Skip to content 
Search

Latest Stories

Rashid and Ali reflect on England’s World Cup glory

by RONNIE RUFF

ADIL RASHID and Moeen Ali have spoke of their joy of winning the World Cup with England – describing the experience as the “most euphoric sporting sensation you could possibly imagine”.


The British Asian heroes were reflecting on that unforgettable Super Over victory over New Zealand at Lord’s last Sunday (14), a result that saw England lift the World Cup for the first time.

Rashid and Ali were key men in the run to the final. Rashid took key wickets in the semi-final triumph against Australia while Ali, although missing out on the final XI, has been an integral part of England’s recent one day revival.

Writing in his column in The Guardian, Ali summed up the feelings of a nation watching the action unfold from the sidelines, including that dramatic last ball run-out of Martin Guptill that saw England crowned champions.

“The moment we won the World Cup is one I will never forget and would do anything just to experience again. It was the most euphoric sporting sensation you could possibly imagine,” he said.

“I was sat in the dugout, roughly at third man, as the throw came in from Jason Roy. In that split second I knew Jos Buttler would take the ball cleanly.

“I knew that Martin Guptill was short of his ground and from there, with the stumps demolished, I knew it would be total carnage.

“Without thinking I just sprinted on to the field and people were just running off in all directions. Well, everyone apart from Jofra Archer who was flat out on the floor.

“Adil Rashid came towards me for a hug with Jos but it was just a blur to be honest – impossible to remember fully or recreate.”

He added: “It was the greatest game I have ever seen or been a part of. The overthrows that flew off the bat of Ben Stokes as he dived for the crease probably go down as the best shot he hit all match – or certainly the one he middled the best.

“After that I thought we couldn’t lose the game. I was convinced that it was coming home.”

Commenting on the unity of the side, Ali added: “After the families came in and we spent

some time with them out on the outfield too. Adil’s mum was there for what was her first game of cricket, possibly at any level. Incredible, really.

“Winning this World Cup will hopefully give us so many new fans and they won’t just be from the traditional backgrounds but from all communities across the UK.”

In an interview with The Telegraph and Argus, Rashid said the result was still hard to process. The spinner had economical figures of 0-39 off eight overs in the final before being run out for nought without facing a ball in the run chase.

He said: “It’s an unbelievable feeling. It’s not sunk in yet – it’s a surreal feeling, winning the World Cup for the first time for England in cricket history.

“It’s a big achievement for myself, family, wife, kids. But also, it’s a big achievement

from the team point of view.

“It’s quite emotional in the sense that it was all down to this final game, all down to the final over. It’s been a good ride, it’s been an emotional time, but ultimately it’s been a great feeling. It’s a dream come true.

“When you’re a youngster you watch the World Cup and and wish ‘one day I hope I play there.’ That became reality – not just playing it, but winning it. It’s all about the World Cup, people are remembered for their World Cup wins.”

Looking back on Stokes’ crucial innings that forced the Super Over, and his sacrifice run-out to keep him on strike late on, Rashid added: “When I came out to bat, we knew we needed 15 off the last over, something like that, Stokes was batting.

“In the dressing room, we had that belief if he stayed until the end, we’ve got a great chance. I knew what I had to do. I had to sacrifice my wicket for him to be on strike, that’s why the run-out came. That was the main thing.

“It was a good thing that happened because that then gave us the chance to win the game. Stokesy played a great knock for us to get to that.”

More For You

Priyanka Chopra

Priyanka Chopra says she wants strong roles not just ornamental characters

Getty Images

Priyanka Chopra says she is just getting started in Hollywood with 'Heads of State' on Prime Video

Quick highlights:

  • Priyanka Chopra Jonas says she’s just getting started in Hollywood.
  • Stars as a fierce MI6 agent alongside Idris Elba and John Cena.
  • Gets into serious action mode with explosions, helicopters, and hand-to-hand combat.
  • Says her journey is still evolving, with much more to explore in the West.

Priyanka Chopra Jonas may have ruled Bollywood for over two decades, but the global star believes she’s still “nascent” in her Hollywood journey, and that’s what makes it exciting.

The Quantico and Citadel actor stars in the new Amazon Prime Video film Heads of State, playing a sharp MI6 agent named Noel Bisset. Her character has a complicated history with British Prime Minister Sam Clarke (played by Idris Elba) and is tasked with protecting him and the newly elected US President Will Derringer (John Cena) when they're attacked before a major NATO conference.

Keep ReadingShow less
Arijit Singh

Arijit Singh becomes most followed musician on Spotify

Getty Images

Arijit Singh overtakes Taylor Swift and Ed Sheeran to become most followed artist on Spotify

Quick highlights:

• Arijit Singh makes global music history with 151 million Spotify followers

• Surpasses Taylor Swift and Ed Sheeran in follower count

Keep ReadingShow less
Manchester Police probes over 1,000 child sexual abuse suspects

Photo for representation. (iStock)

Getty Images/iStockphoto

Manchester Police probes over 1,000 child sexual abuse suspects

GREATER MANCHESTER POLICE is now investigating more than 1,000 child sexual abuse suspects, following years of public criticism and institutional failings in tackling child sexual exploitation.

A new report by His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services (HMICFRS) has revealed the force has made “significant improvements” in dealing with group-based sexual abuse and related crimes.

Keep ReadingShow less
Diwali

This year’s Diwali event will still see Belgrave Road continue to host what is left of the festival. (Representational image)

Major changes announced for Leicester’s Diwali celebrations amid safety fears

LDRS

THIS year’s annual Diwali celebrations will be stripped back amid public safety fears. Leicester City Council has said there will be no fireworks or stage entertainment as part of major changes announced for the event.

Cossington Street Recreation Ground will also not be used for the festivities, the council has revealed. The green space previously was the location for the main stage and the Diwali Village with its food stalls, funfair rides, fashion and arts. The annual fire garden display was also based there, offering “a peaceful oasis amid the festive excitement”.

Keep ReadingShow less
Liam Gallagher

Liam Gallagher arrives for the special screening of Oasis documentary "Supersonic"

Getty Images

Liam Gallagher apologises for racial slur after backlash as Oasis reunion tour kicks off

Quick highlights:

  • Liam Gallagher issued an apology after using a racial slur in a now-deleted social media post.
  • The offensive post appeared just days before Oasis kicked off their reunion tour in Cardiff.
  • Fans criticised the singer on X, prompting him to clarify it was unintentional.
  • Oasis will perform over 40 shows globally, starting 5 July in Wales.

Liam Gallagher has apologised for using a racial slur in a post on X, as Oasis reunites for their first tour in 15 years. The singer shared a one-word reply on Monday that included a derogatory term aimed at East Asian people. Though he quickly deleted it, screenshots circulated online, sparking widespread criticism.

In a follow-up post on Tuesday, Gallagher wrote: “Sorry if I offended anyone with my tweet before it wasn’t intentional you know I love you all and I do not discriminate. Peace and love LG x.”

Keep ReadingShow less