England Attain Unwanted World Cup Record After Loss To Afghanistan
Mujeeb celebrates Root's wicket [X.com]
On Sunday, Afghanistan created history and managed to pull off the biggest upset in World Cup history, beating defending champions England by 69 runs in Delhi in the ongoing ICC Cricket World Cup 2023.
With this loss, England have now attained an unwanted record for themselves, becoming the only team to lose against all 11 Test-playing nations in the history of the ODI World Cup since its inception in 1975.
Chasing 285 at Arun Jaitley Stadium, Jos Buttler and Co. were left bamboozled against Afghanistan spinners and folded for 215.
England's first loss came in the 1975 WC against Australia, then in the second edition in 1979, lost the final against West Indies.
In the 1983 and 1987 World Cups, England lost matches to India and Pakistan, respectively, with New Zealand registering their maiden WC win in the 1992 edition over Three Lions.
In 1992 edition, Zimbabwe also handed England a surprise loss. WC winners Sri Lanka and South Africa notched up wins in the 1996 edition, respectively.
Firstly, Bangladesh stunned England in 2011, and then in the same edition Ireland registered a historic win over them.
Now in 2023, Afghanistan recorded their maiden ODI WC win over a Test-playing nation while inflicting a 69-run defeat on England last evening.
The Buttler-led side are placed fifth in the points table, while Afghanistan occupy the sixth spot.
England next play in-form South Africa on October 21, and Afghanistan square off against New Zealand on October 18.
 "Vishal Mehra")
