Istafa Ali
Afghanistan registered the first major upset of the ongoing cricket world cup by beating World Champions England by 69 runs.
In the 13th match of ICC men’s Cricket World 2023, Afghanistan downed mighty England team by 69 runs in an exciting match.
Batting first Afghanistan made 284 runs, chasing the target of 285 runs England could only manage to reach 215 runs and the whole team got out in the 41st over of the innings. Afghanistan made history by defeating the World Champions as this was their first victory against England in a One Day International.
Chasing 285 wasn’t easy on an uneven Delhi wicket. English batters faced lots of difficulties when they came to bat. Afghani pacers hit good line and length and got good help from the wicket.
Afghanistan posted a winning 284 runs on the board batting first. Afghanistan batters showed lots of responsibility when they came to bat. For the underdogs Rahmanullah Gurbaz scored an impressive 80 runs off only 57 deliveries he faced, youngster Ikram Alikhil was the second-highest run-getter for Afghanistan with 58 runs and Mujeeb ur Rehman played an important knock, he contributed a vital 28 runs from 18 deliveries. Eventually, Afghanistan got all out after making 284 runs. For England, Adil Rashid was the highest wicket-taker with three wickets.
The target of 285 might seem simple in today’s era of cricket especially playing against a much weaker opposition. But the World Champions found no ease while chasing the target. It was a tricky Delhi wicket on which English batters trembled from the beginning.
England batters failed to put any effective partnership. They lost wickets consecutively one after one. Afghani bowlers bowled good line and lengths and didn’t give any opportunity away.
Only Harry Brook was the only batter who stood his ground against Afghani bowlers, he scored 66 runs of 61 deliveries. David Malan scored 32 runs and 20 runs were contributed by Adil Rashid.
Rashid Khan was shunned by his team as he took 3 wickets and gave away only 37 runs in 9.3 overs. Mujeeb ur Rehman also took 3 wickets and 2 wickets were taken by Mohammad Nabi.
For his all-around performance, Mujeeb Ur Rehman was declared Player of the match. India is standing at the top of the points table in the ICC World Cup. After the loss against Afghanistan England are at 5th in the points table.
