"Cricket is the only source of happiness in Afghanistan. Recently, an earthquake devastated many lives, but this victory will bring them joy. This is for them."
Rashid Khan
In both life and sport, expectations play a curious role. When they are low, disappointments carry less weight. In such moments, one learns to breathe deeper, embrace patience, and find composure. Inner peace settles in—allowing you to enjoy the journey rather than chase outcomes. The paradox of sport is that such serenity often fuels extraordinary performances, producing unexpected victories. And, cricket, with its chaotic beauty, has long thrived on this unpredictability. In the grand theatre of World Cups, upsets remind us that no champion is invincible, and every underdog has its day.
This truth was reaffirmed in Delhi, where Afghanistan achieved a victory that was not merely statistical but symbolic - an ode to resilience, a celebration of joy amid sorrow. Having been outplayed by Bangladesh and battered by India earlier in the tournament, Afghanistan's hopes seemed faint. Awaiting them next was England, defending champions who had just dismantled Bangladesh in Dharamsala. Few would have expected what was to follow.
A Perfect Opening: Gurbaz and Ibrahim Rise
Afghanistan’s journey to victory began with a formidable partnership at the top. Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Ibrahim Zadran have been the shining stars of 2023, establishing themselves as one of the most consistent opening pairs in the game. Out of just three 200-plus ODI opening partnerships this year, two belong to them - a remarkable testament to their synergy.
They wasted no time in setting the tone against England. Chris Woakes, England’s new-ball specialist, endured a nightmare start. His bowling average with the new ball has been the worst since 2014, and Delhi only extended his misery. His very first ball - a wide - signalled the beginning of an off day. Reece Topley managed to keep things tight from the other end, but Woakes was dismantled. In the first five overs alone, 31 of the 35 Afghan runs came off his bowling.
Afghanistan’s early aggression paid dividends as they raced to a strong platform, determined to avoid the collapses that have haunted them in the past. Unlike previous outings, this time the middle and lower orders displayed maturity and poise, stabilizing the innings whenever the English bowlers struck. Their total of 284 seemed challenging - not least because of how they dismantled pace, accumulating 189 runs against it with minimal damage.
Spin Sets the Stage: The Afghan Bowlers
Respond
With spin-friendly conditions in Delhi, England’s spinners hinted at what was to come, taking five wickets for just 89 runs at an economy rate below four. This previewed a tantalizing evening under the lights - one where Afghanistan’s own spinners would take centre stage.
The first blow came from Fazalhaq Farooqi, whose inswinger bamboozled Jonny Bairstow. But it was Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Mohammad Nabi, and Rashid Khan who orchestrated England’s downfall. Mujeeb’s mastery was on full display when he dismissed Joe Root with a flipper that kept low. Root, caught on the back foot, could do nothing but watch as the ball crashed into his stumps.
Nabi soon sent Dawid Malan packing with a sharp catch at short cover, and Rashid Khan’s subtle variations proved too much for Liam Livingstone, who was clean-bowled by a straight delivery after misjudging the line. Naveen-ul-Haq then produced one of the finest deliveries of the tournament, a searing inswinger that breached Jos Buttler’s defence - leaving the England captain stunned.
England's Lone Hope and Afghanistan’s Ruthless
Closure
Harry Brook stood alone, the only English batter to offer any real resistance. Yet even his determination wasn’t enough to stem the Afghan tide. As England’s hopes flickered, the Afghan spinners turned venomous. Mujeeb’s carrom balls and deceptive pace changes were like rattlesnakes striking from the shadows. Rashid Khan’s leg-spinners and wrong’uns mirrored a spitting cobra, leaving the English batters bewildered and paralyzed.
What unfolded was not just a defeat but a dismantling. England, a team with cricketing roots tracing back to 1739, found themselves outplayed by a side whose cricketing journey began just two decades ago. The victory carried an undeniable poetic weight - it was achieved in Delhi, the heart of an empire England once ruled, by a team that has emerged from the ashes of war and hardship.
A Victory Beyond the
Scoreboard
Afghanistan’s triumph over England was not just another upset in a tournament filled with surprises. It was a story of defiance, hope, and joy - a testament to how sport can offer solace amid despair. For a nation reeling from a recent tragedy, this victory was a moment of collective happiness, a flicker of light in dark times. Cricket, with all its glorious uncertainties, had once again reminded the world that no dream is too distant, no opponent too mighty.
In the grand tapestry of World Cup history, Afghanistan’s win will stand tall - not merely as a statistical milestone but as a symbol of the unyielding spirit of a team and a nation.
Thank You
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