Wednesday’s match is pretty much a must-win for Afghanistan and England. Losses to South Africa and Australia, respectively, leave the two teams on the brink of elimination in this high-pressure, fast-paced Champions Trophy.

Afghanistan’s batting lineup was unable to get anywhere near South Africa’s 315, ending in a heavy defeat. England broke the 350 threshold against Australia, but their bowling attack went around the park en route to a frustrating loss. Brendon McCullum’s team were unable to control the scoring rate and should have scored even more after getting to 200 at the 30-over mark.

England are without Brydon Carse for this match – and possibly the rest of the tournament. Jamie Overton is the likely replacement.

Despite their poor ODI record of late, cricket odds still price England as the clear favourites for this matchup. It’s a match to keep an eye on from a live betting perspective, however, as there’s bound to be some drastic twists and turns.

The Lahore pitch was incredibly flat for England’s match against Australia. A similar surface is expected, with fast bowlers likely to go the distance and spinners inevitably in the ascendancy.

Best Bets For Afghanistan v England:

Ben Duckett Over 29.5 Total Runs – 5/6

Ben Duckett has cleared this line in six of his last seven internationals. His 165 in England’s opening match of this tournament was the highest score in Champions Trophy history, featuring destructive hitting off the pace bowlers, an array of sweeps off the spinners, and aggressive running between the wickets.

This line is basically a bet on whether Duckett will survive the powerplay. After ending up with a below-par score on this ground a few days ago, look for England to go even harder in the first 10 overs.

Don’t be surprised to see Duckett into the thirties by the sixth or seventh over.

Rashid Khan To Be Afghanistan’s Top Bowler – 17/10

Rashid Khan averages 20 with the ball in Asia for his ODI career. The 26-year-old was held wicketless against South Africa, but England’s all-out-attack approach should see Rashid pick up at least a couple of wickets in spin-friendly Lahore.

South Africa tapped Afghanistan’s star man around at 5.9 per over, avoiding taking too many risks. England are unlikely to copy that approach under McCullum.

This might seem like too obvious a wager. Sure, bettors can talk themselves into longer odds options, but we feel very comfortable taking Rashid at this price with how England have struggled against spin throughout the India series and at times against Australia.

England To Hit Over 5.5 Sixes – 5/6

England just hit seven sixes at this venue. Afghanistan only gave up five to South Africa, but this line still seems a little low.

The major England six hitters – Jos Buttler, Liam Livingstone, Brydon Carse – combined for two sixes. Duckett might be unlikely to contribute three maximums again, but England getting 30 runs in sixes seems like the bare minimum if the surface is anywhere near as flat as it was on Saturday.

England will be desperate to get into the 350 range again at the very least. Their lower order could push us over this line if they get close, with Jofra Archer and Jamie Overton more than capable of clearing the fence.