In the first "upset" of ICC ODI World Cup 2023, Afghanistan handed defending champions England a 69-run defeat in New Delhi. Chasing 284, England were all out for 215 by a ferocious Afghan bowling led by Mujeeb ur Rahman and Mohammad Nabi.
Mujeeb, who opened the bowling for the Asian team claimed three wickets in his quota of 10 overs, giving just 51 runs. Former captain Nabi was the most economical among Afghan bowlers, leaking just 16 runs in 6 overs (2.67 Eco). Rashid Khan (9.3-1-37-3-3.89), Fazalhaq Farooqi (7-0-50-1-7.14) and Naveen-ul-Haq (6-1-44-1-7.33) also chipped in with useful contributions with the ball.
Afghanistan's Rashid Khan celebrates the wicket of England's Liam Livingstone | AP
Harry Brook was the only member of the famous English batting lineup who could put up a proper fight against Afghanistan on Sunday. But once the right-hander fell to Mujeeb after a well-made 66 from 61 balls, there was little hope for the Three Lions.
This is not the first time that England tasted defeat at the hand of "minnows" in the showpiece tournament. In the 2011 edition of the ODI World Cup (the last time India hosted the tournament), Ireland defeated England by three wickets thanks to Kevin O'Brien's historic ton. In a group stage match of the 2009 ICC World Twenty20, the Netherlands also managed to beat England by four wickets.
England vs Afghanistan World Cup match: As it happened in New Delhi
Rahmanullah Gurbaz celebrates his fifty | AP
Earlier, youngsters Ikram Alikhil and Rahmanullah Gurbaz shined with the bat as Afghanistan posted a competitive 284 on the board before Mujeeb and Rashid made brief but valuable knocks towards the end of the innings.
While wicketkeeper Rahmanullah Gurbaz's whirlwind 80 off 57 gave the Asian side a flying start, Ikram Alikhil's 66-ball 58 was crucial in avoiding a collapse. Gurbaz smashed eight boundaries and four maximums before being run out in the 19th over. His opening partner, Ibrahim Zadran, contributed 28 in a first-wicket partnership of 114 in 16 overs.
Replacing Najibullah Zadran in the playing XI, Ikram Alikhil grabbed the opportunity with both hands.
Adil Rashid (10-1-42-3) was the best English bowler while Mark Wood (9-0-50-2), Liam Livingstone (10-0-33-1) and Reece Topley (8.5-1-52-1) also chipped in with valuable contributions. Joe Root, who bowled 4 overs, picked up the wicket of Afghanistan captain Hasmatullah Shahidi (14). Chris Woakes as Sam Curran was expensive and went wicketless against the gritty Afghan batters.
Brief scores: Afghanistan: 284 all out in 49.5 overs (Rahmanullah Gurbaz 80, Ikram Alikhil 58; Adil Rashid 3/42). England: 215 all out in 40.3 overs (Harry Brook 66; Mujeeb Ur Rahman 3/51, Rashid Khan 3/37).
