After losing their first 2 Super 12 matchups, Team India opened their account in the 2021 T20 World Cup by defeating Afghanistan by 66 runs on Wednesday at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi. With the victory, the Men in Blue lifted one spot in the standings table, from 5th to 4th. However, the Afghans will approach their last encounter in a difficult scenario. Here is India vs Afghanistan Match Highlights.
India vs Afghanistan Match Highlights
Despite winning the toss, the Afghans chose to field first for the first time, a choice they made for the very first time. The initiative did not pay off, as India scored 210 for the loss of 2 wickets. Rohit Sharma went back in the batting order, then he and KL Rahul put up 140 runs for the first wicket in 14.4 overs. Rohit appeared dangerous as he smashed a 47-ball 74 that included 8 fours and 3 sixes.
Rahul, on the other hand, played till the 17th over. After struggling against Pakistan and New Zealand, the right-hander regained his form, scoring 69 off 48 balls with 6 fours and 2 sixes. In the batting order, Kohli demoted himself and elevated Rishabh Pant and Hardik Pandya. Despite Pant’s unbroken 13-ball 27, Pandya remained not out on 35 off 13, giving the Indian innings a lift.
Match 33. It’s all over! India won by 66 runs https://t.co/cxK4v0hpEq #INDvAFG #T20WorldCup
— BCCI (@BCCI) November 3, 2021
The Afghans got off to a sluggish start in their run chase, with Mohammed Shami taking Mohammad Shahzad’s wicket in the 3rd over. Hazratullah Zazai smashed a 4 and a 6 before flying off Jasprit Bumrah. Rahmanullah Gurbaz hit a 10-ball 19 before Ravindra Jadeja interrupted his quick however exciting innings. Gulbadin Naib was elevated to the top of the order, but he was trapped after scoring 18.
After attempting a reverse sweep from Ravi Ashwin, who also removed Naib, Najibullah Zadran’s stumps went for a walk. To some point, Mohammad Nabi and Karim Janat attempted to reduce the impact. They put on 57 runs, Shami managed to get rid of Nabi, who hit 35 off 32. Janat played his strokes and finished with a score of 42 off 22. Afghanistan finished their innings with a score reaching 144 -7.
Twitter Reactions:
So great to see Team India’s performance on the field today, @ashwinravi99 you were brilliant tonight, @ImRo45 & @klrahul11 amazing partnership. Keep up the good work, more power to you! 🇮🇳🙌#INDvAFG #T20WorldCup
— Suresh Raina🇮🇳 (@ImRaina) November 3, 2021
This is how it is done. India played like India. 👏👏 #T20WorldCup #IndvAfg
— Aakash Chopra (@cricketaakash) November 3, 2021
#TeamIndia this is the brand of cricket you are known for! #INDvAFG #T20WorldCup
— Pragyan Ojha (@pragyanojha) November 3, 2021
Ashwin bowling well is always a great sign for Indian cricket in every format. Never easy to bowl so well after making a comeback after four years in white ball cricket. #Afgvsindia #INDvsAFG #INDvsAFG
— R P Singh रुद्र प्रताप सिंह (@rpsingh) November 3, 2021
Rohit Sharma = class #IndvAfg
— Ravi Bopara (@ravibopara) November 3, 2021
Perfect Diwali Gift from #TeamIndia Fantastic all round performance!#T20WorldCup #INDvsAFG
— S.Badrinath (@s_badrinath) November 3, 2021
An emphatic performance from start to end! 💪🔥
Well played, #TeamIndia 🙌
— Mumbai Indians (@mipaltan) November 3, 2021
New Zealand’s 2 remaining matches are against Afghanistan and Namibia. If they win both matches, they will qualify for the semi-finals with #Pakistan #T20WorldCup
— Saj Sadiq (@SajSadiqCricket) November 3, 2021
Superb win. Now two more Games. Keep adding to the NRR and let’s see what happens on Sunday when NZ play Afghanistan. #INDvsAFG at least cricket fans can enjoy their Diwali. Here is my take. pic.twitter.com/8j8C7pPU4a
— Boria Majumdar (@BoriaMajumdar) November 3, 2021
Also read: Twitterati: IND Defeats AFG By 66 Runs To Keep Their WC Hopes Alive
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