CWC 2023: Afghanistan Stuns England In Biggest World Cup Upset So Far
NEW DELHI: Being hosted in India, the ICC ODI World Cup’s biggest sensation was recorded Sunday. England suffered a heavy defeat in the hands of Afghanistan, by 69 runs. Chasing a target of 285 runs, England collapsed for just 215 runs in 40.3 overs. Young Afghan leggie Mujeeb Ur Rahman was instrumental in England’s downfall with 3 wickets. Star spinner Rashid Khan showed his strength with 3 wickets as well. Mohammad Nabi chipped in with two wickets. Pacers Fazalhaq Farooqi and Naveen-ul-Haq took one wicket each.
Harry Brook high scored for England with 66 runs followed by opener David Malan with 32 runs. Adil Rashid’s 20, Mark Wood’s 18 and Reece Topley’s 15 runs could not get England across. On the other hand, top order batsmen Jonny Bairstow’s 2, Joe Root’s 9, Liam Livingstone’s 10, Sam Curran’s 10 and captain Jos Buttler’s 9 have disappointed English fans.
After losing the toss, the Afghan team were put into bat by England. They ended up scoring a par score of 284 runs in 49.5 overs and were bowled out. Afghan openers Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Ibrahaim Zadran got them off to a flying start adding 114 runs for the first wicket in just 16.4 overs. At one stage, Gurbaz scored a flurry of runs without counting the England batsmen at all. Ibrahim Zardran scored 80 runs in 57 balls with 8 fours and 4 sixes, while Ibrahim Zadran tagged along with 28 runs.
Rahmat Shah (3), Captain Hashmatullah Shahidi (14), Azmatulla Omarzai (19) did not impress. In the middle order, Ikram Alikhil shines with 66 runs. Rashid Khan scored 23 while Mujeeb Ur Rahman scored 28 runs. Among England’s bowlers, leg spinner Adil Rashid took 3 wickets, Mark Wood 2, Reece Topley 1 with Liam Livingston and Joe Root picking up 1 wicket each.
