Team India began their Super 8 campaign in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 with a convincing victory over Afghanistan at Kensington Oval in Bridgetown, Barbados on Thursday.
Electing to bat first after winning the toss, India set a formidable target of 181/8 in their 20 overs. Despite losing opener Rohit Sharma early for just 8 runs, Virat Kohli and Rishabh Pant steadied the ship. Kohli’s 24 off 24 balls and Pant’s brisk 20 off 11 balls provided a platform for the middle order. The standout performer was Suryakumar Yadav, whose explosive 53 off 28 balls, including 5 fours and 3 sixes, took India to a competitive total. Contributions from Hardik Pandya, who scored a valuable 32 off 24 balls, and late cameos from Axar Patel and Shivam Dube, ensured that India reached a challenging total. Afghanistan’s bowlers had their moments, particularly Rashid Khan, who was exceptional with figures of 3/26, and Fazalhaq Farooqi, who also took three wickets.
Afghanistan’s Bowling Efforts
Afghanistan’s bowling attack put in a commendable effort against a strong Indian batting lineup. Rashid Khan was the pick of the bowlers, showcasing his skill and experience by taking 3 wickets for 26 runs. Fazalhaq Farooqi supported him well with figures of 3/33, putting the Indian batsmen under pressure at crucial junctures. Naveen ul Haq managed to grab a wicket, but he proved expensive, conceding 40 runs in his 4 overs. While Mohammad Nabi and Noor Ahmad went wicketless, they managed to keep the run rate in check during their spells. Despite their efforts, India’s batting depth allowed them to post a formidable total.
Afghanistan’s Struggle with the Bat
Chasing 182 for victory, Afghanistan faced a disciplined and fierce Indian bowling attack. Rahmanullah Gurbaz gave a glimmer of hope with a quick 11 off 8 balls, but wickets fell at regular intervals. Hazratullah Zazai, Ibrahim Zadran, and Gulbadin Naib couldn’t build substantial partnerships, and Afghanistan found themselves in trouble early. Azmatullah Omarzai’s 26 off 20 balls and Najibullah Zadran’s 19 off 17 balls were the only significant contributions in the middle order. The lower order, including the experienced Mohammad Nabi and Rashid Khan, failed to mount a resistance, and Afghanistan were bundled out for 134.
India’s Bowling Dominance
India’s bowlers delivered a clinical performance to secure a 47-run victory. Jasprit Bumrah was the star with the ball, taking 3 wickets for just 7 runs in his 4 overs, showcasing why he is considered one of the best bowlers in T20 cricket. Arshdeep Singh complemented him perfectly, also claiming 3 wickets for 36 runs. The spin duo of Kuldeep Yadav and Ravindra Jadeja played their part effectively, with Kuldeep taking 2 wickets and Jadeja adding another to his tally. Axar Patel’s economical spell of 1/15 in 3 overs further tightened the screws on Afghanistan’s batting lineup. The collective effort from the Indian bowlers ensured that Afghanistan never got close to the target.
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