'Afghanistan, you have pulled off the biggest upset in World Cup cricket'

Sachin Tendulkar, Ian Bishop, Mithali Raj, Shoaib Akhtar and others react to Afghanistan's stunning win over England

15-Oct-2023

Fazalhaq Farooqi and Co march on after Afghanistan's win against England, England vs Afghanistan, Men's ODI World Cup 2023, Delhi, October 15, 2023

Afghanistan have pulled off one of the great upsets in men's ODI World Cup history by defeating the defending champions England by 69 runs. The win was orchestrated by a brilliant spell from Mujeeb Ur Rahman and a collective batting effort, in front of a sizeable crowd in Delhi that got behind the Afghanistan side. Here's how the cricket world reacted to the result.

Wonderful all-round effort by Afghanistan led by a solid knock from @RGurbaz_21.

Bad day for @ECB_cricket.
Against quality spinners, you have to read them from their hand, which the England batters failed to do. They read them off the pitch instead, which I felt led to their… pic.twitter.com/O4TACfKh21
— Sachin Tendulkar (@sachin_rt) October 15, 2023

Phenomenal stuff from Afghanistan to turn over the defending champions tonight so convincingly. They put the hopes of a nation on their shoulders and made everyone proud. Well played @ACBofficials.
— Ian Raphael Bishop (@irbishi) October 15, 2023

Afghanistan outplayed England in all disciplines on the day. Rahmanullah Gurbaz unleashed a fearless display of power-hitting that asserted their dominance from the beginning - he made 80 off 57. Ikram Alikhil, on his World Cup debut, drove them ahead with 58 off 66 as Afghanistan posted a competitive 285.

Exceptional play by Team Afghanistan today, securing a thrilling win against England The team's determination and skill shone brightly. Well played boys!#AFGvsENG @ACBofficials @rashidkhan_19 pic.twitter.com/jazGbPqQkT
— Suresh Raina (@ImRaina) October 15, 2023

A historic triumph for Afghanistan! Their spin attack was a delight to watch on this Delhi track, Shahidi marshalled his troops brilliantly. A perfect tribute to @MohammadNabi007, who was playing in his 150th ODI today. England choosing to field first worked against them. A… pic.twitter.com/KRJDiddISG
— Mithali Raj (@M_Raj03) October 15, 2023

In return, England's batting never really took off, as they struggled against Afghanistan's seamers and spinners, surrendering for 215 in the 41st over. Afghanistan's spinners accounted for seven wickets, with Mujeeb picking up the crucial wickets of Harry Brook - who was England's top-scorer of the day - and the in-form Joe Root.

Salute you AFGHANISTAN. You have pulled offff the biggest upset in WC cricket. If not in the history of the game. Respect. @rashidkhan_19 @Mujeeb_R88 #CWC2023 #ENGvsAFG pic.twitter.com/o59wpS6Sxc
— Ravi Shastri (@RaviShastriOfc) October 15, 2023

This Afghanistan team plays modern day cricket. You can see that in their batting in first 10 overs. Same with bowling. Lots of things there to learn from.
— Shoaib Akhtar (@shoaib100mph) October 15, 2023

Bahot mubarak Apko Afghanistan. You out played England every department. Gurbazzaaaa you were amazing Ikram Alikhil looked good in the middle overs. Bowling has been top notch from Afghans. #ENGvAFG
— Irfan Pathan (@IrfanPathan) October 15, 2023

Afghanistan England Afghanistan vs England ICC Cricket World Cup