IND vs AFG: "We won the game, that's more important" - Rohit Sharma after India's win

Team India registered a comfortable win over Afghanistan in the first T20I at the Punjab Cricket Association IS Bindra Stadium in Mohali on January 11. India won the toss and opted to bowl first. Batting first, Afghanistan managed to post 50 runs in 8 overs before losing their first wicket.

However, Nabi smashed a 27-ball 43 and helped them put up 158 runs in 20 overs. On the other hand, India lost their captain Rohit Sharma on a duk that too by a run-out. While others contributed well, it was Shivam Dube who stole the show with a quickfire 60. Jitesh Sharma and Rinku Singh then finished the game as well.

Who said what after the match?

Shivam Dube, who won the Player of the Match award, said: “It was really cold. I enjoyed playing on this ground, There was some pressure, I had one thing on my mind – I had to play my game. First 2-3 balls, I feel some pressure, after that I focus on the ball, I know I can hit big sixes. Bowling, I got the opportunity and I executed.”

Rohit Sharma said: “It was extremely cold. Now I am okay. When the ball hits the tip of the finger, it was sore. In the end, it was good. Lot of positives, we got a lot from this game, especially with the ball. Wasn’t the easiest of conditions. Our spinners bowled really well and the seamers also did the job as well. These things happen (on the run-out). When it happens you feel frustrated, you want to be out there and score runs for the team. Everything will not go your way. We won the game, that’s more important. I wanted Gill to carry on, unfortunately got out after playing a very good little innings. Lot of positives. Shivam Dube, the way Jitesh batted, Tilak as well and then Rinku is in good form as well.”

SEE ALSO: Salman Butt shares what separates Virat Kohli from other players

“We want to keep trying different things – try and bowl our bowlers in different situations of the game, like you saw today, Washi bowled the 19th over. We want to challenge ourselves in the areas we are slightly uncomfortable with and the bowlers are not used to that. We want to try and do that. Keeping all of those things in mind, we’ll try and do whatever is possible but not at the cost of the game. We want to make sure that we come out on top and play the game well. All in all, today was a good day for us.” he further added.

Ibrahim Zadran said: “We were short by 30-40 runs. Unfortunately we lost the toss but the boys fought till the end. We were trying to have a good start in the powerplay. We lost wickets, one of us had to bat till the 14-15th over and that put under a bit of pressure. In the second innings, there was dew. Gripping was hard for the bowlers. We have to improve our fielding, we were a bit lazy. We’ll try to improve our batting as well. In bowling, there’s no issue.”

Rinku Singh said, “I have got a habit of batting at 6 and finishing games, I’m feeling very happy with this job. Enjoyed the cold conditions, it was tough while fielding though. I just try to talk to myself, batting at 6, I don’t have the chance to face too many balls or score too many runs, that’s the thing I keep telling myself. I’ve spoken with Mahi bhai (MS Dhoni), he just told me to react according to the ball, keep your calm and I just do the same thing. I don’t think a lot while batting, just react to the ball.”