Memories of World Cup shock boost Afghanistan for England clash

LAHORE, Pakistan, Feb 25, 2025 (AFP) - Afghanistan skipper Hashmatullah Shahidi warned England on Tuesday that memories of their famous 2023 World Cup win over the then holders gives them the confidence to pull off a Champions Trophy surprise.

Both teams need a win on Wednesday in Lahore to keep alive their hopes of reaching the semi-finals in the 50-over tournament after losing their respective openers.

Afghanistan shocked England in 2023 when they humbled the defending world champions by 69 runs in New Delhi.

Afghanistan's rise in white-ball cricket has been rapid.

"We worked hard to achieve at this level and are ready to play every game in a positive way," Shahidi said on the eve of the pivotal Group B clash.

"We will take that confidence with us what happened in the 2023 World Cup. But at the same time, tomorrow is a new day and we will try our best to beat them again."

Afghanistan started the eight-nation Champions Trophy with a 107-run hammering by South Africa in Karachi.

Their bowlers took a beating in South Africa's impressive total of 315-6. Ace spinner Rashid Khan went wicketless and leaked 59 runs from his 10 overs of leg-spin.