Afghan squad in Lahore for Champions Trophy

KABUL (Pajhwok): The Afghan squad arrived in the Pakistani city of Lahore today (Wednesday) to participate in the ICC Champions Trophy, an eight-nation tournament set to begin on February 19.

Defending champions Pakistan will take on New Zealand in the opening match in Karachi.

Afghanistan will play two warm-up games ahead of their maiden appearance in the tournament, the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) announced on its Facebook page.

The national team is scheduled to face Pakistan-A in their first warm-up match on February 14, followed by a second practice game against New Zealand on February 16.

Afghanistan will kick off their Champions Trophy campaign against South Africa on February 21 in Karachi.

Their second group-stage match will be against England on February 26. Two days later, they will play their last group-stage, game against New Zealand.

kk/mud