Wed Feb 26 11:10:00 UTC 2025: ## Afghanistan’s Jadran Leads Fight Against England in Must-Win Champions Trophy Clash
**Lahore, Pakistan** – A crucial Group B match in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 between Afghanistan and England is underway at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore. Afghanistan, winning the toss, elected to bat first. The match is a virtual knockout for both teams, with the loser eliminated from the semi-final race following previous losses; Afghanistan to South Africa and England to Australia.
Ibrahim Zadran has been the standout performer for Afghanistan, scoring an impressive 82 runs off 83 balls, including his eighth ODI half-century. His 103-run partnership with Hashmatullah Shahidi (40 runs off 67 balls) provided the backbone of Afghanistan’s innings. However, England’s disciplined bowling, particularly from Jofra Archer who took three wickets, kept Afghanistan’s score in check. Archer’s early strikes, including the dismissal of Rahmanullah Gurbaz, significantly hampered Afghanistan’s start. Mark Wood’s early exit due to a left knee injury also impacted England’s bowling strategy.
At the 30-over mark, Afghanistan reached 143/4. The match is a high-stakes encounter, with both teams desperate for a win to stay in contention for a semi-final berth. The impact of the toss and the conditions, including the possibility of dew later in the match, will play a significant role in determining the outcome. The presence of experienced leg-spinners Rashid Khan (Afghanistan) and Adil Rashid (England) adds another layer of intrigue to this crucial contest. The final score and the ultimate victor will significantly impact the semi-final prospects of both Australia and South Africa, whose match was washed out earlier in the tournament.
First Piper 