Before England’s semi-final match against Pakistan, the UK media was predicting the English side to not only dominate the opponents but also ultimately finish the tournament as champions.
England convincingly dispatched Bangladesh in the opening game of the tournament, winning the match by 8 wickets. Against New Zealand, England didn’t face many problems and crushed New Zealand by 87 runs. After a few hiccups, while chasing the target against Australia, England won the game against Australia by 40 runs (D/L method).
Nobody gave Pakistan a chance but the men in green proved everyone wrong, including the British media, and dumped England out of the Champions Trophy, crushing their dreams to win the first-ever major ODI tournament.
After the unexpected, yet convincing, Pakistan victory, here’s how the major British newspapers reacted:
- The Guardian
“England suffer dismal exit after humbling by resurgent Pakistan,” writes Guardian.
2. The Daily Express
Daily Express makes sure to drive home the point that the English side was well and truly ‘crushed’.
3) The Daily Star
In a bright yellow font, the Daily Star simply writes: ‘Battered’.
4) The Daily Telegraph
The Daily Telegraph reports on England’s cricket “nightmare” with a picture of confused-looking Ben Stokes in the middle.
5) The Times
“England are thrashed and blame pitch,” writes The Times.
6) The Sun
The Sun goes big on football, but mentions cricket on the side, writing: “Morgan’s caught in ambush.”
