India Thump Afghanistan in Super 8 Opener

Our predictions for the super 8 match between India VS Afghanistan came true.

India kicked off their Super 8 campaign in the T20 World Cup with a dominant display, thrashing Afghanistan by 48 runs at the Kensington Oval in Barbados.

Opting to bat first, India got off to a shaky start with openers Rohit Sharma (8) and Virat Kohli (24) failing to convert good deliveries. However, the middle order stepped up in a big way. Suryakumar Yadav continued his impressive form, smashing a blistering 53 runs, while Hardik Pandya provided valuable support with a well-paced 32. Axar Patel chipped in with a crucial 12 runs lower down the order, propelling India to a commendable total of 181/7.

Chasing a stiff target of 182, Afghanistan’s batting order crumbled under pressure. Jasprit Bumrah continued his excellent form, picking up a crucial wicket in the first over while A. Omarzai (26) and Najibullah Zadran (19) offered some resistance, wickets fell at regular intervals as the Indian bowlers maintained tight control. Kuldeep Yadav, brought into the side for this match, impressed with his control, taking two wickets. In the end, Afghanistan was bowled out for 134 in the 19th over, handing India a convincing victory.

This comprehensive win puts India in a strong position at the top of Group 1 in the Super 8 stage. The team’s batting depth and bowling attack’s clinical performance will be a source of confidence going forward.

For Afghanistan, this loss is a setback. Despite some good individual performances, they were unable to handle the pressure of chasing a big total against a strong Indian bowling attack. They will need to regroup quickly and find solutions to counter India’s potent bowling if they are to have any chance of progressing further in the tournament.