'Greatest coup in World Cup 2023'; Afghanistan destroys defending champion England by 69 runs

NEW DELHI: History has been created in New Delhi. Afghanistan, a country that saw the worst-ever earthquake just days back did the biggest coup in the cricket World Cup 2023. Afghanistan have defeated reigning champions England by 69 runs in one of the country’s greatest-ever cricket moments.

England had to surpass a total of 285 runs but crumbled and got all out for just 215 runs. Rashid Khan and Mujibur Rahman took three wickets each to crumble the England batting line-up. Fazl Farooqui and Naveen ul Haq had each wicket to their name while Muhammad Nabi took two wickets.

Except for Harry Brook who scored 66 runs and Malan who scored 32 runs, all other English players succumbed to Afghan bowling prowess. Players including Bairstow (2), Joe Root (11), Captain Butler (9), Livingston (10) and Sam Curran (10) fell prey to the Afghan spin attack.

After the toss, England sent Afghanistan to bat first and the team never hesitated to bulk a total of 284 runs in 49.5 overs. Rahmanullah Gurbaz scored 80 runs off 57 balls including eight fours and four sixes. Afghanistan moulded a resolute 114-run partnership in the first wicket alone and that too in just 15 overs. In the 17th over, Adil Rashid gave England the breakthrough by dismissing Ibrahim. The dream start for Afghanistan soon started giving woes as the team stumbled in the blink of an eye and the scoreline transcended to 122/3.

It was soon the adept work of the Afghan middle-order batting lineup that helped the team achieve a decent total of 285 runs. Mujibur Rahman has been crowned the man of the match. Veteran commentator Harsha Bhogle praised the victory in his eloquent best“ Afghanistan remains the most memorable cricket story of our times.”

With this game, 2015 World Cup champions Australia have gone to the bottom of the table. Responding after the game, a moved Rashid Khan said "Cricket is the sole source of happiness for all Afghans".