India secured a dominant 47-run victory over Afghanistan in their Super 8 opener at the T20 World Cup 2024, held in Bridgetown, Barbados. The match featured standout performances from Suryakumar Yadav, who scored a rapid half-century, and Jasprit Bumrah, whose exceptional bowling decimated Afghanistan’s batting lineup.
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IND vs. AFG Match Recap
After winning the toss, India chose to bat first and amassed a formidable score of 181/8 in the 20 overs given to them. The innings was highlighted by a blistering 28-ball 53 from Suryakumar Yadav, who played a crucial role in setting a competitive score on a tricky pitch at the Kensington Oval. In response, Afghanistan scored only 134 runs, falling 47 runs short. Jasprit Bumrah was the chief destroyer with an extraordinary spell of 4/7.
India’s Batting Performance
Skipper Rohit Sharma’s decision to bat first did not initially seem promising, as he was dismissed for 8 runs off 13 balls by Fazalhaq Farooqi in the third over. Virat Kohli and Rishabh Pant attempted to stabilize the innings. Pant contributed a quick 20 off 11 balls before falling to Rashid Khan, who also claimed the wickets of Kohli (24) and Shivam Dube in quick succession, putting India under pressure at 100/4.
Suryakumar Yadav then took control, using sweeps effectively against the Afghan spinners and hitting crucial boundaries. His partnership with Hardik Pandya (32 off 24 balls) was vital in pushing India’s total to a competitive level. Contributions from Ravindra Jadeja and Axar Patel in the lower order helped India reach 181.
Rohit Sharma stated, “He feels they must employ Bumrah wisely. We have travelled to the West Indies for the past two years to play some Twenty20 matches. We did a little planning beforehand. We did a good job of adjusting to the circumstances. We were aware that our bowling lineup would stand up for this. Everyone arrived and did their duties. That is a topic we frequently discuss.
In the end, Surya and Hardik’s collaboration worked out well. We are aware of Bumrah’s capabilities. We must make intelligent use of him. He is also prepared to shoulder the accountability. He is always willing to assume leadership roles wherever he plays. I got to evaluate the circumstances. Given the resistance, we are prepared to implement any necessary revisions. We decided that three spinners would be a good number. Moving ahead, I’m willing to play three seamers if necessary.”
Rashid Khan and Fazalhaq Farooqi were the standout bowlers for Afghanistan, each taking three wickets. Rashid’s figures of 3/31 and Farooqi’s 3/34 were crucial in restricting India’s scoring in the middle overs. Noor Ahmad and Naveen-ul-Haq also bowled economically but could not provide the breakthroughs needed to contain the Indian batting completely.
Afghanistan’s Batting Performance
Afghanistan’s chase got off to a shaky start, with Jasprit Bumrah removing the dangerous Rahmanullah Gurbaz in the second over. Bumrah’s slower ball proved lethal, leading to the dismissal of Hazratullah Zazai and leaving Afghanistan reeling at 35/3 by the end of the powerplay.
A brief partnership between Gulbadin Naib (26) and Azmatullah Omarzai (22) raised Afghanistan’s hopes, but their dismissals in successive overs by Axar Patel and Kuldeep Yadav effectively ended the chase. The required run rate kept climbing, and Afghanistan’s batters struggled against the disciplined Indian bowling attack. Arshdeep Singh cleaned up the tail with three wickets, sealing a comprehensive win for India.
India 2024 World Cup Live Score: IND vs. AFG: ‘We thought we could chase 170-180,’ comments Rashid
T20 World Cup 2024: India vs. Afghanistan Live Score IND vs. AFG:
We believed we could pursue that surface (170-180). You simply go there and play. We must assume that we must chase such tallies when playing against stronger opponents. The body is in good condition. I had difficulty during the IPL. I am now regularly hitting the spots. Everywhere we have played, we have had fun. Sometimes, we forget our own abilities. We will try to use them if the necessary circumstances are met.
Key Bowling Performances
Jasprit Bumrah’s spell was the highlight of the match. His figures of 4/7 were instrumental in dismantling the Afghan batting lineup. He consistently bowled slower deliveries and broad lines to stymie the Afghan batters’s scoring opportunities. Arshdeep Singh complemented Bumrah well, finishing with 3/26, including two wickets in consecutive deliveries. Kuldeep Yadav and Axar Patel also bowled effectively, taking two and one wicket, respectively, and maintaining pressure throughout the Afghan innings.
Strategic Moves
Despite early wickets, India’s strategy of playing aggressively from the outset was evident. The change in approach, emphasizing quick scoring and maintaining a high run rate, paid off. Suryakumar Yadav’s fearless batting at No. 4 demonstrated India’s intent to avoid the conservative tactics that had previously cost them in big matches.
Looking Ahead
With this victory, India maintained its unbeaten record against Afghanistan in the T20 World Cups. The win boosts their confidence as they prepare to face Bangladesh in their next Super 8 match in Antigua on June 22. Despite their spirited performance, Afghanistan will need to regroup quickly as they face another formidable opponent, Australia, on the same day in St Vincent.
Match Highlights
– Suryakumar Yadav was granted the Player of the Match for his 53 off 28 balls.
– India’s total of 181/8 was propelled by aggressive middle-order batting.
– Afghanistan’s chase faltered early, with Bumrah’s early strikes setting the tone.
– Arshdeep Singh’s late wickets wrapped up the Afghan innings for 134.
Pitch and Weather Conditions
The pitch at Kensington Oval was slow and offered significant assistance to bowlers willing to vary their pace. Spinners and bowlers utilizing slower balls found considerable success. The weather remained favourable throughout the match, with a low probability of precipitation.
India’s convincing victory confirms their status as serious contenders for the T20 World Cup 2024 championship by highlighting their readiness and versatility in various situations.
Author: Tania Mukherjee
Tania Mukherjee is an author. Immersing herself in the world of Entertainment and expressing her thoughts along with her feelings through the power of the written word. With a deep passion for writing, she finds solace and fulfillment in conveying her ideas to others.
