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England vs Afghanistan LIVE: Cricket World Cup result and reaction as reigning champions suffer shock defeat

Follow all the action from Arun Jaitley Stadium

Karl Matchett
Sunday 15 October 2023 17:39 BST
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England’s Joe Root previews their ICC Cricket World Cup clash with Afghanistan

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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

12.4

SIX! Adil Rashid to Rahmanullah Gurbaz. Leg spinner length ball, middle stump on the front foot slog sweeping, well timed in the air under control over deep mid wicket for 6 runs.

15 October 2023 10:31

England vs Afghanistan

12.3

Adil Rashid to Ibrahim Zadran. Leg spinner half volley, outside off stump on the front foot driving, to long off for 1 run, fielded by Brook.

15 October 2023 10:30

England vs Afghanistan

12.2

Adil Rashid to Rahmanullah Gurbaz. Leg spinner length ball, outside off stump on the back foot cutting, mis-timed to deep cover for 1 run, fielded by Malan.

15 October 2023 10:29

England vs Afghanistan

12.1

APPEAL! Adil Rashid to Rahmanullah Gurbaz. Leg spinner half volley, outside off stump on the front foot sweeping, Gloved to short leg for no runs, fielded by Buttler, appeal made for L.B.W.

15 October 2023 10:29

England vs Afghanistan

11.6

Mark Wood to Ibrahim Zadran. Back of a length, outside off stump on the front foot defending, back to bowler for no runs.

15 October 2023 10:28

England vs Afghanistan

11.5

Mark Wood to Rahmanullah Gurbaz. Back of a length, outside off stump on the back foot driving, to backward point for 1 run, fielded by Livingstone.

15 October 2023 10:27

England vs Afghanistan

11.4

Mark Wood to Rahmanullah Gurbaz. Back of a length, outside off stump on the back foot working, to short mid wicket for no runs, fielded by Malan.

15 October 2023 10:26

England vs Afghanistan

11.3

SIX! Mark Wood to Rahmanullah Gurbaz. Short, outside off stump on the back foot cutting, well timed in the air under control over third man for 6 runs.

15 October 2023 10:25

England vs Afghanistan

11.2

Mark Wood to Rahmanullah Gurbaz. Back of a length, outside off stump on the front foot defending, to mid off for no runs, fielded by Woakes.

15 October 2023 10:25

England vs Afghanistan LIVE

Gurbaz takes the acclaim of the stadium as he reaches 50.

And that’s off just 33 balls - that’s the fourth-fastest half-century of this World Cup.

In comes Adil Rashid as England look to spin. Then it’s Mark Wood for his first over.

Karl Matchett15 October 2023 10:24

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