Afghanistan and England played a match on February 26, 2025, at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore. This was a momentous encounter; Afghanistan’s 8-run victory eliminated England from the tournament and featured their finest XI in play. Below, I’ll profile each player from that Playing XI based on their positions, performance in that match, and overall cricketing background. This represents Afghanistan’s current standing in the competition as of today, February 26, 2025.
Afghanistan Playing XI vs. England – ICC Champions Trophy 2025
Rahmanullah Gurbaz (Wicketkeeper)
- Role: Opening Batsman, Wicketkeeper
- Profile: A 23-year-old explosive opener from Khost, Gurbaz is known for his aggressive starts. He’s played 61 ODIs by now, with over 2,000 runs, including 6 centuries, showcasing his ability to dominate attacks early.
- Vs. England: Scored 6 off 11 balls before Jofra Archer dismissed him. A rare failure, but his intent set the tone.
- Strengths: Quick scoring, solid glovework—averages over 35 in ODIs with a strike rate near 90.
Ibrahim Zadran
Role: Opening Batsman
- Profile: At 23, Zadran’s a rising star from Paktia, with 40 ODIs under his belt by 2025. He’s Afghanistan’s most consistent top-order batter, blending caution with aggression.
- Vs. England: Hammered 177 off 146 balls (12 fours, 6 sixes), the highest individual score in Champions Trophy history. His knock lifted Afghanistan from 37/3 to 325/7 and earned him Player of the Match.
- Strengths: Technique against pace, stamina for big scores—his 177 is his 10th ODI ton.
Sediqullah Atal
Role: Top-Order Batsman
- Profile: A 23-year-old left-hander from Kabul, Atal’s a breakout talent with limited ODI experience (10 matches) but a knack for anchoring. He shone in the 2024 Emerging Teams Asia Cup.
- Vs. England: Made 4 of 9 before Archer struck. A quiet day, but he’s a prospect to watch.
- Strengths: Compact defense, emerging form—averages around 30 in ODIs.
Rahmat Shah
Role: Middle-Order Batsman
- Profile: At 31, Rahmat’s a seasoned campaigner from Zurmat with 111 ODIs. Afghanistan’s second-highest ODI run-scorer (over 4,000 runs), he’s a stabilizer who can accelerate.
- Vs. England: Out for 3 off 11, caught off Archer. A rare off-day for the veteran.
- Strengths: Consistency, spin-playing ability—has 11 ODI fifties.
Hashmatullah Shahidi (Captain)
Role: Middle-Order Batsman, Captain
- Profile: A 30-year-old left-hander from Logar, Shahidi’s played 82 ODIs, leading Afghanistan with calm authority. He’s a gritty accumulator with over 2,500 runs.
- Vs. England: Scored 40 off 67, steadying the ship with Zadran in a 103-run stand. Anchored the middle overs.
- Strengths: Leadership, composure under pressure—averages over 35.
Azmatullah Omarzai
Role: All-Rounder (Pace)
- Profile: A 24-year-old from Kabul, Omarzai’s a versatile talent with 41 ODIs. He’s a hard-hitting middle-order bat and a sharp seamer, offering balance.
- Vs. England: Scored 41 off 31 (batting) and took 5/58 (bowling), including Root and Buttler. His five-for clinched the game, making him a standout all-rounder.
- Strengths: Power-hitting, wicket-taking knack—strike rate over 100, bowling average under 30.
Mohammad Nabi
Role: All-Rounder (Off-Spin)
- Profile: At 40, Nabi’s Afghanistan’s most capped player (170 ODIs) from Logar. With over 3,600 runs and 172 wickets, he’s a legend who thrives in clutch moments.
- Vs. England: Blasted 40 off 24, boosting the total with Zadran (111-run stand), and took 1/43 (Duckett’s wicket).
- Strengths: Experience, versatility—economical bowling, big-hitting ability.
Gulbadin Naib
Role: All-Rounder (Pace)
- Profile: A 33-year-old from Puli Alam, Naib’s played 95 ODIs, bringing tenacity with bat and ball. He’s a handy middle-order hitter and medium-pacer.
- Vs. England: Unbeaten on 2 of 2; didn’t bowl. A quiet outing, but his presence adds depth.
- Strengths: Flexibility, clutch performances—averages 25 with bthe at, 35 with the ball.
Rashid Khan
Role: Bowler (Leg-Spinner)
- Profile: The 26-year-old from Nangarhar is a global star with 111 ODIs and 198 wickets. Arguably the world’s best white-ball spinner, he’s also a useful lower-order bat.
- Vs. England: Took 1/54 (Duckett), bowling tightly despite not being at his wicket-taking best.
- Strengths: Deceptive spin, match-winning potential—economy under 4.5, strike rate near 30.
Noor Ahmad
Role: Bowler (Left-Arm Wrist-Spinner)
- Profile: A 20-year-old from Herat, Noor’s a prodigy with 10 ODIs and 9 wickets by 2025. His T20 league exploits highlight his potential.
- Vs. England: Went wicketless (0/63), but bowled with control in the middle overs.
- Strengths: Variations, fearlessness—economy around 5 in ODIs.
Fazalhaq Farooqi
Role: Bowler (Left-Arm Pacer)
- Profile: A 24-year-old from Baghlan, Farooqi’s played 41 ODIs with over 60 wickets. He’s Afghanistan’s new-ball spearhead with swing and pace.
- Vs. England: Took 1/47, dismissing Phil Salt early to rattle England’s chase.
- Strengths: Swing bowling, death-over yorkers—average under 25.
This XI combines youth and experience, boasting a powerful spin assault (Rashid, Nabi, Noor) and a pace trio (Farooqi, Omarzai, Naib) that thrives in subcontinental conditions. The batting is dependent on Zadran’s form, Gurbaz’s flair, and middle-order power from Shahidi, Omarzai, and Nabi. They scored 325/7 against England, their greatest score in an ICC ODI, and held on thanks to Omarzai’s heroics. It’s an upset-ready lineup, as evidenced by their 1-0 Champions Trophy record versus England.