Despite ben duckett

ICC Champions Trophy: England and Afghanistan will lock horns in a high-stakes Group B encounter on Wednesday, at Gaddafi Stadium, as both teams search for their first win in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. With a loss already in the books for both sides, another defeat could severely dent their chances of progressing to the knockout stage, making this a virtual do-or-die contest.

England came into the tournament with high expectations but were left stunned in their opening match against Australia. Despite Ben Duckett’s heroic 165-run knock, the Three Lions failed to defend 352, exposing their bowling frailties.

Adding to their woes, pacer Brydon Carse has been ruled out due to injury, which could prompt the inclusion of young leg-spinner Rehan Ahmed to bolster the spin attack alongside Adil Rashid.