AFG VS ENG: Afghanistan thrash defending champion England to Spice up the World Cup 2023
AFG VS ENG: Afghanistan defeated England, the defending world champions, by 69 runs in a masterful spin-and-seam display played under the Delhi floodlights, giving them the most renowned scalp in their history as an international team. This resulted in the first major surprise of the 2023 World Cup.
Rahmanullah Gurbaz, 21, unleashed a daring show of power hitting that cemented their supremacy. With 80 runs from 57, he had promised so much more before a run-out saw him out of the game in his prime. However, in his opening World Cup match, Ikram Alikhil revived Afghanistan’s lower order with a valuable half-century. From there, they proceeded to make 285 appear as far-fetched as England’s chances of winning the trophy this time around.
AFG VS ENG: Spin prowess mastered a historical win at home away from home
With the ball skidding past Mark Wood’s bat and into the stumps, Rashid Khan was standing with his back to the sky and his arms extended. The world champions were defeated by Afghanistan, and it was a moment to remember that will echo across Delhi, India, and much beyond.
This was a fearless and unrestrained team’s display of attacking first with the bat and then with the ball. Afghanistan had only triumphed once in their previous 17 World Cup games, defeating Scotland by a single wicket eight years prior. They were a squad that had nothing to lose and had everything to gain.
Afghanistan now considers India to be a home away from home amid political unrest and humanitarian challenges. This, their most celebrated night as a sporting nation, took place in front of more than 25,000 spectators in a city where a sizable Afghan diaspora is present. Many of them danced to Afghan Jalebi played on the PA system and waved flags of Afghanistan.
It was fitting that the team’s biggest ambassador Rashid Khan picked up the last wicket to seal the famous win and leave the English bruised and battered.
Needless to say, Afghanistan captain Hashmatullah Shahidi was delighted with the victory.
“I’m quite happy, all the teammates are happy. This is the best win for us, the confidence will be there for the next game and I’m very proud,” Shahidi summed up the mood.
Also read: IND VS BAN World Cup 2023: Preview, Playing 11, Prediction, Venue, FAQs
Thank you for reading.
