Australia's ugly World Cup reality as 'biggest ever' upset rocks tournament
The cricket world has been left in disbelief over the cricket World Cup result.
Australia officially sit at the bottom of the World Cup table after the cricket world lauded Afghanistan who pulled off one of the biggest upsets in history to defeat reigning champions England in Delhi. England lost their opening match to New Zealand at the World Cup and now face a similar situation as Australia with Jos Buttler's side roundly outplayed on their way to a shock 69-run defeat on Sunday (Monday morning AEDT).
Set 285 to win after putting their opponents at the Arun Jaitley Stadium, England imploded, bowled out for 215 in front of a frenzied crowd at who cheered Afghanistan's triumph as if it were glorious home win. Afghanistan were dismissed for 284 with one ball of their innings remaining, before only Harry Brook could offer any serious resistance with a 61-ball 66 in England's reply which came to an end with 9.3 overs still remaining.
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It was only the Afghans' second-ever win at the World Cup, the other coming against Scotland in 2015 in their first appearance. One fan ran onto the field in tears to hug Mujeeb Ur Rahman as the Afghanistan players celebrated the historic victory.
And the cricket world was roundly in shock. England are now on the brink of failing to qualify for the knockout stages with games against India and Australia still to come.
Rashid Khan and Mujeeb were the stars for Afghanistan with the two spinners taking three wickets each to leave England reeling. And the cricket world was full of praise for Afghanistan's fight during the match, while condemning England's form as reigning champions.
Some suggested Ben Stokes, who was carrying water during the match, needs to get back into the team as soon as possible as he works his way back to fitness.
HISTORY HAS BEEN CREATED IN DELHI....!!!
Afghanistan wins their first World Cup match in 15 games - what a proud day for Afghanistan cricket. Defeated defending champions England by 69 runs. pic.twitter.com/vA2cqXMoDk— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) October 15, 2023
Both England and Australia have been below par this World Cup. No intensity, no game awareness, panic in their batting order. They have to up their game to get to the level of India, New Zealand and South Africa #ICCCricketWorldCup #ENGvsAFG
— Vikrant Gupta (@vikrantgupta73) October 15, 2023
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 is the way to celebrate the very beautiful game of cricket.
An Afghanistan kid traveled 1100 KM & finally they upset England to win the WC match.
This boy hugged Mujeeb in tears, they admire #Rashid & #Gurbaz to get little happiness from sports.
What a game #ENGvsAFG.🔥 pic.twitter.com/T1D3Uvp4Zv— Amock (@Politics_2022_) October 15, 2023
The biggest moment in Afghanistan's cricket history. And a great example of how you accept adversity and keep looking ahead. Afghanistan remains the most memorable cricket story of our times.
— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) October 15, 2023
A young fan of Mujeeb in tears after a memorable win of Afghanistan...!!!!
- A lovely moment. pic.twitter.com/BiAgy5VkWM— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) October 15, 2023
Is Afghanistan's win over England the biggest upset in World Cup history? 🔥 #CWC23 #ENGvsAFG pic.twitter.com/vxA947GtRy
— Farid Khan (@_FaridKhan) October 15, 2023
Rashid was all class after the victory and dedication the win to the people back in Afghanistan, where multiple earthquakes have killed around 1,000 and injured over 2,000.
Australia last at the 2023 Cricket World Cup
Unfortunately for England, they now sit in a similar situation with Australia having lost two games. Australia have played one less game as they face Sri Lanka this week.
"It's about execution and we were not at the level we wanted to be with the ball and the bat," England captain Jos Buttler said after the game.
"They are a really skilful attack with some fantastic spin bowlers. They put us under lots of pressure and we weren't quite good enough today."
Australia now face an ugly World Cup reality as they sit bottom of the table. Australia face a must-win clash against Sri Lanka to get their tournament back on track.
Australia are in the uncomfortable and unusual position of the bottom of the cricket World Cup table, behind The Netherlands…! #CWC2023 #AUSvSL pic.twitter.com/hBKIVLJqrG
— Chris Lewis (@chris_analyst) October 15, 2023
with AAP
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