Afghanistan was asked to bat first after England won the toss, which was a rather suprising call. The line and legths by Chris Woakes as well as Reece Topley early on were pretty much inaccurate. Rahmanullah Gurbaz along with Ibrahim Zadran seized the chance and utilised the surface to their advantage. During the first 10 overs, Afghanistan sped to a score of 79, and Gurbaz especially appeared unstoppable.
But things rapidly started to go south after their first century stand. Ibrahim Zadran became the first batter to depart. Rahmat Shah didn’t survive long either at the crease. The very next ball after the previous dismissal, Gurbaz, was run-out for 80.
Afghanistan were at 114/0 and collapsed to 190/6 as a result of more wickets. Adil Rashid got things going for England as their primary spinner. Meanwhile, their part-timers Liam Livingstone and Joe Root both bowled superbly.
However, it ended up being Ikram Alikhil who batted with great composure and kept them at bay in the match. Alikhil’s fifty cameos were supplemented by a few shots by Rashid Khan and Mujeeb, and Afghanistan finally finished with a respectable 284.
Afghanistan complete 2nd ever win in ODI World Cup history
Afghanistan had to get the ball rolling well, and they accomplished just that. In response, Fazalhaq Farooqi caught Jonny Bairstow LBW early on. Joe Root’s dismal performance in power plays persisted as he was crushed by Mujeeb-ur-Rahman.
After being rocked by two early wickets, Brook and Malan looked to rebuild but it was Nabi’s experience and guile that got the better of Malan as he was out caught at short cover after pushing at a delivery that Nabi got to hold. In what was a true effort, it was Naveen that contributed next with a beauty to get rid of the skipper Buttler.
That left England reeling at 91/4 and while Brook continued to battle at one end. However, to his dismay, wickets kept tumbling at the other. Brook’s vigil was put to an end by Mujeeb and that was pretty much where the game slipped out of England’s grasp. It took Afghanistan a little while to complete the job but they did so to inflict an upset for the ages. In the end, England lost the game to Afghanistan by 69 runs in the ODI World Cup 2023.
Fans react as Afghanistan register historic 69-run win over defending champions England in ODI World Cup 2023: –
AFGHANISTAN DESTROYED ENGLAND AT DELHI….!!!!??
A moment of history in the World Cup, Their biggest day in cricket by defeating the defending Champions in the mega event. pic.twitter.com/RIwmfQj63r
— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) October 15, 2023
What a Great Performance from Afghanistan
First Gurbaz with Fire batting and then bowling of Afghanistan
Mujeeb is amazing ? Naveen also tricked England batsman and In the Last rashid khan
Greatest win for Afghanistan in the World cup pic.twitter.com/kZLmr7CLk2— Mintu Dutta (@MNGamin65372627) October 15, 2023
Pakistan right now ? pic.twitter.com/w5aVgdRA6g
— Aanchal (@SweetLilQueen) October 15, 2023
ALL ROUNDERS
Glenn Maxwell and Liam Livingstone having the same problem in this #CWC23. Both are being used as proper bowlers and during their batting, they look tired and do not perform and win for team
— Sports syncs (@moiz_sports) October 15, 2023
Not the first time England have lost their throne in India ?????? pic.twitter.com/nFXD0s9eSf
— Pratik (@fake_engineer7) October 15, 2023
People cheering for England loss today, let me tell you that this will help Pakistan at some stage in tournament and get them through Semi finals #ENGvsAFG #CWC2023
— Harshh Vardhan (@harshashares) October 15, 2023
Congratulations Afghanistan for a stunning victory over one of favorite of this world cup. Afghanistan played better cricket than England today and they won.
I expecting more positive cricket from Afghanistan and you will see miracles this year. Mujeeb Ur Rahman looking better…— Satya Prakash (@Satya_Prakash08) October 15, 2023
Really happy for Afghanistan well played Afghanistan ???
— Bolo Yaarrrr (@ShaRo45264) October 15, 2023
What a proud moment for afgan boys ?
— Kailash Talnia (@DiL_waLa_0) October 15, 2023
Wow afgan win against Eng…..Great win of 50 over game…
— Hriday Singh (@hridaysingh16) October 15, 2023
