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England and Afghanistan clash in a crucial Champions Trophy match, both seeking vital points to stay in contention.

England faces a pivotal Champions Trophy match against Afghanistan in Lahore on Wednesday, following their opening defeat to Australia. Both teams are desperate for points, having lost their first matches, and a win is essential to keep their semi-final hopes alive after the washout between Australia and South Africa.

In their first outing, England scored 351-8, bolstered by Ben Duckett`s remarkable 165. However, their bowling faltered, allowing Australia to chase down the target with 15 balls to spare. Afghanistan, on the other hand, struggled against South Africa, bowled out for 208 in a 107-run defeat. The stakes are high in Lahore, with the losing side likely facing elimination from the tournament.

England will aim to rectify their bowling issues, while Afghanistan`s formidable spin trio of Rashid Khan, Mohammad Nabi, and Noor Ahmad presents a significant challenge. Key player battles to watch include Rashid Khan against Joe Root and Mark Wood facing the Afghan batsmen. The conditions in Lahore, particularly the flat pitch and evening dew, could favor the team batting second. Historically, England leads the head-to-head record 2-1 in their previous ODI encounters, adding an extra layer of intensity to this crucial match.

For more on the Champions Trophy and cricket updates, visit Sky Sports for the latest insights.

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