How Afghanistan Stung England

In the three Afghan wars fought between 1839 and 1919, the British imperial power failed to hold Kabul even when they defeated ruling dynasties in battle. On one occasion, an exit from Kabul turned into a bloodbath, an unmitigated rout. At 117-5 at Delhi on Sunday evening, England were struggling to avoid a dreadful humiliation. The horror was reflected on the faces of English fans, and there were quite a few at the Arun Jaitley stadium, as the match progressed remorselessly to what appeared a preordained end. Afghan grit, guile and self-belief prevailed over the reigning champs.

England’s weaknesses against leg spin might have weighed on them after Afghanistan posted 284. There was a certain wariness with which they began a task that should not have been too daunting on a regular Kotla pitch where a little patience and proper cricketing shots would be rewarding. But sports, and cricket is no exception, is about mental resilience as much as it is about skill sets. The Afghan huddle before the English innings was all about fighting it out – the team had nothing to lose.

But the fighting spirit was complimented by some shrewd tactics. Everyone knew the talismanic Rashid Khan is a key element in the Afghan bowling and some commentators felt he would be in early. This was not to be. Afghanistan looked to its young medium quick Fazalhaq Farooqui to make a mark and he did just that accounting for the experienced Jonny Bairstow while Mujeeb Rehman’s brisk, business-like off breaks sent back Joe Root. All in the space of the first seven overs.  The two Afghan youngsters had delivered.

England never quite got back on its feet after that barring Harry Brook’s 66. In fact, while he was at the crease, the inexperienced Brook showed that the Kotla’s devils were mainly in the mind. He played through the line and moved his feet decisively. He fell when he misread Mujeeb’s quicker one and moved too far back. Yet, Brook’s essay could have offered a lesson or two to his senior batting colleagues who have played in India frequently for various IPL franchises. If Brook’s maintains his confident form, IPL scouts would have their eye on him soon enough.

Rashid came on after 16 overs and England had been softened by then. Jos Buttler departed in the 17^th over and then Rashid struck, removing the dangerous Liam Livingstone. The English side kept anticipating Rashid’s arrival at the bowling crease – a bit like waiting for the other shoe to drop – but in the meanwhile succumbed to the pace of Fazal and Naveen-ul-Haq and the spin of Mujeeb and Mohammad Nabi. They looked like a side spooked before the first ball was bowled.

The strategy to bring on Rashid later worked very well as he had plenty of overs to account for the rest of the English side and complete the demolition job which he did. A chance dropped when England were nine down had him in the agonies. He knew more than others in the Afghan side just how close they were to making history. But he kept his cool and soon got rid of Mark Wood ending with 3-37 in his 10^th over. Afghanistan could not have planned it better.

In the end, England had only itself to blame for allowing Afghanistan set a 285 target in the first place. England had got back in the game after Afghanistan got to 113 without loss and an in-form Rahmanullah Gurbaz failed to convert his 80 to a higher score, falling to a run out (He was the third to go at 122). But Ikram, Mujeeb and Rashid made a match of it. Before the English innings, Shane Watson noted that Rashid was a “fierce competitor” and Afghanistan could not be underestimated. In the end, England wilted as they could not match Afghanistan’s desire to win.

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