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T20 World Cup: England beat Afghanistan in opening game

Sam Curran became the first England men's player to take a T20I five-for as his side began their T20 World Cup campaign with a five-wicket victory over Afghanistan in Perth.

The left-arm seamer (5-10) completed his five-wicket haul with the final scalp of the innings as Afghanistan were rolled for 112 in 19.4 overs after losing their final five wickets for three runs in 12 balls.

Curran, Ben Stokes (2-19) and express paceman Mark Wood (2-23) were crucial in stifling their opponents - Wood understood to have been the first bowler in T20 international history to bowl each of his 24 deliveries at over 140kmph.

England's fielding was also exceptional with a series of stunning grabs taken, including a diving effort from Liam Livingstone at deep point and a one-handed screamer from wicketkeeper Jos Buttler.

A patient run chase was not without its stutters and England were reduced to 97-5 in the 16th over after losing Buttler (18), Alex Hales (19), Ben Stokes (2), Dawid Malan (18) and and Harry Brook (7).

However, Livingstone (29no) and Moeen Ali (8no) joined forces to steer the side to their target with 11 balls to spare - the winning run coming via a wide - and to a fifth straight success in completed T20Is.

Source: Sky News