Joe Root vs Rashid Khan: How The Battle Can Determine The Outcome Of The Game?

Jatin

Joe Root vs Rashid Khan [Source: @Cric_records45, @ICC/x.com]Joe Root vs Rashid Khan [Source: @Cric_records45, @ICC/x.com]

The Champions Trophy 2025 is heating up and the ninth match of the tournament will see Afghanistan lock horns with England at the Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore, on February 26. With both teams desperate for a win after losing their opening games, this clash isn’t just about two points, it’s about survival in the race for the semi-finals.

And while there are plenty of match-ups to look forward to, the battle between Joe Root and Rashid Khan could very well be the one that tilts the game in favour of one side. These two stalwarts of the game will go head-to-head in the crucial middle overs, a period that often dictates the final outcome in ODIs.

Can Joe Root's impeccable technique keep the scoreboard ticking or will Rashid Khan's lethal spin put the brakes on England’s charge? Let’s take a closer look at Joe Root vs Rashid Khan match up.

Why Joe Root Is Important for England?

  • If there’s one man who can steady England’s ship in tricky conditions, it’s Joe Root. The classy right-hander is England’s batting backbone in ODIs and his ability to rotate strike and play spin effectively makes him a crucial cog in their lineup.
  • His record against Afghanistan speaks for itself. Root has scored 99 runs in two innings against them at a healthy average of 49.50 and a strike rate of 100.00. More importantly, his role in England's middle order is like glue that holds everything together while the attacking batters play around him.
  • With Afghanistan has a spin-heavy attack, Root’s ability to manoeuver the field, pick gaps and keep the scoreboard ticking will be important. England’s batting order revolves around him and if Root gets going, the Afghan spinners could have a long day at the office.

Why Joe Root vs Rashid Khan Will Be Crucial in Deciding the Fate of the Game?

Categories
Numbers
Runs17
Balls13
Dismissals0
Average-
Strike Rate130.8

Table: Joe Root vs Rashid Khan ODI Stats

Inference: This is the battle that could make or break the game. Rashid Khan is Afghanistan’s biggest weapon, a match-winner who can turn the tide in a matter of overs. But surprisingly, he hasn’t quite found a way to trouble Joe Root in ODIs.

Root has faced Rashid for 13 balls in ODIs and scored 17 runs without being dismissed. That might seem like a small sample size, but it indicates that England’s premier batter has handled Afghanistan’s best bowler with ease.

The middle overs are the heartbeat of an ODI innings and this face-off could define the match. If Root dominates Rashid again, England will cruise through the middle phase and set themselves up for a big total or a successful chase.

But if Rashid finds a way to break through Root’s defense, Afghanistan will have a golden chance to run through England’s middle order.