[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text dp_text_size=”size-4″]The Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi witnessed the most significant upset of the 2023 World Cup, with Afghanistan defeating England by a margin of 69 runs on Sunday.
The defending champions encountered difficulties right from the start on the challenging Delhi pitch. Fast bowler Fazalhaq Farooqi dismissed England’s reliable opener, Jonny Bairstow, with an inswinging delivery on the first ball of his spell. Although Joe Root initially appeared in good form, a superb delivery from Mujeeb ur Rehman sent him back to the pavilion after just 11 runs. Skipper Jos Buttler struggled throughout his time at the crease and was dismissed for only nine runs, thanks to a brilliant delivery by Naveen ul Haq.
Read more : England Ready To Face Afghanistan In World Cup 2023
Harry Brook was the lone English batsman to put up a substantial innings, scoring 66 runs off 61 balls with eight boundaries. However, even his efforts couldn’t change the course of the game as he also fell victim to Mujeeb. England’s batting lineup had a tough time on the slow and lifeless pitch, losing wickets at regular intervals and getting all out for 215 runs.
Rashid and Mujeeb claimed three wickets each, while Mohammad Nabi took two. Farooqi and Naveen each contributed with one wicket.
Batting first, Rahmanullah Gurbaz provided Afghanistan with a flying start, as they reached 75-0 in the first nine overs. Gurbaz showcased his exceptional batting skills, scoring a rapid 80 runs from 57 balls, which included 12 boundaries, eight fours, and four sixes. He was on track to reach a century but was run out, falling just 20 runs short, due to a misunderstanding with his captain, Hashmatullah Shahidi.
Following Gurbaz’s dismissal, Afghanistan lost wickets in quick succession. However, Ikram Akhil’s 58 and valuable contributions from Rashid (23) and Mujeeb (28) helped Shahidi’s team post a competitive total of 284 runs. Adil Rashid claimed three wickets for 42 runs, while Mark Wood, relying on his sheer pace, took two wickets.
England’s situation has become challenging, with only one win in three matches. Their next game is against an in-form South Africa on October 21 in Mumbai. Meanwhile, Afghanistan will face a strong opponent, New Zealand, on October 18 in Chennai, a venue with a spinning wicket that can play to the strengths of Shahidi’s team, known for their world-class spin bowlers.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
