After their opening defeat by Australia, England convinced themselves they were unlucky; that Lahore’s lurching conditions were to blame and the signs were still good. Instead, that bubble of positivity burst when their Champions Trophy hopes – and in all likelihood Jos Buttler’s captaincy – were terminated by Afghanistan.
Though an undulating, nerve-shredding eight‑run defeat that was settled only in the final over, this was no freak result, rather a form-bereft side that was simply out-willed and outskilled on the day. Afghanistan, the team many believe should be kicked off cricket’s top table, were deserved winners.
