NEW DELHI:
Team India
secured a commanding 47-run victory over
Afghanistan
in their opening Super 8 match of the
T20 World Cup
in Barbados on Thursday, thanks to
Suryakumar Yadav
's fearless batting on a challenging pitch and a clinical bowling display.
Despite Rashid Khan's improved bowling figures of 3/26 against India, Suryakumar's exceptional innings of 53 off 28 balls propelled his team to a total of 181 for 8 after they chose to bat first on a surface that made it difficult to hit through the line.
Afghanistan's run chase never gained momentum, and they were bowled out for 134 in exactly 20 overs. The Afghan batters' questionable shot selection contributed to their downfall and extended their winless streak against India.
Jasprit Bumrah
's impressive bowling figures of 3/7 in four overs proved too much for the opposition, while
Kuldeep Yadav
, playing his first game of the tournament, also made a significant impact with 2/32.
Lauding Suryakumar and
Hardik Pandya
's crucial partnership, skipper
Rohit Sharma
said that it was critical at that juncture, as we needed someone to bat deep.
"The last two years we've played T20s here, so we understand the conditions and planned accordingly. We adapted well and got 180, which was a great effort from the batters. We had class bowlers who defended it perfectly. Everyone came in and did their job, that's critical and we dwell on it. SKY and Hardik's partnership was critical at that point, we needed someone to bat deep which they did," Rohit said at the post-match presentation.
On continuing the three-spinners combination, Rohit categorically stated that it all depends on the conditions, and if the wicket is a seamer-friendly then he will go with the pacers.
"We know Bumrah's class and what he can do. Important for us to use him smartly regardless of conditions. He's willing to take responsibility and he's been doing it for years. (Three-spinners combination) Have to assess conditions, opposition and based on that we're open to make changes if required. Felt three spinners were good here, if it's seamer-friendly next time, we'll go with seamers," Rohit added.
Team India is all set to face Bangladesh in their next Super 8 match, which is scheduled for Saturday in Antigua.
English (US) ·