England’s hopes of defending the World Cup suffered an almighty blow in Delhi on Sunday, where underdogs Afghanistan pulled off a stunning upset to floor the 2019 champions.
Jos Buttler’s side were roundly outplayed on their way to a shock 69-run defeat and have now lost two of their first three games in India to leave their chances of emerging from the group stage hanging by a thread.
Set 285 to win after putting their opponents in, England imploded for 215 in front of a frenzied crowd who roared on Afghanistan’s triumph as if it were a glorious home win at the Arun Jaitley Stadium.
In terms of English stumbles on the biggest stage in one-day cricket this was a result to rank alongside the 2011 loss to Ireland in Bengaluru – a game that current Afghanistan head coach Jonathan Trott played in.
Afghanistan are a more talented side but two thumping losses against India and Bangladesh, allied with England’s hard-won reputation in white-ball cricket, still render this a seismic result.
The heavy margin, and the 9.3 unused overs, only increase the magnitude. Harry Brook, the youngest and least experienced member of the England side, fought a lone hand with 66 but with precious little support and a lethargic bowling display, it was nowhere near enough.
Jos Buttler during the post-match press meeting on Sunday— (Getty)
England captain Jos Buttler admitted his side were outplayed. Speaking at the post-match presentation, Buttler said: “It’s a tough loss to take, congratulations to Afghanistan, they outplayed us today. It’s about execution and we were not at the level we wanted to be with the ball and the bat.”
Ben Stokes was missing from the England team and Buttler said: “He’s been working hard but just wasn’t quite fit for today.”
Former England captain Michael Atherton was full of praise for Afghanistan and felt England were always chasing the game. He told Sky Sports: “I thought they started badly, sloppily, five wides at the start, a misfield. They just looked a bit off the pace and that sets the tone. Harry Brook played excellently but nobody else really. They were well beaten.”
Player of the match Mujeeb Ur Rahman, who took three wickets, said: “It’s a very proud moment to be here beating the world champions, a great achievement for the whole nation and the team. It was a wonderful performance from the bowlers and the batters.”
