Afghanistan’s fairytale wilts in the reality of ODI professionalism | Tanya Aldred

Afghanistan and Rashid Khan have played most of their games against lesser lights and they were duly made to pay in the World Cup against the No 1-ranked side

There are many ways to feel alone on a cricket field. In the hell of a falling-apart dressing room, on the long walk out, or the long walk back. And then there is the personal torment of being Rashid Khan at Old Trafford on Tuesday.

Rashid, whose smiling face is currently stopping and starting as it travels around Manchester on the side of various buses, is one of the best one-day bowlers in the world, and last year he became the youngest ever No 1 in the ICC rankings. His on-the-spot googlies and selection of fast leg-spinning sugar-pop have made him popular, and rich. But here he met an irrepressible force. After the slowest power‑play England have endured all tournament, with 26 dot balls, Eoin Morgan marched out with an itch that needed a scratch.

Related: Eoin Morgan launches England to easy World Cup win over Afghanistan

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