Archer’s early spells. A 103-run partnership between Zadran and Shahidi (40) steadied the innings before Adil Rashid dismissed Shahidi.

The match holds significant implications for both teams’ semi-final hopes. England needs to win their remaining two matches against Afghanistan and South Africa to secure a semi-final berth, alongside Australia, while eliminating South Africa. Conversely, if Afghanistan wins both its remaining matches against England and Australia, they’ll advance to the semifinals, knocking out England and Australia and qualifying South Africa.

Rain is a potential disruptor, with a 51% chance of showers predicted. The ground conditions, with a hard wicket, grass, and boundaries measuring 67 meters on the off-side, 70 meters on the leg-side, and 76 meters from the ground, are expected to aid batting; average scores in the last five matches exceeding 300.

**Playing Elevens:**

**England:** Phil Salt, Ben Duckett, Jamie Smith (wk), Joe Root, Harry Brook, Jos Buttler (capt), Liam Livingstone, Jofra Archer, Jamie Overton, Adil Rashid, Mark Wood.

**Afghanistan:** Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk), Ibrahim Zadran, Sadidullah Atal, Rahmat Shah, Hashmatullah Shahidi (capt), Azmatullah Omarzai, Mohammad Nabi, Gulbadin Naib, Rashid Khan, Noor Ahmad, Fazalhaq Farooqi.

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