ENG Vs SA: Michael Atherton Slams England, Says Players Are "Undercooked" After Afghanistan Loss

In a dramatic twist of fate at the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023, Afghanistan accomplished an astonishing victory over England, the reigning world champions. This monumental clash, which unfolded on October 15 at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi, etched its place in history as Afghanistan’s maiden triumph against a Test-playing nation in the prestigious 50-over ICC tournament.

The contest was nothing short of a grand spectacle, with Afghanistan emerging triumphant with a substantial 69-run lead over England. The win showcased Afghanistan’s unwavering determination and skill, particularly remarkable given that they had only ever secured a single victory in World Cup history before this historic achievement. England, a cricketing powerhouse, continued to bask in the legacy of a golden era that has elevated its team to legendary status.

Former England cricketer Michael Atherton expressed his criticism of the English side while sharing his thoughts on Sky Sports. He pinpointed England’s bowling as a significant concern, saying, “England haven’t bowled well enough and teams have got off to fliers against them. There are reasons. Many of the players are undercooked in terms of cricketing time, and time in ODIs. But they have not hit the ground running and have made things very difficult for themselves now.”

Afghanistan’s Performance Against England Was Spectacular

Afghanistan’s performance in the match was nothing short of spectacular. After winning the toss and opting to bat first, they posted a commendable total of 284 runs. This was made possible by an electrifying innings of 80 runs from opener Rahmanullah Gurbaz and a crucial half-century contribution from Ikram Alikhil.

In response, England faltered under the mounting pressure, only managing to accumulate 215 runs. Afghanistan’s spin duo, comprising Mujeeb Ur Rahman and Rashid Khan, played pivotal roles, each taking three wickets and disrupting England’s batting order.

This victory not only shattered multiple records but also hoisted Afghanistan from the bottom of the group standings. It was a moment of immense pride for the Afghan team and their nation, signifying a significant milestone in their cricketing journey. The win underscored the tireless effort, unwavering determination, and remarkable progress Afghanistan has achieved in the realm of cricket.

“They outplayed England – it wasn’t as if they won on a desperate turning pitch that suited their spinners. It was the greatest night in Afghanistan’s history and they won fair and square,” Atherton lauded the Afghan side.

This match will be enshrined as one of the most remarkable upsets in the annals of the ICC Cricket World Cup, bearing witness to the unpredictable and exhilarating nature of the sport. It serves as a poignant reminder that in cricket, as in life, underdogs can rise above adversity, forging a truly unforgettable and inspiring spectacle.