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IND vs AFG: In a commanding display at the T20 World Cup on Thursday, Suryakumar Yadav’s stellar half-century set the stage for India’s bowlers to decimate Afghanistan’s batting lineup, leading to a resounding 47-run victory in their Super Eights opener.
Suryakumar’s Fifty in IND vs AFG T20 World Cup 2024
Suryakumar’s innings of 53, marking his 19th fifty in T20 internationals, powered India to a formidable total of 181-8. His aggressive 28-ball knock included five fours and three sixes, highlighted by a crucial 60-run fifth-wicket stand with Hardik Pandya. Despite a shaky start, India’s batting depth allowed them to post a challenging target.
India’s captain, Rohit Sharma, praised the team’s adaptability and the batters’ efforts, “We adapted well and got 180, which was a great effort from the batters. Our bowlers showed their class by defending the target perfectly. Every player stepped up and did their job.”
Afghanistan’s chase faltered early under relentless pressure from India’s bowlers. They slipped to 23-3 as Jasprit Bumrah’s precision accounted for openers Rahmanullah Gurbaz (11) and Hazratullah Zazai (2), with Axar Patel dismissing Ibrahim Zadran (8). Bumrah’s exceptional spell yielded career-best figures of 3-7 from four overs, effectively dismantling Afghanistan’s top order.
Despite a brief recovery effort by Gulbadin Naib (17) and top-scorer Azmatullah Omarzai (26), who added 44 runs for the fourth wicket, Afghanistan couldn’t maintain momentum. Kuldeep Yadav and Ravindra Jadeja dismissed Naib and Omarzai respectively, leading to a swift collapse.
Arshdeep Singh supported Bumrah with figures of 3-36, sealing Afghanistan’s fate as they were bowled out for 134 on the final delivery of their innings. The defeat marked Afghanistan’s second consecutive loss, following a heavy defeat to the West Indies.
Looking ahead, both teams face crucial fixtures, with India set to play Australia and Afghanistan against Bangladesh. The top two teams from Group 1 will advance to the semi-finals, heightening the stakes for the remaining matches.
Suryakumar’s dominant performance earned him the Player of the Match award, though he humbly acknowledged the contributions of the bowlers, “I don’t mind giving this Player of the Match award to a bowler as well.”
Afghanistan’s bowling had its moments, with Rashid Khan and Fazalhaq Farooqi claiming three wickets each. Farooqi achieved a milestone, taking his 50th career T20 international wicket, as he dismissed Sharma early on. Rashid Khan’s spell (3-26) also troubled India’s lineup, removing key players like Virat Kohli (24) and Rishabh Pant (20).
Despite the bowlers’ efforts, Suryakumar and Pandya’s partnership proved decisive. Farooqi eventually dismissed Suryakumar in the 17th over, while Pandya’s late charge of 32 off 24 balls ended with his dismissal by Naveen-ul-Haq.
India’s bowlers then took center stage, delivering a clinical performance to secure a significant victory, reinforcing their credentials as tournament favorites.
