Afghanistan beat England by 67 runs, as Hashmatullah Shahidi's side upsets the defending champions in their fourth match at the Arun Jaitely Stadium, New Delhi. England won the toss and elected to field first. Afghanistan were off to a flyer as opener Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Ibrahim Zadran scored 100 runs in just 12.4 overs. They stitched a partnership of 114 runs before the latter was dismissed by Adil Rashid. Gurbaz continued to fire and was looking in sensational form. At one stage it was looking at a 300-plus score, at the Arun Jaitely Stadium, New Delhi.
But wickets kept on falling, as the Afghan middle order again failed to live up to the expectations and they git crumbled from 122/2 to 190-6. At the end spinning duo Rashid Khan and Mujeeb Ur Rahman scored some vital runs and they were able to post a defendable score of 284 runs before being bowled out.
England bowlers made a good comeback towards the end of the innings. Adil Rashid and Liam Livingstone made sure the Afghans struggled to score runs. The former was the pick of the bowlers as he picked up three wickets. Livingstone picked only one wicket but was the most economical bowler for his side.
Afghanistan bowlers create havoc in Delhi
Being put into bat first opener Rahmanullah Gurbaz made sure to score runs from the top of the order. As the wicket-keeper batter was the highest run-getter for his side scoring 80 runs of 57 balls, hitting 8 fours and 4 sixes. Ikram Alikhil made his debut and took the opportunity with both hands and made 58 off 66 balls. Rashid and Mujeeb scored 23 and 28, respectively. They scored 284 runs in 49.5 overs.
In response, England did not get the start they were looking for. They lost their opener Jonny Bairstow early on in the innings with the defending champions struggling at 3/1. Wickets kept on falling at regular intervals. Harry Brook was the only batter who could get past 50 runs as the batter was dismissed by Mujeeb for 66 runs leaving them 168/8. The spinners of Afghanistan have been sensational picking three wickets in his 10 overs. Towards the end, the bowlers fought but they were bundled out for 21 runs.
Here's how fans reacted
AFGHANISTAN HAVE DEFEATED THE DEFENDING CHAMPIONS ENGLAND BY 69 RUNS, YES 69 RUNS! pic.twitter.com/pNSGw1DWry
— Ana de Armas stan (@abhithecomic) October 15, 2023
England today pic.twitter.com/QWkRIrkxit
— Sameer (@agonyofsameer) October 15, 2023
Congratulations Afghanistan for a stunning victory over one of favorite of this world cup. Afghanistan played better cricket than England today and they won.
— Satya Prakash (@Satya_Prakash08) October 15, 2023
I expecting more positive cricket from Afghanistan and you will see miracles this year. Mujeeb Ur Rahman looking better…
Afghanistan gonna defeat pakistan too
— Tarun (@heytarunn) October 15, 2023
2015 - England lost against Bangladesh
— Sindhi Chhokro (@Piyush_seerwani) October 15, 2023
2023 - England lost against Afghanistan
They are known for great upsets in world cup
This is HUGE! Against England and that too in Delhi which is batting friendly.
— Finance Master (@FinanceMaster06) October 15, 2023
History for Afghanistan 🇦🇫
— Farhad khan (@imFarhadkhan) October 15, 2023
Congratulations
And the crowd unanimously supported Afghan’s today, well done 🇦🇫
— Rahul Varma (@urscoolrahul) October 15, 2023
Defending champions are going home now. What a win for Afghanistan 💥💥🔥🔥
— Indian Stats & Index (@statsfeed_india) October 15, 2023
Really happy for Afghanistan well played Afghanistan 👏👏🔥
— Bolo Yaarrrr (@ShaRo45264) October 15, 2023