Virender Sehwag gives brutal reality check to Michael Vaughan over 'England in World Cup semis' statement
Virender Sehwag responded with a remarkable statement following Michael Vaughan's endorsement of England to make it to the World Cup semifinals.
Legendary Indian opener Virender Sehwag, who now goes by Wasim Jaffer on social media, made a subtle jab at former England captain Michael Vaughan following the team's shocking loss to Afghanistan in the 2023 World Cup on Sunday. At the Arun Jaitley Stadium, minnows Afghanistan defeated Jos Buttler and company with a historic victory in match number thirteen of the ICC World Cup. They did it by punching above their weight.
In his tweet, Vaughan expressed his thoughts about "England in the World Cup semis." Legendary Indian opener Sehwag responded to Vaughan's widely shared statement on the microblogging platform by reminding the Englishman of the current world champions' record in the 50-over World Cup.
Not in 2023, not in 1996, 1999, 2003, 2011, 2015, or 2011. Only one out of eight tries," Sehwag made fun of Vaughan on X. Netizens on the internet have also taken notice of Sehwag's amusing post. The former captain of India had before stated that it would be difficult for England to qualify for the ICC World Cup 2023 final four. "Looks like Eng and Aus are going to struggle to reach the top 4. #ENGvsAFG," Sehwag had tweeted. Former India opener Jaffer also made fun of Vaughan during England's 69-run loss to Afghanistan in the current ICC World Cup.
Afghanistan batted first in match No. 13 of the ICC tournament at the Arun Jaitley Stadium and scored a formidable 284 in 49.5 overs. For the Asian country, opener Rahmanullah Gurbaz struck an incredible 80 off 57 balls, and wicketkeeper-battler Ikram Alikhil hammered a hard-earned half-century (58 off 66 balls). As a response, Buttler's England lost against Afghanistan for the first time in the 50-over format, folding for 215 in 40.3 overs.
For the first time in World Cup history, spinners cost England eight wickets. Hashmatullah Shahidi and company ended their 14-game losing record in the World Cup thanks to the partnership of Afghanistan's Mujeeb Ur Rahman (3) and superstar Rashid Khan (3), who split six wickets. Player of the Match went to Rahman, who got rid of players like Harry Brook, Chris Woakes, and Joe Root.