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Afghanistan cricket team etched a remarkable chapter in their sporting journey byꦏ defeating England in the 13th match of the ODI World Cup 2023. The win for the Afghan side came at the Arun Jaitley Stadi♍um on Sunday (October 15), marking a historic day in their cricketing history. It is worth noting that this was only the second win for Afghanistan in World Cups.
Afghanistan batter’s show remarkable composure
The intense clash started with England winning the toss and opting to field first, with the goal of limiting Afghanistan to a manageable total. However, Afghanistan’s batting was marked by high-quality cricket and remarkable performances as they managed to reach a competitive score of 284 runs before getting bundled out in the final over.
Rahmanullah Gurbaz was the standout performer for Afghanistan, playing a blistering innings of 80 runs from 57 deliveries. Ikram Alikhil also made a significant contribution with 58 runs off 66 ♎balls.
England’s bowlers put in a commendable effort to contain Afghanistan’s batting. Adil Rashid was the star of the show, claiming three wickets while conceding 42 runs in his quota of 10 overs. Mark Wood and Reece Topley al🤡so played crucial roles, both taking two wickets each.
Also READ: Rohit Sharma makes♌ a special gesture towards wife Ritika Sajdeh after India’s win over Pakista🌊n; video goes viral
England suffers a huge upset at the 2023 ODI World Cup
In reply, England faced a stern test against Afghanistan’s skilled bowlers, and they were completely overshadowed by the Afghan bowling unit, suffering a shocking and unexpected upset by managing just 215 runs. Harry Brook emerged as the highest run-scorer in England’s innings, amassing 66 runs from 61 balls. Dawid Malan played a valuable supporting role by contributing 32 runs from 39 deliveries, but that didn’t help England avoid the loss.
Mujeeb Ur Rahman led the charge for Afghanistan’s bowling attack, taking three vital wickets for 51 runs in his ten overs. Rashid Khan and Mohammad Nabi also played pivotal roles, claiming thr⭕ee and two wickets to guide Afghanistan to a hard-fought and historic victory🅠.
Mujeeb was adjudged ‘Player of the Match’ for his brilliant bowling.
Here’s how Twitter reacted:
Exceptional play by Team Afghanistan today, securing a thrilling win against England The team's determination and skill shone brightly. Well played boys! 👏
— Suresh Raina🇮🇳 (@ImRaina)
Bahot mubarak Apko Afghanistan. You out played England every department. Gurb✱azzaaaa you were amazing 👏 Ikram Alikhil looked good in the middle overs. Bowling has been top notch from Afghans.
— Irfan Pathan (@IrfanPathan)
The biggest moment in Afghanistan's cricket history. And a great example of how you accept adversity and keep looking ahead. Afghanistan remains the most memorable cricket story of our times.
— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha)
Big day for Afghanistan cricket!
Comprehensive win— Shoaib Akhtar (@shoaib100mph)
People need to know why the Afghan players are loved so much in India! They are excellent ambassadors of their country – even the Naveen-Virat gesture the other day is a testimony to that
— Vikrant Gupta (@vikrantgupta73)
This England performance has had a feeling of 2🗹015 , 2011 , 2007 , 2003 , 1999 & 1996 standard of White ball play …
— Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan)
As upsets go, this is as com🐼prehensive as they come. What a perfect game from Afghanistan & so apt that it’s R💮ashid Khan to add the final touch of glory. Just look at him smile
— Bharat Sundaresan (@beastieboy07)
We finally have a WOR🎃LD CUP! Jiyo Afghanistan .. jiyo! And what a crowd at the Kotla! Great to watch the game! Lovely!!
— Rajdeep Sardesai (@sardesairajdeep)
Afghanistan defeats the current world champions by 69 runs. Congratulations to all of Afghanistan. Finally, we achieve our first World Cup win after a long wait. Well done 🫡👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻🔥🔥🔥🇦🇫🇦🇫🇦🇫
And a b✃ig thank you to all our Indian brothers and sisters…— Wazhma Ayoubi 🇦🇫 (@WazhmaAyoubi)
Afghanistan crickeꦉt has come a loooong way. 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼
— Rajasthan Royals (@rajasthanroyals)
Afghanistan are such a likeable team to support after India. Underdogs winning is a great feeling always and it's great for Cricket as well.
— R A T N I S H (@LoyalSachinFan)
Happy for the Afghanistan fans man. They go through a lot because of their team coming close to win and falling s🃏hort.
— Silly Point (@FarziCricketer)
