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English bowlers were on top of their game as England beat Afghanistan to begin its T20 World Cup campaign with a winning start in Perth.
Sam Curran put on a fantastic bowling effort, supported by an incredible catching performance, to take 5-10 — England’s first five-wicket haul in men’s T20s.
After Mark Wood and Ben Stokes each took two wickets as Afghanistan was bowled out for 112 in 19.4 overs, Curran captured four wickets in six balls in the end.
However, England’s fielding was also noteworthy, with wicketkeeper Jos Buttler’s diving one-handed grab and Adil Rashid’s excellent high catch serving as the highlights.
As notable, though, was England’s fielding – a fine high catch from Adil Rashid and a leaping one-handed grab by wicketkeeper Jos Buttler the highlights.
England’s batting order misfired in the chase, slipping to 97-5 against Afghanistan’s spin-heavy attack, but the target was never likely to be defendable.
Liam Livingstone ended 29 not out as England, semi-finalists in the 2021 World Cup and among the favorites again, won with 11 balls remaining.
Earlier in the day, New Zealand stunned hosts and defending champions Australia in the same group.
Their next game is against Ireland on Wednesday, followed by Australia at the Melbourne Cricket Ground two days later.
