Sam Curran starred with figures of 5-10 as the England bowling attack steamed through the Afghanistan batting order with devastating effect. The perfect start for Jos Buttler’s England as they took all the points in their first group game of the 2022 ICC T20 Cricket World Cup in Perth.
England blew Afghanistan out of the water by bowling them out for just 112 in 19.4 overs; a total which seemed severely under par for the wicket provided at the Optus Stadium. The chase started well for England as Buttler and Alex Hales quickly found their feet reaching 35-0, before Buttler fell to Fazalhag Farooqi out in the deep. The likes of Dawid Malan, Ben Stokes and Harry Brooke struggled to get going with the bat causing a slight collapse for the reigning 50 Over World Champions; but Liam Livingstone showed off his class as his 29 not out alongside Moeen Ali dragged England over the line with just over an over to spare.
Embed from Getty Images
Rashid Khan’s efforts didn’t go unnoticed as yet again displaying why he’s one of the most sort after spinners in franchise cricket. Khan went for just 17 off his four overs while conceding no boundaries and picking up a wicket for his troubles. For a pitch that had just about everything in terms of swing and bounce; bowling took centre stage and England without Paceman Reece Topley; who has been ruled out for the tournament looked to have lacked the final element of their attack. But Curran stood up to the plate, not known for his pace or bounce he took centre stage, the left arm swing bowler was a nightmare throughout the Perth evening and gained a well deserved Man of the Match award after being simply unplayable. Curran also becomes the first England player to take a Five-wicket Haul in T20 cricket.
Embed from Getty ImagesThis win puts England level on points with fellow winners New Zealand who decimated Australia earlier on in the day. The Black caps ahead on net run rate by a fair a distance but England will look to change that as they face Ireland on Wednesday at the MCG in Melbourne.
