Afghanistan national cricket team captain Hashmatullah Shahidi expressed confidence ahead of their crucial Group B clash against England Cricket Team in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 this match scheduled for Wednesday, February 26, at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore is a must-win for Afghanistan after their loss in the first-ever Champions Trophy match.

hashmatullah-shahidi-confident-ahead-of-afghanistan-matchReflecting on their World Cup victory Shahidi stated, "In 2023 we had a good game against England and we beat them. We have that confidence with us, but that's part of history, and now we have to go to the ground with a new mindset and new planning." 

He added that Afghanistan is well-prepared to face one of the top teams in the world acknowledging the challenge ahead but maintaining a positive outlook. "It's a tough challenge for us, but we are ready for any kind of challenge and we worked hard to achieve this level."

Afghanistan's win over England in the 2023 World Cup provided a massive confidence boostand Shahidi emphasized that while the memory remains, the team is focused on the present. "We will take that confidence with us, but at the same time, tomorrow is a new day, and we will try our best to beat them again."

The upcoming clash holds significant importance for Afghanistan’s hopes of advancing to the semifinals. A win would keep them alive in the competition while a defeat would eliminate England team from the tournament.

Shahidi also addressed the team's recent batting problem in the loss to South Africa cricket team but remained positive about their ability to bounce back. "I believe we did really well in the recent past as a batting unit, but in the last South Africa game, we didn’t play the way we expect. We still have a good batting unit and quality players, and I believe in these conditions, our batting will come back stronger."

Afghanistan will be looking to their key players to step up and deliver in this must win game as they are aim to replicate their 2023 World Cup Victory and keep their Champions Trophy campaign alive.