India (181/8) crushed Afghanistan (134/10) by 47 runs in the Super 8 round of the T20 World Cup 2024, earning three crucial points at the Kensington Oval on Thursday. India chose to bat first, a decision that paid off as they scored 181 runs, with a standout innings from Suryakumar Yadav (53/28). While chasing, Azmatullah Omarzai (26/20) tried his best for Afghanistan but could only guide his side to 134 runs.
Rohit Sharma won the toss and elected to bat on a good pitch. However, India suffered an early setback when he was dismissed by Fazalhaq Farooqi (3/33). Nonetheless, a 60-run partnership between Suryakumar Yadav and Hardik Pandya for the fifth wicket helped India finish strongly.
Afghanistan struggled in their chase, losing their top three batters during the powerplay. Bumrah (3/7) led India’s bowling attack, making early breakthroughs. Azmatullah Omarzai scored 26 runs off 20 balls and tried to fight back, but kept losing partners. Rashid Khan’s side managed only 134 runs in 20 overs, falling short by 47 runs. 
India continued their excellent run in the T20 World Cup, taking the first step towards the semifinals. Despite the early dismissal of their opener, other batters stepped up, making a statement. On the other hand, Afghanistan suffered back-to-back losses, faltering against an impressive Indian bowling attack. The batters struggled as the pitch slowed down. They now need to regroup and focus on the remaining games to perform as a collective unit.
Here are the five moments that defined the game:
Pant’s Attack Against Nabi in Sixth Over
India had a slow start, losing Rohit Sharma in the third over. Rishabh Pant stepped up, hitting three consecutive fours off Mohammed Nabi, collecting 13 runs in that over, and finishing the powerplay strongly.
Surya’s Classy Innings
Suryakumar Yadav’s knock of 53 runs off 28 balls showcased his quality. He played incredible shots, leading India to a respectable score despite wickets falling around him. He confidently took on the Afghan spinners with classy cricketing shots.
Surya and Pandya’s Crucial Partnership
After Shivan Dube and Virat Kohli got out, Pandya’s entry released the pressure from Suryakumar Yadav. They built a 60-run partnership, leading India to a strong score.
Bumrah’s Magical Spell
After a good start from Gurbaz (11/6) in the first over, Jasprit Bumrah (3/7) was called in to make a breakthrough. He dismissed the dangerous opener on his first ball, giving India an early advantage. Bumrah struck again in his second over, dismissing Hazratullah Zazai on the first ball, sending both openers back to the pavilion.
Spin Trouble
Indian spinners dominated the Afghan batters in the middle overs, shifting the match in India’s favor. Axar Patel (1/15) started the proceedings in the powerplay. Kuldeep Yadav (2/32) and Ravindra Jadeja (1/20) kept the pressure with their variations and cutters, not allowing the batters to settle.
India continued their unbeaten streak in the competition, aiming to maintain momentum. The batters stepped up at the right moment, taking India’s first step towards a semifinal spot. India will now face Bangladesh on June 22 at Sir Vivian Richards Stadium. Parimatch odds favor India at 1.15x.
Meanwhile, Afghanistan will aim to bounce back after two consecutive losses. They need to regroup and take responsibility as a team. Afghanistan will face Australia on June 23 at Arnos Vale Stadium, with Parimatch odds at 3.50x on Afghanistan.
