Rohit Sharma-led Indian cricket team defeated Rashid Khan's Afghanistan by 47 runs in match 43 of the ongoing edition of the T20 World Cup 2024 at the Kensington Oval in Barbados, on June 20 (Thursday). Suryakumar Yadav played a match-winning knock and helped the Men in Blue pick win in their first Super 8 fixture. Surya surpassed Virat Kohli for a stunning record during the match against the Afghan side.
Surya surpasses Virat
Suryakumar played a 53-run knock off just 28 balls and revived the Indian innings when the Men in Blue lost four wickets by the 11th over itself. After this, a partnership between Surya and Hardik Pandya helped India post a big total of 181/8 on the board. Surya was given the Player of the Match award for his innings.
This was his 15th POTM award in T20Is, he equaled Virat Kohli's record, who also has 15 POTM awards but the former Indian captain reached this milestone in 120 matches but Surya reached this epic feat with in 64 matches itself.
Surya addresses his inning after match
Surya talked about the amount of hard work it takes and the process for his style of play. He also demonstrated generosity and was ready to give away his POTM award to a bowler as they played a crucial role in team's win. Indian bowling line-up led by Jasprit Bumrah bowled out Afghanistan on 134 runs. Bumrah picked up three wickets in his four-over spell and only gave away 7 runs, while one of the over was also maiden.
“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,” said Suryakumar Yadav in the post-match presentation.
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