The India vs Afghanistan national cricket team in a nail biting affair during the Super 8 stage of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024. The game, which was being played in Barbados, is a particularly key fixture as both sides look to secure qualification for the semi finals of this tournament.
Match Overview
India won the toss and elected to bat first. However, they had a wobbly beginning as openers Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli both found it tough on willows vis à vis the slow pitch. Rohit scored only 8 runs from as many balls and Kholi was dismissed for an impressive knock of 24 off 24 balls. It was a poor beginning which left India on the back foot in the early part of their innings.
Despite the interruptions, Suryakumar Yadav shone through scoring an important 53 off only 28 balls. His aggressive style of coming down heavily on Afghanistan’s premier spinner, Rashid Khan did provide a toll and took the game away from Afghanistan. Rashid, though tried his best to restrict India innings and claimed three vital wickets such as Rishabh Pant & Shivam Dube.
After India set a target of 181-8 against Afghanistan, the latter got off to a solid start as Hazratullah Zazai’s quick fire half century drove them closer.
Afghanistan’s Chase
Afghanistan was off to a shaky start during the chase with Jasprit Bumrah mutilating them. Bumrah bowled a breathtaking spell, including the wickets of Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Hazratullah Zazai as he picked three for 7. This was enough for him to dismantle Afghanistan’s top order in a canny performance.
Though Gulbadin Naib and Azmatullah Omarzai did show some resistance, putting up a 44 run stand they never looked on top of the chase. The tourists were eventually bowled out for 134, which gave India a comfortable win by 47 runs.
You can find the episode’s show notes below, listen to your favourite moments above and read takeaways from it with links.
Suryakumar YadavPlaying a blinder: Surya scored 53 off just 28 balls for India The way he stood and controlled the bowler like Rashid Khan who else has troubled Indian batters gave India their second makeshift opener.
Bumrah The Enchanter: Bumrah finished with outstanding figures of 3/7, which included a maiden over an apt display of T20 bowling at its best. Though his early breakthroughs paved the way for India to create an impression of a tight fort.
Rashid Khan Continuance Wonderful Bowling: There was not much trouble for India with their strong total, but 2018’s Player of The Year Khalil did take three wickets to fall as his opposite number at Afghanistan maintained remarkable figures.
Afghanistan’s Batting Collapse: Afghanistan’s inability to build partnerships cost them dearly. Bumrah’s early strikes and the pressure of the asking rate led to a batting collapse.
India’s Wickets Across the Board: Most of the Indian frontline bowlers chipped in with a wicket or two, thus not letting Afghanistan get close to the target.
Conclusion
India vs Afghanistan by 23 runs and ensured their Super Eight spot, at the same time proving they have more than enough in both batting as well bowling firepower. Suryakumar Yadav was the chief architect behind this victory with his power hitting while Jasprit Bumrah produced a sublime bowling performance. For Afghanistan, however, it’s back to the drawing board as they look to find their feet again and work out how best not only score runs but bat comfortably on a stage such as this with everything at stake.
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