In a thrilling debut in the Super-8 stage, Team India secured a convincing win against Afghanistan by 47 runs. Opting to bat first after winning the toss, India posted a formidable total of 181 for 8 in their allotted 20 overs against Afghanistan in ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024. The star of the show was Suryakumar Yadav, whose blistering half-century laid the foundation for India’s imposing score.

Early setbacks and key contributions

India faced early setbacks with captain Rohit Sharma departing for just 8 runs. Virat Kohli attempted to stabilize the innings with a knock of 24 but fell victim to Afghanistan’s ace spinner Rashid Khan. Rashid’s impressive spell saw him dismissing key players Kohli, Rishabh Pant, and Shivam Dubey, putting India in a precarious position at 90 for 4 in the 11th over.

However, a crucial partnership between Suryakumar Yadav and Hardik Pandya rescued India from the slump. The duo added 60 runs for the fifth wicket, with Suryakumar smashing 53 off 28 balls, featuring 3 sixes and 5 fours. This aggressive innings, coupled with Hardik’s support, propelled India to a competitive total.

Chasing a daunting target of 182, Afghanistan’s batsmen found it tough to counter India’s disciplined bowling attack. The Afghan side managed to score 134 all out in their 20 overs, falling short by 47 runs. Jasprit Bumrah and Arshdeep Singh were the pick of the bowlers for India, claiming three wickets each. They were well supported by Kuldeep Yadav, who took two wickets, while Akshar Patel and Ravindra Jadeja chipped in with one wicket apiece.

Ravindra Jadeja’s fielding excellence and achievement

Ravindra Jadeja’s exceptional fielding was a highlight of the match. Jadeja not only contributed with the ball, taking 1 wicket for 20 runs in his 3 overs, but also displayed outstanding fielding skills, taking three spectacular catches. His all-round performance on the field earned him the ‘Fielder of the Match’ award.

In a heartwarming post-match ceremony, Team India’s head coach Rahul Dravid presented Ravindra Jadeja with a medal for his exceptional fielding. The BCCI shared a video capturing the moment, where Jadeja, in a light-hearted gesture, picked up Dravid in celebration. This gesture highlighted the camaraderie and positive spirit within the team.

See Also: ICC T20 World Cup 2024, Afghanistan vs India Video Highlights: Turning Points, Stats and more

India’s comprehensive performance against Afghanistan in their Super-8 opener has set a positive tone for their campaign in the T20 World Cup 2024. The team’s ability to recover from early setbacks, combined with stellar performances from key players like Suryakumar Yadav and Ravindra Jadeja, has bolstered their confidence as they move forward in the tournament.

Team India’s clinical display and their continued tradition of celebrating individual achievements within the dressing room underscore the collective effort and unity driving their success on the international stage.