Can Afghanistan weather England's pace storm?

England and Afghanistan face off in a high-stakes match at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore. Both teams have lost their opening games and another loss will put them on the brink of elimination.

The last time these two teams met, Afghanistan won by 69 runs. England's batting was no match for Afghanistan's spin attack. The rematch could be closer, as neither team had a good start to the tournament.

England's bowling was poor in their loss to Australia. They will need to improve their performance on the flat pitches of Pakistan. Afghanistan's bowling was also poor in their loss to South Africa. However, batting conditions in Lahore will be better, especially while chasing.

On paper, England has a marginal edge due to their extra pace in the bowling line-up. Dew could play a factor in the match, but if it doesn't, the contest could be closer if Afghanistan puts enough runs on the board.

When and Where

• When: February 26, 2.00 PM local, 2.30 PM IST
• Where: Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore

What to expect

• High-scoring game due to the placid conditions in Lahore
• Dew could be a factor

Probable XI

Afghanistan

• Rahmanullah Gurbaz(wk)
• Ibrahim Zadran
• Sediqullah Atal
• Rahmat Shah
• Hashmatullah Shahidi(c)
• Azmatullah Omarzai
• Gulbadin Naib
• Mohammad Nabi
• Rashid Khan
• Mujeeb-ur-Rahman/Noor Ahmad
• Fazalhaq Farooqui

England

• Phil Salt
• Ben Duckett
• Jamie Smith(wk)
• Joe Root
• Harry Brook
• Jos Buttler(wk)
• Liam Livingstone
• Jamie Overton
• Adil Rashid
• Jofra Archer
• Mark Wood

Key players

• Rahmanullah Gurbaz has made five ODI hundreds since 2023
• Jos Buttler's average in ICC ODI events is only 25.82 from 31 innings, with just four fifties
• Rashid Khan's ODI career numbers are impressive, but his numbers in ICC ODI events are contrasting