NEW DELHI: Former champions England overcame a dramatic batting collapse to post a competitive 142-7 against Afghanistan in a World Twenty20 Group One match at the Feroz Shah Kotla Stadium on Wednesday.

The 2010 winners were in dire straits at 57-6 halfway through their innings before a half-century stand between Moeen Ali (41) and David Willey (20) salvaged the situation.

Earlier, Eoin Morgan was left to rue his decision to bat after three wickets fell in off-spinner Mohammad Nabi's first over, including that of the England captain for nought.

Jason Roy's dismissal in the third over meant England did not get a 50-plus opening stand for the 16th consecutive Twenty20 International but bigger shocks awaited them.

Nabi (2-17) took three wickets in one over and held a brilliant catch to completely unhinge England's vaunted batting order which had chased down a massive 230 to win a thriller against South Africa in their last game.

The 31-year-old caught James Vince (22) off his own bowling and castled Morgan for a golden duck.

Nabi did not get a hat-trick as his lbw appeal against Ben Stokes was turned down but the Afghan spinner ran out talismanic Englishman Joe Root after an almighty mix-up.

Two overs later, Nabi dived to his left to scoop up a stunning catch to send back Jos Buttler and England had lost their top order soon after they reached 50 in the eighth over.

Moeen and Willey came up with some lusty hits towards the end to plunder 57 runs in 5.3 overs and lift their side to a respectable score.