India (210/2) defeat Afghanistan (144/7) by 66 runs to keep alive their hopes of progression

[pillionrider]

BTW loving Darren Sammy's wonderful comments on the quality of this Indian team, even if they're most likely going out. A true sport, he is.

 

[Savak]

Strange that Ashwin was not picked for the first two games. Kohli as captain has a lot of answering to do.

 

[pillionrider]

Has India ever beaten Pakistan by 180 Runs or 10 wickets at an ICC tournament? Come back with your biggest win and it wouldn't be half as good.

29 years is pretty good enough

 

[Savak]

India will depend upon afghanistan winning big against newzealand.
Not going to happen.

India is out.

Not sure about that. Scotland gave NZ fits today. NZ will struggle against Afghanistan's spinners

 

[Lego20]

Cometh the hour, cometh the men - the men in blue have risen against all odds against the mighty Afghan team when it mattered the most! Good boost to their personal records as well. Well done team India - make us all proud!

 

[DRsohail]

This is the first game Kohli has been acting his usual pumped up self. Maybe India finally woke up in what's most likely a meaningless game. So not sure why some of the posts here have been so ridiculous.

Actually Nabi,s tactics were absurd, This Indian team will beat afganistan 10 out of ten times no doubt.

 

[IMMY69]

India is all but crashed out of the tournament. And when Pakistanis still come up with crazy conspiracy theories, can't help but take the mickey out of those theories, sorry!

All Indians gave full credit to the Pakistani team after the loss and not one single Indian engaged in some stupid conspiracy theory. Can't say the same thing about Pak fans I'm afraid.

Look I have never ever seen a side, that is fighting for a semi final place. And are known for their bowling, both bowl and field so badly.

And the body language was non existent from ball one.

It was so bad that it was eye opening
I still can't get my head around it.

 

[sweep_shot]

Afghanistan - 66/4 after 11.1 overs (target: 211).

Have Afghans given up? Seems like it.

Very negative approach today.

 

[sweep_shot]

Ashwin should've played all games over untested Varun.

 

[IMMY69]

Also when their entire strategy is to bat first after winning the toss, then why would they choose to bowl first?

 

[sweep_shot]

Another wicket.

69/5.

 

[the Great Khan]

One thing we know is that India will always make short work of the weaker sides. They are ruthless. Afghans are overhyped inmho and this was gonna happen sooner or later.

 

[Lego20]

Kohli must be upset not getting to boost his records here. I guess will have to wait for a Sri Lanka series.

 

[Justcrazy]

Afghans intentionally losing this game by big margin here

 

[street cricketer]

Is this the first game Ashwin is playing for India since the India England test series?

 

[Uzzy_Khan]

Nz will murder Afghan namak harams. U heard it here first

 

[street cricketer]

Nz will murder Afghan namak harams. U heard it here first

Easy with the name calling..

 

[sam_ahm]

Massive India win coming up. Needless talk about Afghans throwing it away, I think they've just run in to a team that is hurt and need to prove a point.

Such big wins are expected when a top team like India have nothing to lose and go all out against a smaller team.

 

[Justcrazy]

Afghanistan need 141 runs in 48 balls.


Its tough for afghans here to cross 100

 

[sweep_shot]

Afghanistan - 71/5 after 12.1 overs (target: 211).

 

[Colorblind Genius]

So the common goal between the two teams, is to make India win with around 100 runs margin?

 

[Devadwal]

Kohli is useless caption .why not bring bumrah so we can get them all out as soon as .

 

[Ahmed216]

Afghans body language is completely different from the game against Pak.

 

[Colorblind Genius]

Massive India win coming up. Needless talk about Afghans throwing it away, I think they've just run in to a team that is hurt and need to prove a point.

Such big wins are expected when a top team like India have nothing to lose and go all out against a smaller team.

Is that why Nabi was taken off after bowling the first over and giving only 7 runs, and then he drop that dolly?

 

[pillionrider]

Is this the first game Ashwin is playing for India since the India England test series?

He didn't play the Ind-Eng series. He last played for India in the WTC Final.

 

[IcedCoffee]

I thought something was fishy in the way India played against Pakistan and NZ. Kohli didn't even attempt to hit a boundary in the last few overs vs Pakistan.

Not saying it's true, but if you're trying to make the conspiracy angle, then Kohli/India have no incentive to lose to Pak or NZ; however, Afg's incentive is pretty clear given the reach and might of BCCI/India. So there's far more plausibility to that angle than what you're stating.

 

[sweep_shot]

Afghanistan - 80/5 after 13 overs (target: 211).

 

[DRsohail]

Ashiwn should have played first game.

 

[Devadwal]

Why Pakistani fan's crying here more than indian fans as we are already out of the tournament

 

[DRsohail]

Kohli is useless caption .why not bring bumrah so we can get them all out as soon as .

When he knows wickets are coming even if he bring Rohit haha

 

[Uzzy_Khan]

Anyone thinking Afhans have a chance against Kiwis must be deluded. Looking forward for them to send afghans and parosis home in style..

 

[RexRex]

Ashwin is a good find for India.

 

[pillionrider]

Weren't Afg 60 odd for 5 vs Pakistan before they took apart some star bowlers. Guess they were trying their best back then

 

[DRsohail]

Dropping Ashwin was absurd decision, Kohli has been clueless.

 

[sweep_shot]

Afghanistan - 86/5 after 14.2 overs (target: 211).

 

[street cricketer]

Not saying it's true, but if you're trying to make the conspiracy angle, then Kohli/India have no incentive to lose to Pak or NZ; however, Afg's incentive is pretty clear given the reach and might of BCCI/India. So there's far more plausibility to that angle than what you're stating.

I'm not.

 

[sweep_shot]

I believe Kohli bowls right arm medium.

He can probably bowl an over or two on these slow pitches.

 

[sweep_shot]

Afghanistan - 88/5 after 15 overs (target: 211).

Very puzzling batting. They never seemed like they were going after the target.

 

[Lego20]

anyone thinking afhans have a chance against kiwis must be deluded. Looking forward for them to send afghans and parosis home in style..

Dont underestimate the bcci

 

[realitygaf]

How do Indian fans explain Afghanistan run rate of 5.8 in T20 chasing 200+ on a flat track with hardly any turn or seam with regulation bowling ?

 

[Uzzy_Khan]

Dont underestimate the bcci

Agreed. If it was Aussies instead of NZ i would have been worried. One thing I trust kiwis with is they won't sell their souls..

 

[m.shah]

Nabi trying hard to get run out.

 

[Justcrazy]

Afghanistan need 113 runs in 24 balls.

 

[m.shah]

Chasing 211 Nabi is 18 of 23 balls. This guy is joke.

 

[Visaal-E-Yaar]

India come back hard in dead rubber is no surprise. Hardik is still a big liability (not fit 100%) and you don't have replacement for that.

Afghanistan knows they are not good chasing side still go for bat first is not a good idea at all.

 

[street cricketer]

Agreed. If it was Aussies instead of NZ i would have been worried. One thing I trust kiwis with is they won't sell their souls..

Can't trust the Kiwis either. Remember what happened before the world cup.

 

[Rana]

Afghanistan are nuking their on nrr here by not trying

 

[Uzzy_Khan]

Can't trust the Kiwis either. Remember what happened before the world cup.

Fair point!

 

[Visaal-E-Yaar]

Afghanistan are nuking their on nrr here by not trying

Nabi is smart and experienced.

 

[Uzzy_Khan]

Chasing 211 Nabi is 18 of 23 balls. This guy is joke.

This clown is the definition of a true sell out

 

[Uzzy_Khan]

Nabi is smart and experienced.

More like a disgrace

 

[Rana]

These last 2 Thakur overs should be targeted for 40

 

[octavian]

Afg get over 100. I guess Indians would have had to scored 180-190 for them to roll over under 100.

 

[Visaal-E-Yaar]

More like a disgrace

Doesn't matter as long as you are smart and experienced.

 

[Justcrazy]

India still would make a big jump with good run rate here

 

[raashidkhan89079]

I wont tell this thing to indian people here they will obviously defend their country.
I would love to ask this question to neutral audience here.
Just tell this thing by swearing to God
Do you really think this is not fixed.
Lol lol lol
This is **** going on right now
1. Nabi bowling only 1 over
2. Their death bowlers continously giving hit ke deliveries to pandya
3. Asghar afghan retirement during world cup when their is a chance they can win this cup

 

[Rana]

Golden over for Afghanistan to salvage something

 

[jiduguravindra]

I wont tell this thing to indian people here they will obviously defend their country.
I would love to ask this question to neutral audience here.
Just tell this thing by swearing to God
Do you really think this is not fixed.
Lol lol lol
This is **** going on right now
1. Nabi bowling only 1 over
2. Their death bowlers continously giving hit ke deliveries to pandya
3. Asghar afghan retirement during world cup when their is a chance they can win this cup

1. May be due to Both openers are right handers, left hander came to bat after 14 overs.
2. Didn't they bowl hit me deliveries to asif ali
3. Can't find any link between Asghar retirement and today's match

 

[Inswinging Yorker]

It is clear Afghanistan sold this match to India. I have seen Rashid bowl very well in CPL..never soo much crap.

 

[Justcrazy]

Afghans should have batted better and targeted at least 170 here

 

[raashidkhan89079]

Afghans should have batted better and targeted at least 170 here

Excuse me why would they even think about 170 when they receive their payment on time.

 

[Aman]

What is Afghanistan's NRR now?

 

[Charmander]

There are too many coincidences

- bowling first against your strength
- bowling 2 spinners up front against your strength
- shoulders down from ball 1 of side which has almost reached semis
- naveen bowling negative line he never bowled in previous matches
- Rashid khan bowling negative non threatening line and length he never bowled in all of 2021 including IPL.
- fielders throwing balls to boundary after fielding
- slow running towards ball and not moving forward to attempt to catch balls at boundaries
- nabi being the best bowling in his 1 over and not bowling anymore
- Karim janat not bowling after being second best bowler
- all the bowlers especially Rashid khan bowling pies even Namibia and Scotland would have scored 150
- DEFENSIVE dot balls overload in game which is asking for over 13 runs an over now
- zero intent in going after target

It just doesn’t add up . If this side played vs pakistan pakistan would have got them out of 100 and got that in 8 overs . Namibia would have beaten this Afghanistan. They played that badly

good list. Any other team benefitting from this that's NOT India and surely there would be an inquiry

 

[Bhaag Viru Bhaag]

What is Afghanistan's NRR now?

+1.481

 

[Ozeirk]

India's run rate is still worst than Afghanistan and newzeland.

 

[Justcrazy]

India won by 66 runs

Big improvement in Indian run rate now

 

[realitygaf]

- first match where afghans chased
- first match where nabi bowled just 1 over
- worst bowling by Rashid khan in 2 years
- worst bowling of naveen’s career
- most dot balls played by Afghanistan this World Cup

 

[Uzi]

Pandya showing why he is the best all-rounder in the world. Great with the bat and a maestro with the ball.

 

[Last Monetarist]

Match highlights:

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[shah9425]

Afghanistan for Oscars please

 

[Snowflake]

I repeat, I have NEVER seen Rashid bowl this badly, ever!

Fall, fast and on the leg stump... not a single delivery looked threatening.

 

[thelandofthebravepeople]

Very poor effort by Afghanistan. Decision to bowl first was stupid to say the least.

 

[Saj]

Timid performance from Afghanistan.

They were never in the match and looked like a team devoid of ideas and look a bit shellshocked after the defeat to Pakistan.

 

[thelandofthebravepeople]

Timid performance from Afghanistan.

They were never in the match and looked like a team devoid of ideas and look a bit shellshocked after the defeat to Pakistan.

Well they trashed Namibia after the Pakistan match.

 

[Snowflake]

Smiles all around for Afghanistan after the defeat. These guys have zero self-respect

 

[Major]

Well they trashed Namibia after the Pakistan match.

do you think this match was fixed?

 

[Saj]

A ruthless India kept their slim ICC Men’s T20 World Cup semi-final hopes alive with a convincing 66-run victory over Afghanistan in Abu Dhabi.

Virat Kohli’s side entered the match knowing the side needed three victories from their remaining matches to stand any chance of making the last four following back-to-back defeats.

An excellent opening partnership of 140 between Rohit Sharma and KL Rahul laid the foundations and then Rishabh Pant and Hardik Pandya provided the late fireworks, adding 63 in just 21 balls to take India to 210 for two, the highest score of the tournament so far.

Afghanistan’s attack badly missed the injured Mujeeb Ur Rahman and the loss of both openers inside four overs quickly left them playing catch-up in reply.

Karim Janat (42 not out) and Mohammad Nabi (35) provided cameos but Mohammed Shami (three for 32) and the returning Ravi Ashwin (two for 14) helped India see out a comfortable and morale-boosting win.

Having been restricted to 110 for seven by New Zealand on Sunday, India were eager for a strong start when inserted at the toss and their experienced openers provided it.

Rohit ended the opening over in style, lofting Gulbadin Naib for four over mid-off, and Rahul provided his own statement of intent five balls later by smashing Sharafuddin Ashraf over long-on for the first six of the innings.

Another followed in a costly fifth over, which ended with India on 52 without loss after Rohit cleared the ropes over long-off before driving through cover for four more.

Afghanistan’s attack temporarily stemmed the tide as the opening pair rotated the strike, with no boundaries for 20 balls, but Rahul ended the mini drought and soon swept Rashid Khan behind square as the scoreboard continued to motor.

Rohit won the race to his half century, getting there in 37 balls, and a savage pull for six by his partner brought up the pair’s fourth T20I century stand later in the 12th over.

Rahul was raising his bat at the start of the 13th after reaching his half century in two fewer balls than Rohit, who took the attack to Rashid and slammed successive sixes shortly afterwards.

Just as Rohit looked to truly cut loose, however, his superb knock was ended when he drove Janat to Mohammad Nabi at extra cover to provide Afghanistan with a much-needed breakthrough.

Pant was promoted to number three to continue the attack and having survived reviews from consecutive Rashid deliveries, he made the most of his reprieves by carting Gulbadin for huge back-to-back maximums to hand India back their momentum after the seamer had cleaned up Rahul earlier in the over.

Pandya also took advantage of a let-off, thumping two sixes off the unfortunate Naveen after a routine chance had been put down by Najibullah Zadran coming round from long-off, and another mighty blow from Pant took India past 200 in the final over to leave Afghanistan with a mountain to climb.

Knowing he had to put his foot down from the outset, Hazratullah Zazai got the chase up and running by taking on India’s dangerous new ball pair, cutting Mohammed Shami for four before lofting Jasprit Bumrah over the deep mid-wicket boundary.

Neither took long to hit back, however, as both openers fell in successive deliveries. Shami induced a leading edge to see the back of Mohammad Shahzad for a four-ball duck and when Zazai sliced to mid-on off Bumrah, Afghanistan were 13 for two.

The incoming Rahmanullah Gurbaz was quickly into his stride, launching Shami for back-to-back sixes in a fifth over which cost 21 to breathe fresh life into the chase.

Gulbadin followed up with twin boundaries off Pandya as Afghanistan ended the powerplay on 47 for two, just six runs adrift of where India had been at the same stage.

The eight wickets in hand soon became seven as Rahmanullah went on the attack once more and was well held by Pandya inches inside the rope at long-on from the bowling of Ravi Jadeja.

Then came a landmark moment for Jadeja’s fellow spinner Ashwin, who trapped a sweeping Gulbadin in front to claim his first T20I scalp since 2016 and leave Afghanistan 61 for four at the halfway stage of the reply.

The same bowler then clean bowled Najibullah Zadran, attempting a reverse sweep, and didn’t concede a boundary in a miserly four overs which represented a fine return to his country’s limited overs side.

The required rate was growing all the time but Nabi and Janat were in no mood to throw in the towel.

The pair added 57 for the fifth wicket before Shami returned to seal the deal, with Nabi excellently caught by a diving Jadeja at mid-wicket and Rashid launching his first delivery to Pandya at mid-off.

Janat crowned his impressive unbeaten 42 from 22 balls with a six from the final ball of the innings but Afghanistan must now beat New Zealand and hope other results go their way if they are to make the semi-finals.


Scores in brief

India beat Afghanistan at Zayed Cricket Stadium, Abu Dhabi by 66 runs
India 210/2 in 20 overs (Rohit Sharma 74, KL Rahul 69; Karim Janat 1/7, Gulbadin Naib 1/39)
Afghanistan 144/7 in 20 overs (Karim Janat 42 not out, Mohammad Nabi 35; Mohammed Shami 3/32, Ravichandran Ashwin 2/14)

 

[Colorblind Genius]

Smiles all around for Afghanistan after the defeat. These guys have zero self-respect

They were literally celebrating the defeat.

 

[Varun]

How much did this win boost our NRR?

Would hate to qualify like this though.

 

[Ahmad-GERMANFC]

They were literally celebrating the defeat.

They were like this after Pakistan game too after first few mins