iNDICA NEWS BUREAU-
India maintained their unbeaten run in the 2024 Men’s T20 World Cup with a clinical 47-run win over Afghanistan in their first Super Eight match at the Kensington Oval on Thursday. Top-ranked batter Suryakumar Yadav’s impressive 53 off 28 balls and Jasprit Bumrah’s stunning bowling figures of 3-7 were the highlights of the match.
On a damp and slow pitch, Suryakumar’s aggressive batting, including five fours and three sixes at a strike rate of 189, proved crucial. His 19th T20I half-century, along with a 60-run stand with Hardik Pandya (32) and a late cameo from Axar Patel (12), helped India post a strong 181/8 in 20 overs. Afghanistan’s captain Rashid Khan and left-arm pacer Fazalhaq Farooqi took three wickets each.
In reply, Bumrah’s searing spell included 20 dot balls, while Arshdeep Singh claimed 3-36 as India bowled out Afghanistan for 134.
India’s innings saw early setbacks with captain Rohit Sharma (8) and Virat Kohli (24) dismissed cheaply. Rishabh Pant’s quick 20 off 12 balls provided some momentum before he fell to Rashid Khan. Suryakumar’s variety of shots, particularly his effective sweeps, kept the scoreboard ticking. Pandya’s powerful hitting, including a 98-metre six, complemented Suryakumar’s innings.
Afghanistan’s chase started promisingly with Rahmanullah Gurbaz’s aggressive start, but Bumrah quickly dismissed him. Despite some resistance from Azmatullah Omarzai and Gulbadin Naib, who shared a 44-run stand, India’s bowlers maintained control. Kuldeep Yadav, playing his first T20 World Cup match, took two wickets, while Ravindra Jadeja and Axar Patel also contributed with one wicket each.
The result was largely decided after the drinks break, as India’s bowlers, led by Bumrah and Arshdeep, systematically dismantled Afghanistan’s batting lineup.
Brief scores:
India 181/8 in 20 overs (Suryakumar Yadav 53, Hardik Pandya 32; Rashid Khan 3-26, Fazalhaq Farooqi 3-33) beat Afghanistan 134 all out in 20 overs (Azmatullah Omarzai 26; Jasprit Bumrah 3-7, Arshdeep Singh 3-36) by 47 runs.
