Afghanistan handed England a 69-run defeat in cricket world cup
Oct 16 2023 09:36 PM IST
The grand reversal unfolded as Afghanistan handed England a 69-run defeat in cricket. After Rahmanullah Gurbaz's fiery innings, it was Mujib, Rashid, and Nabi who shone. In this World Cup, Afghanistan's second win in the tournament was a major upset, dealing England a blow. Gurbaz played an outstanding knock with 57 runs from 57 balls, including eight boundaries and four sixes. Ikram Ali Khil also contributed with a 55-run innings as Afghanistan posted 284 runs from 49.5 overs. In response, the trio of Mujib ur Rahman (3/51), Mohammad Nabi (2/16), and Rashid Khan (3/37) tangled England into a web, limiting them to 215 runs from 403 overs. This marks England's second loss in three matches.
Coach Jonathan Trott faced questions at Arun Jaitley Stadium on October 11 after Afghanistan's loss to India. A journalist asked him, "Can Afghanistan beat England?" Some journalists found it amusing, but the former cricketer had said that, yes, Afghanistan could defeat England. He had mentioned the need to set a substantial score and rely on their spinners. That's exactly what happened. Harry Brook (66) was the lone survivor from England.
Gurbaz led with a 114-run opening partnership. Mujib Rahman, the Man of the Match for his 51 runs, took crucial wickets.
Before that, England's captain Jos Buttler won the toss and invited Afghanistan to bat. Rahmanullah Gurbaz, along with Ibrahim Zadran, made a fantastic start for Afghanistan. Gurbaz dismissed Chris Woakes and Sam Curran comprehensively. Gurbaz completed his half-century in just 33 balls. It was Gurbaz's third half-century in ODIs. Ibrahim soon joined the century partnership. By the 17th over, Gurbaz and Ibrahim had shared a 114-run partnership. Adil Rashid broke this partnership by catching Ibrahim (28) in the hands of Root.