The Wednesday’s match in Lahore is pivotal for both teams, each seeking redemption after losing their opening games in the tournament.
The stakes have risen following the abandonment of the Group B match between Australia and South Africa due to rain, leaving both teams with just one point.
Afghanistan’s last encounter with England ended in a memorable win during the 2023 World Cup, where they triumphed by 69 runs in New Delhi.
The Afghan team has made notable strides in limited-overs cricket. “We’ve worked hard to reach this level and are ready to approach every game positively. We’ll carry the confidence from our World Cup victory, but we also recognize that tomorrow is a new day, and we’ll strive to beat them again,” Shahidi stated.
England captain Jos Buttler acknowledged Afghanistan’s growing prowess while emphasising his team’s focus. “They’re a very competitive side that has been improving over the years, and I respect them greatly. They have a unique style, particularly with their spin options like Rashid Khan and Noor Ahmad, who we need to prepare for. However, our main focus is on bringing our best cricket to the field.”
Afghanistan’s Champions Trophy campaign started poorly with a 107-run loss to South Africa in Karachi. The bowling attack struggled as South Africa scored 315-6, with star spinner Rashid Khan going wicketless and conceding 59 runs in his 10 overs. Afghanistan’s batting lineup managed only 208 runs.
“When we bat first, we have a better chance. In the last World Cup, we successfully chased down targets, but in the game against South Africa, the pitch favored fast bowlers, and our spinners didn’t get any support. The world knows we have quality spinners, and I hope we see better conditions for them tomorrow,” Shahidi added.
Buttler expressed confidence in his team’s balance, recognising Afghanistan’s spin strength while feeling satisfied with England’s lineup.
The match has sparked controversy, with British politicians calling for a boycott due to the Taliban’s treatment of Afghan women. While the England and Wales Cricket Board declined to support the boycott, they announced they would not schedule bilateral series with Afghanistan.
Buttler remarked, “We are cricket players, and our focus is on what we can control on the field, not the issues off it. Our confidence remains high.”
