T20 World Cup 2024, Super Eight, Afghanistan vs India: Rashid Khan-led Afghanistan bowlers strike early; India struggle with 90/4 - Cricket Winner

In a thrilling Super Eight encounter at Kensington Oval, Barbados, India are facing Afghanistan in the T20 World Cup 2024. With the stakes high, both teams are bringing their A-game, making for an exciting contest.

Match Setup

India’s captain Rohit Sharma won the toss and chose to bat first, a decision that put his team under immediate pressure. The pitch seemed to offer assistance to the bowlers, and strategic decisions were key from the outset.

The match began with high hopes for India but quickly took unexpected turns. Rohit Sharma’s dismissal for a mere 8 runs by left-arm pacer Fazalhaq Farooqi was a significant early blow.

Rohit Sharma’s Early Dismissal

Rohit Sharma’s early departure left India scrambling to stabilize their innings. His dismissal put pressure on the middle order to perform under challenging conditions.

Virat Kohli’s Record-Breaking Moment

Amidst the early setbacks, Virat Kohli achieved a personal milestone by becoming the leading run-scorer for India in T20 Internationals. His 24 runs off 24 balls, though modest, were crucial for the team’s morale.

Rishabh Pant’s Aggressive Approach

Rishabh Pant brought a burst of energy to the crease, playing an aggressive inning with shots like a risky but effective reverse sweep. However, his dismissal for 20 runs by Rashid Khan marked another turning point.

Rashid Khan’s Dominance

Rashid Khan was instrumental in dismantling India’s top order. His wickets of Rishabh Pant and Virat Kohli were pivotal, showcasing his skill and strategic acumen. And in his third over, he takes the wicket of Dube. LBW appeal as Dube misses a late cut. The umpire denies, and the AFG takes a review. The ball has clearly hit the pads first. Three reds on the ball tracker, and Dube is gone.

Afghanistan’s Bowling Strategy

Afghanistan’s bowlers, led by Rashid Khan and Fazalhaq Farooqi, executed their plans effectively. They maintained pressure with tight lines and smart variations, making scoring difficult for the Indian batsmen.

India’s Score Progression

Despite early setbacks, India managed to score 47 runs in the PowerPlay. The middle overs were critical, with Suryakumar Yadav and Hardik ensuring a steady flow of runs.