England survive Afghanistan scare at World T20

England kept their semifinals hopes alive after defeating a spirited Afghanistan by 15 runs in their third group game of the World Twenty20 at the Feroz Shah Kotla Stadium in New Delhi on Wednesday.

Opting to bat first, England struggled against Afghan bowlers and were reeling at 85 for seven before Moeen Ali and David Willey steadied the ship by striking an unbeaten 57-run partnership for the eighth wicket. They eventually posted a target of 143.

In reply, Afghanistan dented their chances of claiming an upset win as they kept losing wickets at regular junctures. They could only make 127 for nine in their stipulated 20 overs, a result which confirmed their exit from the tournament.

Wicketkeeper-batsman Shafiqullah Shafiq smacked a quick-fire 35 not out to keep his team in contention but Afghanistan failed to keep up with the hovering run-rate.

For England, Willey and Adil Rashid bagged two wickets each while fast bowler Chris Jordan and all-rounder Ben Stokes claimed one wicket a piece.

Ali was adjudged as the Player of the Match for his unbeaten 41-run innings and for claiming one wicket.