England vs Afghanistan LIVE: Cricket World Cup result and reaction as reigning champions suffer shock defeat
Follow all the action from Arun Jaitley Stadium
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.England’s title defence of the Cricket World Cup is in real trouble after losing to Afghanistan by 69 runs in one of the biggest shocks in the tournament’s history. Afghanistan were dismissed for 284 in Delhi, but bowled out England for 215 with 9.3 overs left. Only Harry Brook offered serious resistance with a 61-ball 66.
The Afghans celebrated only their second-ever win at the World Cup, the other coming against Scotland in 2015 in their first appearance.England have now lost two of their opening three group games, having been thrashed by New Zealand in the tournament opener.
Gurbaz gave the underdogs an explosive start after being sent in by Jos Buttler, dominating a rapid opening stand of 114 and piling on 80 in 57 balls.
But they lost three wickets in 14 balls to throw away much of their good work, Adil Rashid taking the first two before Gurbaz was mindlessly run out by his captain Hashmatullah Shahidi.
He had lit up the lively Arun Jaitley Stadium with his fearless strokeplay, but without his impetus England were able to gain a foothold. They bowled their opponents out for 284 off the penultimate ball of the innings, but there were plenty of question marks over the bowling attack - and even more over the subsequent batting performance.
Follow all the latest live reaction from today’s match in the live blog below and check the latest odds here:
England vs Afghanistan
15.1
Naveen-ul-Haq to Harry Brook. Back of a length, outside off stump on the front foot defending, to short extra cover for no runs.
England vs Afghanistan
14.6
Mohammad Nabi to Jos Buttler. Off break length ball, outside off stump on the back foot working, back to bowler for no runs.
England vs Afghanistan
14.5
Mohammad Nabi to Jos Buttler. Off break length ball, outside off stump on the back foot cutting, bottom edge to short fine leg for no runs, fielded by Ur Rahman.
England vs Afghanistan
14.4
Mohammad Nabi to Jos Buttler. Off break length ball, outside off stump on the back foot working, mis-timed to short mid wicket for no runs, fielded by Zadran.
England vs Afghanistan
14.3
Mohammad Nabi to Jos Buttler. Off break length ball, outside off stump on the back foot working, to short mid wicket for no runs, fielded by Zadran.
England vs Afghanistan
14.2
Mohammad Nabi to Jos Buttler. Off break length ball, off stump on the front foot working, to deep square leg for 2 runs, fielded by Khan.
England vs Afghanistan
13.6
Naveen-ul-Haq to Jos Buttler. Length ball, outside off stump on the front foot working, to mid on for no runs, fielded by Zurmatai.
England vs Afghanistan
13.4
Naveen-ul-Haq to Jos Buttler. Back of a length, outside off stump on the back foot Steer, missed for no runs, fielded by Khil.
England vs Afghanistan
13.3
Naveen-ul-Haq to Jos Buttler. Back of a length, outside off stump on the back foot driving, mis-timed to short extra cover for no runs, fielded by Gurbaz.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments