Archer shines in England win

LONDON – Barbadian speedster Jofra Archer snatched three wickets as World Cup favourites England pummelled minnows Afghanistan by nine wickets in their final official warm-up match today.

The 24-year-old finished with three for 32 from 34 balls after being handed the new ball, a spell which helped undermine the Phil Simmons-coached Afghan side for a paltry 160 in the 39th over.

Mohammad Nabi, batting at number eight, top-scored with a counter-attacking 44 from 42 deliveries while opener Noor Ali Zadran chipped in with 30.

Part-time off-spinner Joe Root picked up three for 22 from six overs as Afghanistan slumped to 92 for eight in the at the 25th over and never recovered.

In reply, Jason Roy set the Oval alight with an entertaining 46-ball unbeaten 89 as England raced to their target off 17.3 overs.

Roy belted 11 fours and four sixes, putting on 77 for the first wicket with Jonny Bairstow who made 39 from 22 deliveries, before adding a further 84 for the second with Root, unbeaten on 29 at the end. (CMC)