England vs Afghanistan ICC Men s T20 World Cup, Australia, 2022

A bit of an anticlimax but England will take it! Azmatullah Omarzai bangs in a bouncer, on middle and on off, Moeen Ali lets it through to the keeper. The umpire calls it a wide for height and that is the winning run. ENGLAND WIN BY 5 WICKETS!

SCORES LEVEL! This is short and on middle, Liam Livingstone skips down the track and pulls it towards deep square leg for a run.

Floated, full and on leg, Moeen Ali slogs it with the inner half towards deep square leg for a couple of runs.

Short and on off, angling in, Moeen Ali pushes it towards cover.

Darts this one full and on leg, Moeen Ali misses his flick and gets hit on the pads.

Short and on off, Moeen Ali cuts it wide of deep point for a brace. England now one hit away from victory.

Another seam-up delivery, on middle, skids through, Liam Livingstone looks to cut it but gets an inside edge towards square leg for a single.

Flatter delivery, touch fuller and on off, Liam Livingstone drives it uppishly towards cover but it falls short of the fielder and he lets it through too. Two runs taken!

Sharp bouncer! Fazalhaq Farooqi bangs in a bouncer, on leg, Moeen Ali ducks under it. England need 9 more runs to win now in 18 balls.

This is pitched up, on leg, Liam Livingstone tucks it towards deep mid-wicket for a single.

An off-cutter now, on a length and on off, turning away, Liam Livingstone taps it towards backward point.

Fazalhaq Farooqi lands this short and on middle, Moeen Ali pulls it through square leg for another run.

A slower one, on a length and on middle, Liam Livingstone works it with the inner half towards square leg for a run.

Short of a length and on middle, Moeen Ali pulls it towards deep square leg for a single.

Quicker, short and on off, Moeen Ali cuts it to deep point for a single. With that, 100 comes up for England and they need 14 runs to win now.

On middle, eased down to long on for one more by Liam Livingstone.

Flatter one, outside off, this is cut away behind point for just a single.

Full and on the pads, flicked away towards square leg.

Moeen Ali is the new man in.

OUT! TAKEN! Harry Brook tries to take on Rashid but holes out! Rashid Khan tosses it up, full and on leg, Harry Brook looks to heave it across the line but hits it with the toe end of his bat and it goes straight in the air and towards long on where Ibrahim Zadran takes a comfortable catch. England five down now!

Short and on middle, Harry Brook pulls it wide of long on for a brace.

Short and around off, this is guided down to third man for a run. Just 18 needed now off 30 balls.

A slight fumble and two runs are taken. This is short and over middle and leg, Harry Brook pulls it away towards the backward square leg fence for another brace.

Good length, around off, this is punched on the up and wide of the fielder at third man for a couple of runs.

Back of a length, over middle, Liam Livingstone manages to guide it away to the right of third man  for a single.

FOUR! Thrashed away! Short and wide, a real loosener from Fareed Ahmad. Livingstone hangs back and just slaps it behind point for a boundary.

MISFIELD AND FOUR! Around off, Liam Livingstone strokes it away towards extra cover but the fielder over there lets it through his hands and the ball speeds away to the fence.

Fareed Ahmad is back on. 9 runs and a wicket from his first over.

Flatter delivery, on leg, angling in, Harry Brook looks to flick it away but misses and the ball loops off his pads to the off side.

Harry Brook walks out to bat now.

OUT! TAKEN! My word, Mohammad Nabi has taken a blinder of a catch and Afghanistan pick up their fourth wicket. This is tossed up, around off, Dawid Malan sees and opportunity and goes for the booming drive. Malan connects it well but plays it uppishly. Nabi at short cover has almost no time to react but manages to go for it with both hands to his right and the ball just sticks. Malan goes after a slow knock and England have to re-build once again.

Quicker one, short and angling across. Dawid Malan plays it out off the back foot.

Short and around the pads, tucked away towards square leg for a run.

NOT OUT! Worth a shout but Liam Livingstone survives. This is on a fuller length from Mujeeb Ur Rahman and sliding into the pads. Livingstone leans on and looks to flick it away. Livingstone ends up playing all over it and gets pinged on the pads. There is an appeal for lbw but it is turned down. The decision is reviewed but Ball Tracking confirms that the ball is missing the stumps.

Review time! Afghanistan have taken a review for a LBW decision.

FOUR! A real giveaway by Mujeeb and that will release all the pressure. Shorter and around the hips, Liam Livingstone just guides it fine and the ball runs away into the fine leg fence.

Nabi floats this one full and onto the pads, Dawid Malan looks to flick it away but misses and gets hit on the pads.

Flatter again, around off and this is just knocked down to long on for a run.

Nabi feels there was a run-out chance there. Flatter and close to the off pole, Malan plays it late and towards the gully region for a quick single. The fielder over there fails to collect the ball cleanly and the batters cross with ease.

This is short and on off, Liam Livingstone pulls it in front of mid-wicket for a single.

A bit of flight this time around, Livingstone steps down the track and works it towards wide long on for a couple of runs.

Full and around off, at 100 clicks, Liam Livingstone drives it right back towards the bowler.

Around off, Liam Livingstone walks towards the ball and pushes it back past the bowler for just another single.

Around middle, Malan works it in front of square on the leg side and collects a single.

BEATEN! Fuller length, close to the off stump. Malan once again looks to play it off the back foot but the ball just slides across and goes past the outside edge.

Angling into the pads, Livingstone turns it through mid-wicket and rotates the strike.

Quicker one, on a nagging length and around middle and leg. Dawid Malan gets onto the back foot and flicks it away through mid-wicket for a run.

Around off, Liam Livingstone leans forward and drives it down to long on for a single.

Slows it down a touch and bowls it outside off. Malan leans on and just keeps it out on the off side.

Quicker one, full and swerving away from around off. Liam Livingstone drives it towards deep cover for just a single.

Liam Livingstone comes out to the middle now.

OUT! TIMBER! Straight through the gate! Ben Stokes looks to step down the track but Mohammad Nabi sees him coming. Nabi spears this one into middle stump at 104 clicks and Stokes just walks past the ball. The ball clips the pads and castles into the off pole. England lose their third wicket and Afghanistan are still handing on here. 48 needed now off 56 balls.

Nabi keeps it shorter and on the pads, this is worked away towards square leg for yet another single. England just milking the spinners at the moment.

Shorter and at the body, Ben Stokes hangs back and works it towards mid-wicket for one more.

Speared into the pads, Dawid Malan flcisk it in front of the square on the leg side for a single.

Drinks break! With just 51 runs needed off 60 deliveries, England are still in the driving seat. Afghanistan though have managed to keep the scoring rate down to almost run-a-ball and have picked up a couple of wickets as well. The English batting line up is long and their main target will be to get the win with maximum deliveries remaining. Afghanistan need 2 or 3 quick wickets to just creep back into the game and make things nervous for the opposition. Also, Mohammad Nabi to bowl after the break.

Tossed up, full and on middle, Ben Stokes blocks it down the pitch.

Rashid Khan continues with his shorter length, on middle this time, Dawid Malan works it through mid-wicket for a run.

Short and on off again, played towards extra cover.

Another googly, short and on off, turning away, Dawid Malan pushes it towards extra cover.

Flatter, full and on leg, Dawid Malan tickles it towards short fine leg.

Rashid Khan bowls the googly, short and on off, Dawid Malan moves back and punches it towards sweeper cover for a couple of runs.

Rashid Khan comes in from the opposite end now.

Length ball, angling down leg. Dawid Malan flicks it away to fine leg for a run.

FIVE WIDES! A mile high off the deck that one. Fareed Ahmad bangs this one halfway down the track and outside off. The ball goes way over the keeper's head and into the fence.

Back of a length, around the body, Stokes nudges it behind square on the leg side for a single.

Ben Stokes walks in at number 4.

OUT! TAKEN! Fareed Ahmad strikes and gets his first wicket! He bangs it in short delivery, on leg, Alex Hales goes for the pull shot but fails to transfer his weight on his back foot and also gets hurried with the extra bounce. As a result, he cannot get the right connection and hits it in the air towards deep square leg where Fazalhaq Farooqi settles under it and completes a nice catch. England lose their second wicket.

On a length and on middle, Dawid Malan helps it towards fine leg for a single.

Full again and on off, Dawid Malan drives it but straight to cover.

Fareed Ahmad starts with a fuller delivery, on middle and leg, Alex Hales flicks it towards deep mid-wicket for a single.

Just the one over then for Rashid Khan as he is replaced by Fareed Ahmad.

Darts this one down the leg, Dawid Malan misses his flick and the ball goes off his pads towards short fine leg.

DROPPED! This is shorter in lenght and on off, Alex Hales slaps it aerially towards the right of long off where the skipper Mohammad Nabi gets to it but spills it. Afghanistan need to improve their fielding. A single is taken as well.

Slower through the air, on middle, Dawid Malan eases it towards long on for a single.

Short again and on outside off, Alex Hales cuts it towards deep point for a another one.

A bit short and on middle, Dawid Malan pushes it off his back foot towards long off for a run.

Tossed up, full and on off, Dawid Malan chips it over extra cover wide of deep point for a brace.

Goes short now and on off, Dawid Malan this time cuts it easily from his back foot towards deep point for a run.

A googly now, full and on off, turning away, Dawid Malan tries to cut it away but misses.

Tossed up, full and on off, Dawid Malan stays there and knocks it back towards the left of the bowler.

Shorter in length and outside off, Dawid Malan moves back and cuts it towards deep point for a brace.

Flatter delivery and outside off, angling away, Dawid Malan looks for the reverse sweep but cannot connect.

Rashid Khan starts with a short delivery, outside off, Alex Hales slaps it down to long on for a single.

Spin from both ends as Rashid Khan is brought into the attack now.

Floated, full and on leg, Dawid Malan strokes it towards mid on. England are 40/1 at the end of the Powerplay.

Fires in a full delivery, outside off, Dawid Malan looks to cut it but misses.

Shortish and on middle, Alex Hales eases it towards long on for a single.

Quicker and short again, on off, spinning in, Dawid Malan cuts it towards point for a single and gets off the mark.

Shorter and on leg, Alex Hales pulls it off his back foot wide of deep sqaure leg where the fielder covers the ground and dives to his right to stop it. Three runs taken!

Flatter, short and on middle, angling in, Alex Hales moves back and pushes it back to the bowler.

Dawid Malan walks out to bat at number 3.

OUT! CAUGHT! Fazalhaq Farooqi does get the breakthrough for Afghanistan and he is all pumped up. This is very full and on leg stump, swinging into the toes. Jos Buttler falls over a bit as he looks to whip it away leg side. Buttler ends up just chipping it with the swing. The ball flies down towards deep mid-wicket where Mujeeb Ur Rahman takes a good catch running to his left. Buttler departs and Afghanistan now have an opening.

Shorter and over the stumps, Hales dabs it down towards mid-wicket for a single.

Back of a length and around off, Hales looks to back away and go over extra cover but is well beaten.

SIX! All the way! Rubbing salt into the wounds now Alex Hales. Pitched up on leg stump, Hales clears the front leg and dispatches it over the wide long on fence for a maximum.

DROPPED! In and out of the fielder's hands! Short of a length and well outside off, Alex Hales slaps it away towards backward point and the substitute fielder, Qais Ahmad over there is a bit late to react. The catch is fumbled and the bowler seems disappointed.

WIDE! Attempted bumper this time but it is down the leg side and a wide is signalled.

Yorker-length delivery, right at the toes and around 140 clicks. Alex Hales just about manages to dif it out.

On the shorter side and around middle, pulled away off the middle of the bat but straight towards mid-wicket.

On the pads, Jos Buttler works it away through square leg and races back for two. He gets there with ease and the bowler isn't impressed with the fielding.

Deliberately lofted by Jos Buttler. A fraction shorter and around off, Buttler lifts this one off the back foot and over wide mid off. The batters come back for the second with ease.

Around off, this is tapped away towards extra cover for a quick run.

Flatter again, around off, kept out by Hales.

Mujeeb starts off with a quicker and flatter one, around middle and leg. Buttler works it behind square on the leg side for one.

Half an appeal for lbw but it is turned down. Fuller in length, swinging into the pads. Alex Hales misses the flick and gets pinged on the pads. Might have been pitching outside leg.

Afghanistan going with spin now as Mujeeb Ur Rahman comes into the attack.

TWO WIDES! Another pacy delivery, full and down the leg side. Jos Buttler looks to flick but misses and the keeper can only make a half stop. The batters manage to scamper through for a run.

A loose shot this time from Buttler. Good length, outside off and angling away at 140 clicks. Buttler doesn't move his feet and tries to play at it but is beaten past the outside edge.

FOUR! Time and again Jos Buttler is finding the fence. Short and wide, Buttler reaches out and manages to get to it before just tapping it in front of square on the off side for a boundary.

Length again, on middle and leg and this time the ball nips into the right-hander. Jos Buttler tucks it away towards square leg.

A bit of yes and no but they do get the easy single in the end. Good length, over off, Hales plays it late and past the diving fielder at backward point for one.

This is full and wide, angling across as well. Alex Hales stays leg side of the ball and tries to reach for it but fails to do so.

Much better from Omarzai. Good length, around the off pole, Jos Buttler just pushes it out onto the off side.

Length ball, outside off, Alex Hales reaches out and plays it towards cover-point for a single.

WIDE! Omarzai hasn't been able to find his rhythm yet. This is full and wide again but is just a bit too wide of the off stump.

Excellent fielding from Hazratullah Zazai. Around the hips, Buttler flicks it away fine but Zazai at short fine leg dives to his right and makes the stop. Just the single then.

Hard length, over middle and off. Buttler tentatively keeps it down on the off side.

FOUR! Lovely timing on that one! Overpitched, around off, Jos Buttler leans on and drives it in between extra cover and mid off for a boundary.

Very full, on off and just shaping away a touch. Alex Hales pushes it out towards mid off and gets off the mark with a quick single.

WIDE! A wayward start from Azmatullah Omarzai. This is full and wide but beyond the tramline outside off and a wide is called.

Azmatullah Omarzai to bowl from the other end.

And again! Length ball, close to the off stump and seaming away. Jos Buttler makes an assured leave and 5 runs come off the first over.

Good length, angling across the right-hander and Buttler just leaves it alone.

BEATEN! Fazalhaq Farooqi serves this one on a nagging length and around middle. Jos Buttler tries to get behind the line but is completely squared up as the ball nips away a long way off the deck and beats the outside edge.

WIDE! A touch fuller but well outside the off stump. Buttler fails to reach it and a wide is called.

Top delivery! Good length, on off stump and the ball seams away beautifully off the deck. Jos Buttler leaves it alone.

FOUR! England and Jos Buttler are underway in fine fashion. A bit too full and a bit too straight as well. Buttler flicks it off the leg stump and gets it in front of the square on the leg side to collect a boundary.

Fazalhaq Farooqi starts off with a fullish delivery, this is served outside off and the ball swings in late. Jos Buttler lets it through to the keeper.

OUT! TAKEN! Take a bow, Sam Curran! This is full and outside off, Fazalhaq Farooqi makes a bit of room and looks to thrash it through covers. The ball is hit hard but comes off the outside edge and flies uppishly towards short third man. Dawid Malan over there takes a sharp catch low to his right and Curran picks up a five-wicket haul. Farooqi departs for a duck and Afghanistan get bundled out for 112!

Very full and close to the off stump, Fazalhaq Farooqi throws the kitchen sink at it but fails to connect.

Fazalhaq Farooqi is the last batter in for Afghanistan.

OUT! CAUGHT! Sam Curran picks up his fourth wicket after just missing out on a hat-trick. Back of a length and outside off, Usman Ghani goes after it and looks to go up and over the point fence. Ghani ends up slicing it and the ball travels flat towards the man at the backward point fence. Liam Livingstone over there takes a simple catch and England are just one wicket away from bundling out Afghanistan.

No hat-trick! Sam Curran bowls this full and close to the leg stump, Usman Ghani backs away looking to open up the off side but is well beaten.

Around the top of off, Fareed Ahmad swings at it but fails to connect.

DROPPED! For once, England drop a catch and it was a difficult chance as well. This is short and wide, Fareed Ahmad slaps it away to the right of backward point where Alex Hales dives to that side and tries to pouch it with one hand. The ball hits the palm hard and goes away towards third man. They come back for two.

Good length, angling across the left-hander. Fareed Ahmad has a swing at it but misses.

Fullish length, well outside off and this is left alone for the keeper to collect.

OUT! CAUGHT AND BOWLED! Another one bites the dust and Afghanistan are now eight down! Chris Woakes serves it back of a length, a bit slower and at the body. Mujeeb Ur Rahman tries to back away and play at it but ends up sticking out his bat. The ball goes off the toe end and to the right of the bowler who just sticks out a right hand and grabs it. Afghanistan completely losing the plot here. Also, Fareed Ahmad comes out to bat now.

Short of a length and over middle and leg, this is jabbed through mid-wicket for a run.

Mujeeb Ur Rahman walks out to the middle now.

OUT! TAKEN! Sam Curran is on a hat-trick! He gets two in two balls and sends the dangerous, Rashid Khan back to the hut. He bangs in a boucner on middle and leg, Rashid Khan gets hurried onto his pull shot and the ball takes the top edge files towards fine leg where the fielder makes Alex Hales did not have to move an inch. Afghanistan seven down now.

Rashid Khan walks out to bat now.

OUT! CAUGHT! Straight to the man! Another short ball from Sam Curran and he gets his second wicket. This is served at a good height and around leg stump. Azmatullah Omarzai looks to flat-bat the pull shot but isn't able to generate enough power on it. The ball goes straight down the throat of Ben Stokes who is well inside the deep mid-wicket fence and he makes no mistake. England just keep on picking up timely wickets.

Shorter and around leg stump, Usman Ghani pulls it away towards deep square leg for a single.

Curran drags back the length and bowls it slower on leg stump. Ghani looks to back away and swing at it but is beaten.

Good length, at the stumps, this is played down to long on for a single.

This is very full and around leg stump. Usman Ghani is very deep in his crease as he looks to jam it out on the leg side. Ghani misses and gets struck on the back leg. There is a huge shout for LBW from Sam Curran but it is turned down. Curran convinces the skipper and Jos Buttler has reviewed the decision. There is no spike on UltraEdge. Ball Tracking confirms that the ball is pitching outside leg and the batters get a leg bye as well.

Sam Curran (2-0-8-1) comes back into the attack.

Leg bye! Here comes the wrong 'un. This is a bit fuller and turning into the pads. Usman Ghani misses the block and the ball goes off the pads onto the off side. A leg bye is taken.

FOUR! Runs away! Adil Rashid drags it down outside off, Usman Ghani fetches it and just about manages to pull it over the man at short fine leg. The ball runs away into the fence.

Short again, this is pulled down to long on for just another single.

This is shorter and over middle stump, Usman Ghani pulls it off the back foot towards wide long on for one more.

Fuller and around off, eased away towards cover for a run.

Leg bye! Usman Ghani tries to skip down the track but Adil Rashid spears this one in at the toes. The ball goes off the pads and towards short fine leg as the batters get a leg bye.

Adil Rashid (3-0-25-0) to bowl out now.

Ghani tries to back away but Wood follows him with a back-of-a-length delivery at 148 clicks. Ghani manages to play it towards third man for a single. End of a fiery spell from Wood as he ends with figures of, 4-0-21-2!

A tad shorter and over middle, Omarzai keeps it down on the leg side and collects a single.

FOUR! A brilliant way to get off the mark! Full and straight, Azmatullah Omarzai just presents the full face of the bat and punches it back past the bowler. Adil Rashid from mid on gives chase but the ball trickles away into the fence.

Azmatullah Omarzai is the next man in for Afghanistan.

OUT! TAKEN! Jos Buttler with a sensational take and the catching has been simply top class from England in this game. This is served shorter and at 146 clicks, just angling down leg. Mohammad Nabi gets a bit cramped for room and doesn't quite manage to get out of the way. The ball kisses Nabi's gloves and flies. Buttler springs full stretch to his left and grabs it his with left hand. Wood gets his second wicket and Nabi departs early as well.

Wood bowls this one at 153 clicks now and angles it into the body. Mohammad Nabi stays back and manages to nudges it towards mid-wicket. The batters do well to race back for the second.

Pacy delivery, at 152 clicks and on a hard length around off. Mohammad Nabi looks to have a swipe across the line but misses.

Ben Stokes with another short delivery, on middle, Usman Ghani pulls it wide of fine leg for a brace.

FOUR! Up and over! Banged in short and over middle stump, Usman Ghani gets in a good position and takes it on. Ghani pulls it over the fielder at at deep square leg who is a fair bit inside the ropes and finds the fence.

Another slower delivery, full and around middle, Usman Ghani manages to block it out.

Back of a length and on the body, Nabi hops and dabs it down towards backward square leg for a run.

BEATEN! Lovely line and length from Stokes. This is in the channel around off and just straightens off the deck. Nabi looks to defend but the ball whizzes past the outside edge.

The skipper, Mohammad Nabi walks out to bat now.

OUT! TAKEN! Another brilliant catch and this time it is Adil Rashid! Change of pace again does the trick for England. Ben Stokes bowls this full and on the leg stump line, slower too, Najibullah Zadran looks to slog it away but gets through his shot early and the ball goes high in the air behind the mid on region. Adil Rashid keeps his eyes on the ball and takes a spelndid catch running backwards and diving at the end. Afghanistan lose their fourth wicket.

Ben Stokes (3-0-12-1) is back on to finish his spell.

Fiery from Wood! He bangs in a bouncer at 146 KPH, on middle, Usman Ghani does well to duck underneath it.

Back of a length and on middle, Najibullah Zadran dabs it to the leg side and gets across for a quick single.

Length again and on off, Najibullah Zadran knocks it to the off side.

Wood bowls this on a hard length and on off, Usman Ghani gets hurried but manages to steer it through point for a single.

Overthrows! This is on a length and on off, Usman Ghani pushes it towards deep point for a single. However, Liam Livingstone throws it wildly at the keeper's end and Jos Buttler misses it. The batters get an extra run. Good running again!

Wood serves this full and on middle, Usman Ghani works it towards mid on and calls for the run, but Zadran refuses.

Mark Wood (2-0-11-1) is brought back into the attack.

Short again and on off, Najibullah Zadran moves on his back foot and punches it wide of long off for a couple of runs. 13 runs from the over!

Shortish and outside off, Najibullah Zadran cuts is hard towards deep point and comes back for the second run. Good running!

SIX! Zadran showing intent here! Rashid bowls the googly, full and on off, Najibullah Zadran picks this one and smokes it over the long off fence for a biggie.

Floated, short and on middle and leg, Usman Ghani chips it past the bowler for one more.

Tossed up, on middle, turning in, Najibullah Zadran tucks it towards short fine leg for a run.

Quicker, shorter and on off, Usman Ghani punches it off his back foot towards cover-point for a single.

Curran bowls this back of a length and around off, Najibullah Zadran guides it towards point.

On a length and on middle, Najibullah Zadran dabs it to the off side and sets off for the run, but is sent back and rightly so.

WIDE! Sam Curran bangs in a bouncer but down the leg side, Najibullah Zadran misses his hook shot. Wided.

Banged in short and over off stump, it is sharp but Najibullah Zadran ducks under it well.

Back of a length and around off, Usman Ghani stays on the back foot and taps it towards the fielder at point for a quick single.

Full and angling into middle stump, Najibullah Zadran stays back and works it towards square leg for a single.

Najibullah Zadran is the new man in.

OUT! TAKEN! Sam Curran strikes and sends the set batter back to the hut. He bowls the slower ball really well here, a bit fuller and on off, angling away, Ibrahim Zadran goes for the drive, but is through his shot way too early. As a result, the ball is chipped high in the air towards the cover region where Moeen Ali takes a good catch running backwards and makes it look really simple. Afghanistan three down now.

Sam Curran (1-0-5-0) is back on.

Flighted, short and on off, turning away, Ibrahim Zadran pushes it towards cover-point for a single.

Tossed up, full and on off, Usman Ghani drags it towards long on for one.

Shorter in length and on middle, Usman Ghani moves back and pulls it towards wide of deep mid-wicket for a brace.

Flatter and around middle, Ibrahim Zadran works it towards long on for another one.

Floated, short and on middle, Usman Ghani thinks about going for the pull but ends up playing it towards long on for a run.

Short and outside off, Ibrahim Zadran cuts it towards sweeper cover for a single.

Drinks break! England will be happy with the situation at the halfway stage but they know that Afghanistan do have some power hitters down the order. They will be looking to break this partnership and test the middle order of Afghanistan who are playing their first ever T20I in these conditions. Afghanistan will look to take the game deep and then accelerate at the end. An exciting session awaits us.

Pitches it up now, around off and this is hit on the up but straight towards mid off. At the halfway mark, Afghanistan are 55/2!

Back of a length and around off, Ibrahim Zadran hops and dabs it down towards short third man for a single.

Full and outside off, Ibrahim Zadran plays it with an angled bat and behind square on the off side for a brace.

FOUR! Glorious! A half-volley, around off, Ibrahim Zadran crouches down and just drives it past the man at extra cover for a boundary. With that, the 50 is up for Afghanistan!

WIDE! Banged in short and over the stumps, a bit too short though for the umpire's liking.

Nicely bowled! Slower delivery, on a fullish length and well outside off. Ibrahim Zadran looks for the booming drive but the ball nips away and beats the bat.

Length ball, on off stump, Ibrahim Zadran defends it back onto the deck.

Ben Stokes (2-0-4-1) is back on.

A tad shorter and on middle and leg, this is worked off the back foot towards mid-wicket for one.

Slightly tossed up outside off and turning away, Ibrahim Zadran watchfully plays it out on the off side.

Flatter delivery, it is short and wide outside off. Ibrahim Zadran slaps it away in front of the square on the off side and picks up a couple of runs.

Fuller this time and around off, Ibrahim Zadran strokes it towards cover.

This is shorter and over off stump, Usman Ghani pulls it off the back foot towards deep mid-wicket for a run.

Adil Rashid starts off on a nagging length and around off. This one slides on and Ibrahim Zadran just drives through the line, in front of mid-wicket for a single.

We will see spin for the first time as Adil Rashid is ready to bowl his leggies.

A touch fuller and outside off, Usman Ghani drives it straight to the man at cover-point.

FOUR! Easy pickings! Good length, down the leg side and Usman Ghani just works it fine off his hips and finds the fence.

Short ball, over leg stump and Usman Ghani ducks under it well.

On the shorter side and around off, Zadran manages to play it towards the right of the man at third man and collects a single.

On a good length, close to the off pole, Zadran looks to play it from close to his body but gets beaten past the outside edge.

Curran starts off with a length ball, slanting it across the off stump. Ibrahim Zadran stays back and just looks to run it down to third man but can't find the gap.

Sam Curran has been introduced into the attack now.

Short of a length and around the body, Ibrahim Zadran gets inside the line of the ball and manages to guide it down to fine leg for a single.

Around the top of off, Ibrahim Zadran defends this one of the front foot.

Length ball, around middle, Usman Ghani just drops it onto the off side and scampers through for a single.

Usman Ghani comes out to the middle now.

OUT! TAKEN! Liam Livingstone with an unreal catch and Afghanistan lose their second wicket. Ben Stokes bangs this one halfway down the track and bowls it wider of the off pole. Hazratullah Zazai slaps it away aerially as he looks to clear the point fence but the square boundaries at this ground are very big. The connection isn't good enough. Livingstone from deep cover-point runs in and then dives full stretch to his right to grab it with both hands. Zazai departs after a sedate knock.

Banged in short and angling across the left-hander. Hazratullah Zazai looks to swing across the line but misses.

Missed opportunity! Slower and fuller, around leg stump, Hazratullah Zazai looks to flick and misses. The ball rolls off the pads towards cover. Ibrahim Zadran is already halfway through before he is sent back but Moeen Ali fails to conjure a direct hit.

Ben Stokes replaces Mark Wood. He conceded just two runs in his first over.

Good length, outside off, Zadran has a dab at it but gets beaten. At the end of the Powerplay, Afghanistan are 35/1!

WIDE! Back of a length and well outside off, swinging away further. Left alone for a wide.

Good running! Full and straight, this is flicked away through mid-wicket for a couple of runs.

EDGED AND FOUR! The slip's been taken out and now the edge is found. Good length, in that channel around off. Ibrahim Zadran looks to block but gets an outside edge that flies past the diving wicket-keeper and into the third-man fence.

Leg bye! The off-cutter this time from Woakes, on a fuller length and on leg stump. Hazratullah Zazai looks to nudge it leg side but misses. The ball goes off the pads and towards backward point as the batters get a leg bye.

Swing and a miss! Shorter this time and around leg stump, Zazai backs away looking to swing across the line but is beaten by the extra bounce.

Top of the off line and swinging in late. Hazratullah Zazai hangs deep and just defends it out onto the deck.

Another length ball around off at 150 kmph, Ibrahim Zadran tries to poke at it but cannot connect again.

BEATEN! Mark Wood is bowling with serious pace here! This is on a good length and on off, Ibrahim Zadran looks to block it but gets beaten on the outside edge.

Swing and a miss! This is on a hard length and on middle, Ibrahim Zadran looks to heave it over mid-wicket but misses.

SIX! BANG! Zadran uses the pace to great effect! Wood lands this short and on the leg stump line, Ibrahim Zadran stays there and hooks it over the fine leg fence for a biggie.

Mark Wood bowls this on a good length, on off, at 150 clicks, Ibrahim Zadran gets late into his defensive shot and gets beaten.

Wood bowls a yorker, on middle, Hazratullah Zazai digs it out towards mid on for a single.

This is pitched up, on off, Hazratullah Zazai drives it towards mid off for a single.

FOUR! Zazai finally gets into the act! Chris Woakes tries another slower one but bowls this short and wide on off, Hazratullah Zazai stays there and punches it over extra cover for a boundary.

A bit fuller and on off, Hazratullah Zazai pushes it towards cover.

Length again and on off, Hazratullah Zazai guides it towards point.

On a length and on middle, Hazratullah Zazai looks to work it to the leg side but closes the face of his bat early and gets a leading edge back to the bowler.

Chris Woakes bowls a slower delivery, on a length and on off, Hazratullah Zazai goes through his flick early and misses it completely.

Mark Wood bowls this a touch fuller, on leg, Ibrahim Zadran works it with the inner half towards mid-wicket.

This is on a hard length and outside off, Ibrahim Zadran leaves it alone.

FOUR! Ibrahim Zadran gets off the mark in style! Mark Wood tries for the yorker but bowls a low full toss, on off, Ibrahim Zadran drives it along the ground and the ball just flies the cover-point fielder for a boundary.

This is banged in shorter and over leg stump, Zadran looks to pull but is beaten for pace once again.

Wood is spitting fire out there as he bowls this delivery at 154 KPH, astonishing! This is similar to the previous delivery, fuller and angling in from around off stump. Ibrahim Zadran tries to block but doesn't have a clue as to when the ball zipped past his outside edge.

Ibrahim Zadran walks in at number 3.

OUT! CAUGHT BEHIND! Mark Wood draws first blood! He provides the breakthrough straightaway on his very first ball. Wood bowls this on a fullish length and on the fourth stump line, Rahmanullah Gurbaz looks to block it out but gets a thin outside edge towards the keeper where Jos Buttler makes no mistake. There is an appeal for the catch and up goes the finger. Rahmanullah Gurbaz goes back for a cheap score and Afghanistan lose their first wicket.

Early change in the bowling as Mark Wood is brought into the attack.

A slower one now, on a length and on middle, Hazratullah Zazai keeps it out to the leg side.

This is pitched up and on off, Hazratullah Zazai pushes it to the off side.

Full and on off, Rahmanullah Gurbaz drives it towards cover for a single.

SIX! Amazing shot! That is the first boundary of the match! Chris Woakes serves this a touch fuller and around off, Rahmanullah Gurbaz moves across and laps it over the fine leg fence for a biggie.

This is on a good length and on off, Rahmanullah Gurbaz looks to play at it but gets an thick outside edge towards the left of third man where the fielder dives to that side to stop it. Two runs taken!

Chris Woakes starts with a back-of-a-length delivery, on off, Rahmanullah Gurbaz taps it down and calls for the run but his partner refuses.

Chris Woakes to share the new ball with Ben Stokes.

Back of a length and on leg, Rahmanullah Gurbaz tucks it towards short fine leg for a run. Only two runs from the first over then.

Swing and a miss! This is full again and around off, Rahmanullah Gurbaz charges down the pitch and swings wildly but cannot conenct.

Stokes serves this a touch fuller and outside off, Rahmanullah Gurbaz goes for the big booming drive but misses and Jos Buttler takes it around his chest area.

Length again, on middle, straightens after hitting the deck, Rahmanullah Gurbaz knocks it to the leg side.

Afghanistan and Hazratullah Zazai are underway! This is on a length and around leg, Zazai flicks it towards short fine leg for a single.

Good start from Stokes! He begins with a full delivery, on middle, swinging in, Hazratullah Zazai tentatively blocks it down the pitch.

Done with the pre-match formalities and it is now time to play. The umpires are out in the middle as the English players can be seen taking their places on the field. The Afghan opening pair of Hazratullah Zazai and Rahmanullah Gurbaz also make their way out to the middle. Ben Stokes has the new ball in hand and will get proceedings underway here. Let's play...

We are just a few minutes away from the start of play but before that, the two sets of players will line up for their respective national anthems. It will be Afghanistan's national anthem first followed by the national anthem of England.

Mohammad Nabi, the captain of Afghanistan says that the plan was to bat first and put runs on the board and then put pressure on England with the ball.  Adds that the preparation has been good and they are getting used to the conditions. Mentions that he is excited as a captain and hopes that the team will do well.

Jos Buttler, the skipper of England says that they will have a bowl first and would like to chase. Adds that it has been a long build-up and they are as ready as they could be. Says that he is really excited about captaining his national team in a World Cup and mentions that they have many match-winners in their side. Informs that they have left out David Willey, Chris Jordan, Tymal Mills and Philip Salt for this game.

Afghanistan (Playing XI) - Hazratullah Zazai, Rahmanullah Gurbaz (WK), Ibrahim Zadran, Usman Ghani, Najibullah Zadran, Mohammad Nabi (C), Azmatullah Omarzai, Rashid Khan, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Fareed Ahmad, Fazalhaq Farooqi.

England (Playing XI) - Jos Buttler (C) (WK), Alex Hales, Dawid Malan, Ben Stokes, Harry Brook, Moeen Ali, Liam Livingstone, Sam Curran, Chris Woakes, Adil Rashid, Mark Wood.

TOSS - The coin goes up in the air and lands in favour of Jos Buttler. England have elected to BOWL first.

UPDATE - New Zealand have managed to beat hosts Australia in the opening game of the Super 12s as they bundle out the Aussies for 111 and win the game by 89 runs. The Kiwis get a huge net run rate boost and the reigning champions have it all to do from here on. Stay tuned as we are not far away from the toss between England and Afghanistan.