India cemented their status as potential champions with a convincing 47-run victory over Afghanistan in the T20 World Cup Super 8s on June 20. Played in Barbados, the match showcased both brilliance and grit from the Men in Blue.
Dominant India crush Afghanistan in T20 World Cup Super 8s
While India's top order faltered, Suryakumar Yadav rose to the occasion with a sensational knock of 53 runs off just 28 balls, propelling India to a formidable total of 181 runs on the board. Despite impressive bowling displays by Afghanistan's Rashid Khan and Fazalhaq Farooqi, who claimed three wickets each, a sloppy finish by the Afghan batting unit left them with a challenging chase. Afghanistan's hopes were dashed early as their top order crumbled under the pressure of India's pace attack. Jasprit Bumrah, living up to his reputation as a supreme fast bowler' dismantled their batting line-up, taking three wickets for a mere seven runs. With wickets falling at regular intervals and the required run rate climbing steadily, Afghanistan never truly recovered. Their chase ended on the final ball of the innings, falling short by 47 runs with a total of 134. Arshdeep Singh also played a crucial role for India, picking up three wickets for 36 runs. This win not only strengthens India's position in the tournament but sends a clear message to their competitors – they are a force to be reckoned with.
Suryakumar was adjudged Player of the Match for his superlative batting. However, he said that he won't mind handing the Player of the Match award to a bowler, who broke Afghanistan's back. While Bumrah chipped in with a brilliant spell of 3/7, Arshdeep Singh too dazzled with a sensational three-fer (3/36)
“I think there's a lot of hardwork, there are a lot of processes and routine involved in it. I am clear in my mind what I want to do. I don't mind giving this Player of the Match to a bowler. First time it's going to a batter (from India in this tournament), I don't mind. I think you just need to know your game plan, and just play accordingly. I still remember when Hardik came in to the bat, I told him let's bat with the same intent. Let's keep pressing the pedal and keep pushing, in the end very happy with a score of 180,” Suryakumar said at the post-match presentation.
Suryakumar stole the show for India with a mesmerizing display of batting power and finesse. He fearlessly targeted the boundaries all around the ground, mixing powerful strokes with delicate touches. A highlight of his innings was a fierce sweep for six off Rashid Khan, followed by two massive sixes down the ground off Azmatullah Omarzai and Fazalhaq Farooqi. Suryakumar celebrated each big hit with a signature pose, much to the delight of the crowd. His fifty came off a mere 27 balls, but his knock ended on the very next delivery as he miscued a Farooqi delivery to Mohammad Nabi at long-off.
Hardik Pandya provided valuable support with two big sixes in his 32-run knock off 24 balls. Axar Patel also chipped in with a handy 12 off just 6 deliveries, helping India reach a formidable total. Afghanistan got off to a good start by dismissing India's top three batsmen cheaply. Early wickets were the key for Afghanistan. Farooqi deceived skipper Rohit Sharma with a slower ball, leading to his dismissal for 8. Rashid Khan then trapped Rishabh Pant for 20 and later removed Virat Kohli for 24, with Kohli once again struggling for timing. Kohli's form remains a concern for India, having scored only 5 runs in three group stage matches. Despite this minor setback, India's victory showcased their potential as a dangerous T20 team. Their strategy – building a big total and unleashing their excellent bowling attack – proved effective once again. Jasprit Bumrah played a key role, dismissing both openers Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Hazratullah Zazai with clever deliveries. Axar Patel also contributed by taking a crucial wicket, leaving Afghanistan's batting line-up exposed. With their top order dismantled early, Afghanistan were unable to chase down the target, eventually falling short by a significant margin. India will now face Bangladesh in Antigua on June 22, while Afghanistan take on Australia in St Vincent on June 23.
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