Afghanistan captain Hashmatullah Shahidi heads into the Champions Trophy 2025 match against England with a sense of optimism. Drawing confidence from their impressive victory over the defending champions during the 2023 World Cup, Shahidi’s team is eager to repeat history. The match, scheduled for Wednesday in Lahore, holds significant importance for both teams, each looking to redeem themselves after losses in their opening games.

“The victory in the World Cup was a big moment for us, and it will inspire us tomorrow. We have worked hard to get here, and we will approach each game positively. We’ll carry that confidence, but we also know that tomorrow is a new day,” said Shahidi.

England’s Readiness
England captain Jos Buttler acknowledges the growing strength of Afghanistan, particularly their spin attack. “Afghanistan has been improving and they’re a competitive side. We respect them, especially their spin options like Rashid Khan and Noor Ahmad, who pose a real threat,” Buttler noted. However, Buttler’s primary focus is on his team’s performance. “Our main objective is to bring our best cricket to the field,” he added.

Afghanistan’s Challenging Start
Afghanistan’s journey in this year’s Champions Trophy didn’t begin on a positive note. They suffered a 107-run loss to South Africa in Karachi. Despite a solid batting lineup, Afghanistan struggled to chase down a target of 316, with their spinners, including Rashid Khan, failing to make an impact. Rashid went wicketless and conceded 59 runs in his 10 overs.

“When we bat first, we have a better chance. In the World Cup, we showed we could chase big targets. The pitch in the game against South Africa favored fast bowlers, and our spinners didn’t get support,” Shahidi explained. “We know the world recognizes our quality spin attack, and we’re hopeful that the conditions will be better for them tomorrow.”

England’s Confidence
Meanwhile, Buttler remains confident in his team’s balance. “We have the right mix, and we’re ready to take on Afghanistan’s strengths. Our team is prepared for whatever challenge they throw at us,” he said.

Off-Field Controversy
The match has sparked controversy beyond the cricket field. British politicians have called for a boycott due to the Taliban’s treatment of Afghan women. However, the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has decided not to support the boycott, although they confirmed that no bilateral series with Afghanistan would be scheduled in the near future.

Buttler addressed the issue, stating, “We are cricket players, and our focus is on playing the best cricket we can. We can’t control what happens off the field, but we will give our best on it.”

Looking Ahead
As the two teams prepare to meet, all eyes will be on how Afghanistan’s spinners perform and whether England can overcome the challenge posed by Afghanistan’s evolving side. With both teams hungry for a win, this encounter is expected to be a thrilling contest.

Stay tuned for live updates as the Champions Trophy 2025 match unfolds in Lahore!