World Cup with wondrous incident. Defending champions England are defeated by Afghanistan in World Cup 2023 match at Delhi. England are one of the most formidable teams in the world, and they were the favorites to win this match. But though Afghanistan are still not at the same level as England, they managed to make them bleed. England suffered a major shock at the hands of Afghanistan with a 69-run defeat. This is their first loss to Afghanistan in any format.
Buttler won the toss and opted to bowl first. England’s seamers were not up to the mark today. Afghanistan took 79 runs from the first 10 overs, the most expensive powerplay in the first innings of the tournament so far. There first wicket partnership was of 114 runs in 16.4 overs. Ibrahim Zadran and Gurbaz gave them a comfortable start while batting first. Gurbaz was too good with his bat before getting run out in 80 runs off 57 balls with eight boundaries and four overs boundaries. After that Afghans lost some quick wickets. But Ikram Alikhil(58 off 66), Rashid Khan(23), Mujeeb Ur Rahman (28 off 16 balls) made the team reach 284 all out in 49.5 overs.
Afghanistan bowlers have been absolutely sensational today. England quickly slipped into crisis mode. They lost Jonny Bairstow in the second over lbw by Fazalhaq Farooqi. Then Joe Root. England lost their wickets consistently. Only Harry Brook(66 runs off 61) made some defence against Afghanistan bowlers. They got all out with 215, runs on the board, defeated by 69 runs. Mujeeb Ur Rahman and Rashid Khan got 3 wickets each. Mohammad Nabi got 2 wickets. Farooqi and Naveen got one each. Not many would’ve imagined Afghanistan beating England. Mujeeb Ur Rahman is awarded with Player of the Match title for his all round performances.