By Afghanistan has kicked off the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 with an astonishing upset, defeating reigning champions England by a margin of 69 runs at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi.
In a surprising turn of events, England, the defending champions, faltered in their pursuit of Afghanistan’s formidable target of 285 runs, crumbling at 215 runs in front of Afghanistan’s trio of spinners.
The Afghan team showcased their mettle after being asked to bat first, setting a competitive target courtesy of a stellar performance by opener Rahmanullah Gurbaz, who hammered 80 runs off just 57 balls, and a crucial half-century from wicketkeeper Ikram Alikhil.
Rahmanullah Gurbaz exhibited exceptional form, quickly reaching his half-century. However, England found their footing as leg-spinner Adil Rashid (3-42) made crucial breakthroughs, dismissing Zadran and Rahmat Shah.
Gurbaz’s standout performance, decorated with eight fours and four sixes, set the stage for a potential century until a risky run led to his run-out by substitute David Willey, leaving him visibly frustrated.
Spinners Rashid Khan and Mujeeb Ur Rahman contributed significantly, providing a lower-order flourish that bolstered Afghanistan’s total, enabling their bowlers to fiercely challenge England’s batting lineup.
Afghanistan’s bowlers, particularly the spin trio, showcased their prowess as they seized control of the game. Left-arm pacer Fazalhaq Farooqi struck early, dismissing England’s opener Jonny Bairstow in the second over. The spinners took charge, with Mujeeb Ur Rahman and Mohammad Nabi claiming key wickets, unsettling England’s batting order.
Mujeeb Ur Rahman emerged as the star of the match, displaying exceptional skills and contributing significantly to Afghanistan’s victory.
His performance was crucial in undermining England’s batsmen, earning him the well-deserved Player of the Match award. Speaking about the victory, Mujeeb expressed pride in beating the reigning champions and emphasized the hard work put into honing their skills.
England’s captain Jos Buttler acknowledged Afghanistan’s skillful attack and attributed their loss to being below par with both bat and ball. Despite their strong batting lineup, England failed to withstand Afghanistan’s determined performance, expressing disappointment at not meeting their desired level of play.
This victory has significantly impacted the group standings, positioning Afghanistan one place above England. Afghanistan, often considered the underdog, has demonstrated its potential and determination to make its mark in the tournament.
Stay tuned for more updates on the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 as the competition intensifies, showcasing the unpredictable nature of this thrilling sport.
