WATCH: Mujeeb Ur Rahman cleans up Joe Root with jaffer delivery in ODI World Cup 2023

England vs Afghanistan is currently underway at Arun Jaitely Stadium, New Delhi. After being invited to bat first Afghanistan openers were off to a fiery start with Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Ibrahim Zaddran building an opening stand of 114 runs in just 16 overs. Before the latter who played a supporting role and scored 28 runs. Gurbaz on the other hand scored 80 runs of 57 balls, hitting 8 fours and 4 sixes. 

Ikram Alikhil was making his debut and he did not fail to take the opportunity with both hands and made 58 off 66 balls. No other middle-order batters could score runs. While at the end the duo of star leg-spinner Rashid Khan and Mujeeb Ur Rahman scored in 23 and 28, respectively. They scored 284 runs in 49.5 overs. 

England have started their chase. They did not get the expected start they needed, as they lost opener Jonny Bairstow early on in the innings, leaving them 3/1. Joe Root and Dawid Malan were playing for some time until the former was dismissed by a sensational delivery from Mujeeb Ur Rahman he bowled Root to reduce them to 33-2. The video of his wicket has gone viral.

Here's the video

Crazy crazy scenes at Delhi
Mujeeb getting the big first Joe Root out🔥🔥#ENGvsAFG #INDvsPAK #IndiavsPak #INDvPAK #PAKvIND #pakvsind #Gazagenocide #IndiaVsPakistan #ENGvAFG #UrvashiRautela #Sorry_Pakistan #earthquakepic.twitter.com/Qr47c970bB

— ICT_FAN❤️🏏 (@IamRavindraNain) October 15, 2023

England spinners fight back

Afghanistan openers were looking dangerous when they were 114 without a single wicket. A 300-plus run was on the scoreboard but their middle order which has been the problem crumbled again as Adil Rashid and Liam Livingstone bowled superbly in the middle overs to restrict them to a score of 284. Rashid picked up three wickets, with Livingstone picked up one. The latter was the most economical bowler for his side. 

England is one of the most formidable teams in the world, and they are the favourites to win this match. But the Afghans have made the defending champions work for every run and they are now 90/3. With still wickets and a lot of runs left the match is still balanced for both sides. The Afghan spin department with Rashid Khan needs to fire if they need to upset the defending world champions in the 2023 World Cup.