Bridgetown, June 20 (UNI) Suryakumar Yadav’s blistering knock of 53 off 28 balls propelled India to a competitive total of 181/8 against Afghanistan in a Super-8 T20 World Cup match on Thursday.
Despite facing early challenges and impressive Afghan bowling, Suryakumar’s innings, along with Hardik Pandya’s crucial support, set the stage for an intriguing chase.
India’s innings began cautiously as the openers struggled to find their rhythm on a sluggish pitch. Rohit Sharma’s early dismissal for 8, caught by Rashid Khan off Fazalhaq Farooqi in the 3rd over, set a shaky tone.
Rishabh Pant provided a spark with four boundaries in quick succession, but his cameo ended at 20 when Rashid Khan trapped him LBW in the 7th over.
Virat Kohli aimed to stabilise the innings but was dismissed for 24, once again falling to Rashid Khan. Suryakumar then took center stage, playing a scintillating knock of 53 off 28 balls, including five fours and three sixes.
Suryakumar’s aggressive approach, particularly against Rashid Khan and Farooqi, helped India regain momentum. Hardik supported with a quickfire 32 off 24 balls, adding crucial runs in the death overs.
Rashid Khan was the standout bowler for Afghanistan, taking 3/26 and consistently troubling the Indian batsmen. Farooqi also impressed, claiming 3/33, including the key wicket of Suryakumar in the 17th over. Naveen-ul-Haq contributed by dismissing Hardik, ensuring a tight finish.
In the last few overs, Ravindra Jadeja and Axar Patel aimed to boost India’s total. Jadeja managed a boundary before falling to Farooqi, while Axar added two more boundaries before being run out on the last ball of the innings. India finished with a respectable 181/8.
India’s total of 181/8 sets up an intriguing chase for Afghanistan, who will need a solid batting performance to overcome a disciplined Indian bowling attack. The match promises an exciting second half as both teams vie for crucial points in the T20 World Cup.
Brief scores
India: 181/8 in 20 overs; Suryakumar Yadav 53 (28), Hardik Pandya 32 (24), Rishabh Pant 20 (11); Rashid Khan 3/26, Fazalhaq Farooqi 4/37, Naveen-ul-Haq 1/42
