Afghanistan, led by Hashmatullah Shahidi, chose to bat first against England in a must-win Champions Trophy match, where the losing team will be eliminated from semifinal contention. The ECB faced pressure to forfeit the match due to Afghanistan’s women’s rights issues but opted to proceed. India and New Zealand have already qualified for the semifinals from Group A, eliminating Pakistan and Bangladesh.
Afghanistan’s captain, Hashmatullah Shahidi, won the toss and opted to bat first against England in a crucial Champions Trophy match, where both teams must secure victory to remain in contention for the semifinals. The match is pivotal, as the losing team will be eliminated from the tournament in Group B.
In a recent context, over 160 British politicians had requested the England and Wales Cricket Board to forfeit this match due to Afghanistan’s troubling ban on women’s sports and the overall decline in women’s rights under the Taliban regime. Nevertheless, the ECB chose to proceed with the game.
In a previous encounter, South Africa triumphed over Afghanistan by 107 runs, driven by Ryan Rickelton’s first One Day International century in Karachi. Further, Australia achieved the highest-ever chase of 352 runs in ICC tournament history, defeating England by five wickets at the same venue.
Afghanistan maintained its original lineup that suffered a defeat in the prior match, which included prominent spinners Rashid Khan, Noor Ahmad, and Mohammad Nabi. On the other hand, England made one adjustment; fast bowler Jamie Overton replaced Brydon Carse, who was forced out of the tournament due to a toe injury.
India and New Zealand have secured their spots in the semifinals from Group A, resulting in the elimination of host nations Pakistan and Bangladesh from the competition.
Afghanistan Lineup: Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Ibrahim Zadran, Sediqullah Atal, Rahmat Shah, Hashmatullah Shahidi (captain), Azmatullah Omarzai, Mohammad Nabi, Gulbadin Naib, Rashid Khan, Noor Ahmad, Fazalhaq Farooqi.
England Lineup: Phil Salt, Ben Duckett, Jamie Smith, Joe Root, Harry Brook, Jos Buttler (captain), Liam Livingstone, Jamie Overton, Jofra Archer, Adil Rashid, Mark Wood.
In conclusion, the match between Afghanistan and England holds significant implications for both teams, as the victor will advance in the Champions Trophy while the loser faces elimination. With Afghanistan maintaining their original lineup and England making a forced adjustment, both teams bring their strengths into this crucial contest following recent controversies regarding the Afghan women’s sport ban.
Original Source: apnews.com
