T20 World Cup 2024, IND vs AFG: Suryakumar Yadav's 53, Jasprit Bumrah's 3-7 help India beat Afghanistan. Top takeaways for India and Afghanistan from the match.
Brief Scores: IND - 181/8 (Suryakumar Yadav 53, Hardik Pandya 32, Rashid Khan 3/26) beat AFG - 134/10 (Azmatullah Omarzai 26, Najibullah Zadran 19, Jasprit Bumrah 3/7) by 47 runs.
Player of the Match: Suryakumar Yadav (53 off 28 balls)
Suryakumar Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah and Arshdeep Singh starred as India registered a comprehensive 47-run win over Afghanistan in the first game of Group 1 in Super Eights of T20 World Cup 2024.
India won the toss and opted to bat first. Suryakumar Yadav shone with a quick-fire fifty, helping India post a total of 181 for 8 in 20 overs. Rashid Khan and Fazalhaq Farooqi played a huge role in demolishing India's top and middle-order but the Suryakumar-Hardik Pandya partnership of 60 runs ensured India a good total on the board. While Suryakumar was the top-scorer for India with 53 off 28, Pandya contributed with 32 off 24. Rashid and Farooqi were the pick of the bowlers for Afghanistan with three wickets each to their names.
In the second innings, India bowlers displayed an outstanding bowling performance. Jasprit Bumrah was the pick of the bowlers as he registered figures of 3/7 in his 4 overs. He struck twice inside the powerplay to send Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Hazratullah Zazai back cheaply. Arshdeep Singh and Kuldeep Yadav claimed three and two wickets, respectively. Afghanistan batting line-up looked completely out of touch against the formidable India bowling unit.
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Key Takeaways from IND vs AFG, Match 43, Group 1 - Winning team (IND)
Hardik Pandya contributes; Rohit Sharma needs to step up
India's vice-captain Hardik Pandya, who has faced challenges with the bat in recent times, delivered a good supporting knock to India’s top-scorer Suryakumar. He contributed valuable 32-runs off 24 balls. His emergence as a reliable middle-order batter has been a positive development for the team.
From explosive finishes to anchoring innings, Pandya has shown significant growth in his batting approach over the years, evolving into a versatile asset. His sublime form with the bat and return among the runs is a big positive.
On the other hand, captain Rohit Sharma’s prolific run-scoring ability has often been the cornerstone of India's victories. This highlights the vital role he plays in setting up strong platforms for the team's success. His role at the top as an opener is crucial in setting the momentum for the team. However, the analysis of Rohit's current form emphasises the need for the 'Hitman' to rediscover his consistency at the top of the order.
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Suryakumar Yadav’s proves his mettle
Suryakumar Yadav's innings of 53 runs in 28 balls on a challenging slow surface showcased his prowess as a versatile and adept batter. In the midst of a game where conditions favoured the bowlers, his strategic approach and adaptability stood out, allowing him to navigate the difficult pitch with finesse. His innings added valuable runs to the team's total, providing a crucial foundation for a competitive score.
Suryakumar taking on Rashid and other spinners was a treat to watch. His approach against quality spin bowling reflects his tactical acumen and adaptability on the field. He was not afraid to take on the challenge posed by spinners and used his attacking mindset to put pressure back on the bowlers.
Key Takeaways from IND vs AFG, Match 43, Group 1 - Losing team (AFG)
Good bowling changes kept Afghanistan in hunt
Rashid Khan's bowling prowess shone brightly as he weaved his magic with the ball. Despite Azmatullah Omerzai's usual role with the new ball, strategic considerations may have led to a different approach in this match. Rashid's captaincy move to bring himself on early in the innings proved vital as he ran through India’s top order with his sharp leg-spin.
Rashid (3/26) and Fazalhaq Farooqi (3/33) took 3 wickets apiece for Afghanistan, including the big scalps of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma. India batters found Farooqi’s cutters and slower deliveries difficult to read. They struggled against his crafty bowling, with several key players finding it hard to decode his variations.
Statistical Highlights from IND vs AFG, Match 43, Super Eights Group 1
Rashid Khan, with the wicket of Rishabh Pant, effected his first dismissal in T20Is against India.
Fazalhaq Farooqi took his 50th T20I wicket with Rohit Sharma's dismissal.
Suryakumar Yadav with his 53-run knock registered his 19th T20I half-century.
Jasprit Bumrah is India's third highest T20I wicket-taker now.
Points Table Scenario & What’s Next
With their first victory in the Super Eights, India take an early lead in Group 1. They next face Bangladesh at Sir Vivian Richards stadium on June 22.
Next up, Australia will face off against Bangladesh in Match 44 at Sir Vivian Richards stadium in North Sound, Saint George, Antigua and Barbuda on Friday, June 21.