On a low-bouncing pitch, they were staring down the barrel at 57 for six after 9.2 overs. Moeen Ali was only on one off four balls then, but it seemed that he knew that a total in excess of 130 would be difficult for Afghanistan. He played the percentage game and batted deep into the innings, reaching 22 off 25 balls when the 19th over started. A six and two fours followed in the next two overs and he finished unbeaten on a 33-ball 41, taking England to an eventually sufficient 142 for seven.