James Vince missed out on a chance to cement a World Cup place as Afghanistan struck early in their World Cup match against tournament hosts and favourites England at Old Trafford on Tuesday.
Hampshire batsman Vince, only playing after regular opener Jason Roy was ruled out with a torn hamstring, fell for 26 when he mishooked paceman Dawlat Zadran to Mujeeb Ur Rahman at short fine leg.
It was the latest example in his chequered England career of Vince, who it three fours in his 31-ball innings, batting attractively without making a substantial score.
Afghanistan held England to 46 for one off the first 10 overs — their lowest powerplay total so far this World Cup.
Jonny Bairstow was unbeaten on 17 and Joe Root, fresh from an unbeaten hundred against the West Indies, one not out.
England, bidding to win the World Cup for the first time, saw captain Eoin Morgan, who is fit following a back spasm, opt to bat first after winning the toss on a sunny day.
Rank-outsiders Afghanistan, yet to win a match at this tournament, helped England with some woeful outfielding that saw needless runs conceded.
And when Vince miscued to midwicket, the slow-starting Mohammad Nabi got nowhere near a possible catch.
England captain Eoin Morgan said, “The wicket looks really good. It doesn’t look a great deal used, everyone at Old Trafford has done a magnificent job to get it ready.
“It played well the other day (when India beat Pakistan), plenty of carry for the seamers and a hint of turn for the spinners.”
Afghanistan skipper Gulbadin Naib said he also wanted to bat first and called this an “Asian condition wicket”.
“Slightly disappointed with the batting, guys are trying to do well and put a good total on the board.”
Afghanistan have made three changes. Hazratullah Zazai, Hamid Hassan and Aftab Alam have been dropped while Najibullah Zadran, Mujeeb Ur Rahman and Dawlat Zadran have been selected.
