AFG 284 (49.5)
ENG 215 (40.3)
Afghanistan won by 69 runs
PLAYER OF THE MATCH
Mujeeb Ur Rahman
As per cricbuzz report, In the realm of cricket, where underdogs and dark horses occasionally steal the spotlight, Afghanistan scripted a remarkable chapter in their history. The cricketing world was left in awe as Afghanistan ended their 14-match losing streak in the ODI World Cups with a stunning victory over England. The only previous victory for Afghanistan in the World Cup was against Scotland in 2015, but this triumph in Delhi was something truly special.
Afghanistan’s journey in international cricket has been nothing short of inspiring. They have emerged as a formidable force, particularly in the shortest format of the game, but their ODI performances in World Cups had been a cause for concern. Prior to this victory, they endured 14 consecutive losses, a record that has now been rewritten. This win not only ends a dismal streak but also provides a significant boost to the sport of cricket in Afghanistan.
The match against England saw Afghanistan display a clinical performance that left fans and experts astonished. The belief and passion with which they played were evident throughout the game. It’s worth noting that victories against teams like England are rare for Afghanistan, and achieving one on a stage as grand as the World Cup is a momentous achievement. Wins like these inspire the generations to come and set the stage for even grander accomplishments.
Hashmatullah Shahidi, Afghanistan’s captain, expressed his happiness and pride in the team’s performance. He credited the openers for giving the team a great start and highlighted the contributions of players like Ikram and Mujeeb. Shahidi emphasized the importance of the belief, trust, and talent within the team and expressed the desire for more wins in the tournament, emphasizing that this victory was just the beginning.
England’s captain, Jos Buttler, acknowledged the disappointment of losing the toss and conceding a considerable number of runs. He pointed out that execution, both with the bat and ball, was not at the desired level. England faced a formidable Afghan bowling attack that kept the stumps in play and maintained a disciplined line. Buttler emphasized the need for reflection, resilience, and improved performance under pressure to bounce back.
Mujeeb Ur Rahman’s
Mujeeb Ur Rahman was the standout player of the match and was rightfully awarded the Player of the Match. He shared his thoughts through Rashid Khan’s translation, expressing his pride in beating the reigning champions and highlighting the team’s hard work. Mujeeb’s spin bowling in the powerplay, an area known to be challenging for spinners, was exceptional and showcased his consistency and effectiveness. He also made valuable contributions with the bat, adding crucial runs.
Statistical Highlights
The match produced several statistical highlights:
- Afghanistan ended their 14-match losing streak in ODI World Cups.
- Teams batting first have won 6 of the 8 matches in Delhi since 2013.
- Afghanistan’s spinners took 8 wickets, marking the first time England lost 8 wickets to spin in a World Cup match.
- Mujeeb Ur Rahman’s performance with the ball and bat was exceptional.
These records and achievements illustrate the historic nature of Afghanistan’s victory and its impact on the tournament.
Most consecutive defeats in ODI World Cups
18 – Zimbabwe (1983-1992)
14 – Scotland (1999-2015)
14 – Afghanistan (2015-2023) – ended today
11 – Canada (2003-2011)
10 – Netherlands (1996-2003)
Spinners’ bowling today
England: 24 overs, 94 runs, 5 wickets, ER 3.92
Afghanistan: 25.3 overs, 104 runs, 8 wickets, ER 4.11
– Teams batting first have won 6 of the 8 matches in Delhi since 2013. The two exceptions were India’s win against South Africa last year and against Afghanistan in the previous match.
Most wickets for Afghanistan in ODI WC
15 – Mohammad Nabi*
14 – Dawlat Zadran
11 – Rashid Khan
10 – Mujeeb Ur Rahman
Most wickets by spinners in a World Cup match
14 – KEN vs SL, Nairobi, 2003
14 – CAN vs ZIM, Nagpur, 2011
13 – ENG vs AFG, Delhi, 2023*
Most wickets for Afghan spinners in a WC innings
8 vs ENG, Delhi, 2023*
6 vs SL, Cardiff, 2019
5 vs IND, Southampton, 2019
5 vs PAK, Leeds, 2019
– This is the first time England have lost 8 wickets to spin in a WC match.
Best bowling figures for Afghanistan in World Cups
4/30 – Mohammad Nabi vs SL, Cardiff, 2019
4/38 – Shapoor Zadran vs SCO, Dunedin, 2015
3/29 – Dawlat Zadran vs SCO, Dunedin, 2015
3/37 – Rashid Khan vs ENG, Delhi, 2023*
Afghanistan’s victory against England in the ODI World Cup was not just a win; it was a historic moment that will be remembered for years to come. It signifies the rise of cricket in Afghanistan and serves as an inspiration for the team’s future endeavors. As they continue their journey in the tournament, the world eagerly anticipates what more they have in
Brirf scores: Afghanistan 284 in 49.5 overs (Rahmanullah Gurbaz 80, Ikram Alikhil 58; Adil Rashid 3-42, Joe Root 1-19) beat England 215 in 40.3 overs (Harry Brook 66; Rashid Khan 3-37, Mujeeb-ur-Rahman 3-51) by 69 runs