World T20: Moeen Ali hits 41 not out as England survive scare to beat Afghanistan by 15 runs

Saviour: Moeen Ali hit 41 not out as England survived a scare in Delhi
Michael Weinstein23 March 2016

England were saved by their bowlers after a dismal display with the bat against World T20 minnows Afghanistan in Delhi today.

Defeat would have left England’s tournament hopes hanging by a thread and there was a real possibility of that after Eoin Morgan won the toss, elected to bat and saw his team slump to 57 for six.

A recovery of sorts saw England post a meagre total of 142 for seven and a classy last over from Stokes meant Afghanistan made 127 for nine — a 15 run win for Morgan’s men.

David Willey (two) and Moeen Ali (one) were among the wickets but it was the pair’s late onslaught with the bat that gave England a fighting chance after Joe Root (12), Morgan (0), Jos Buttler (6) and Ben (7) all failed. Moeen (41 not out) and Willey (20*) put together an unbroken eighth-wicket stand of 57 from 33 balls, to drag England to the total they just about defended.

A chaotic sixth over had proved England’s undoing, James Vince caught-and-bowled for 22, Morgan bowled first ball and Root run out for 12 after a mix-up with Stokes.

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