ICC World Cup 2019 | Eoin Morgan’s innings one of the best I’ve ever seen, quips Gulbadin Naib

In what turned out to be a completely one-sided battle, England dominated their Asian opponents enroute to earning a 150-run victory. The foundation for the winning was set in the first innings itself when some explosive batting saw England put up a total of 397/6. More than 230 runs came off the last 20 overs itself.

“How they played after 30 overs was special. Credit to Morgan for how he batted. One of the best innings I've ever seen. This wicket was totally different to the ones we've been playing on,” Naib said after the match acknowledging their performance.

Afghanistan had started out well and the game was evenly balanced for the majority of the first innings thanks to a good effort by opening bowler Mujeeb Ur Rahman. However, England turned the match on its head as they hit spinner Rashid Khan for 110 runs in nine overs. However, Afghanistan are not letting the loss bog down their moral.

“Mujeeb did really well, did his job. Unfortunately, Rashid was expensive and didn't deliver. Did a lot of good things in the field, but we dropped the catch of Morgan. And he capitalized. We worked hard in every department. We're improving day by day. Have a lot of work to do in every department. Big target but the message to the boys was to play their normal game. Playing fifty overs is a good thing for our batters,” Naib added.

However, it was Eoin Morgan who made all the highlights as he struck a record making 17 sixes, going on to score 148 off just 71 balls.

“I think Clive Lloyd can still hit the ball longer than me, especially with my bad back,” the skipper joked, before adding that everything just seemed to go perfectly on the day, be it the conditions or performances by his teammates.

“There are many guys in the dressing room and who can produce an innings like that - but to match up to the youngsters is amazing. I didn't think I could produce an innings like that, honestly. I have changed in terms of my game - everyone plays the shots I started my career with - the scoops and the sweeps, etc. However, right now, I'm stronger down the ground than I have ever been, and life seems to have come full circle that way, because cricket has evolved in a way that there are fields that the oppositions set for those funky shots now,” Morgan added about his scintillating performance.

England have only lost one of their five games so far and currently sit on top of the table, very well placed to qualify for the semi-finals. Widely considered as the favourites, Morgan assured that he would not let the success get to their heads while also praising Afghanistan’s potential.

“Afghanistan is a side with a lot of potential - a completely different challenge with their spin attack. The next two-three games are pretty crucial. Want to bring that level of intensity in every game we play. Don't want to slack off. You will make mistakes. We spilled a couple of catches today which can happen. The guys competing at this level is amazing,” the England captain signed off.