India defeated Afghanistan by 47 runs in their Super Eight match of the International Cricket Council (ICC) Men’s T20 World Cup at Kensington Oval on Wednesday afternoon.
Chasing 182 for victory Afghanistan were dismissed for 134 in the 20th over, Azamatulluh Omarzai made 26. Najibullah Zadran contributed 19, and Gulbadin Naib got 17.
The Afghan batsmen were undermined by fast bowler Jasprit Burah who wrecked their batting with three wickets for seven runs, left arm seamer Arshdeep Singh took three for 36 while left arm spinner Kuldeep Yadav chipped in with two for 32.
Earlier India scored 181 for eight off 20 overs after winning the toss and deciding to bat; Player of the Match Suryakumar Yadav top scored with 53 off 28 balls, he counted five fours and three sixes, Hardik Pandya made 32, Virat Kohli 24 and Rishsbh Pant 20.
India reached 47 for the loss of one wicket at the end of the first power play and we were restricted to 79 for three at the end of 10 overs, their first 50 came from 42 balls, and the second 50 came off 35 balls. Leg-spinner Rashid Khan picked up three wickets for 26 runs, and fast bowler Fazalhaq Farooqi took three for 33.
Among the 5000 plus spectators in attendance made up of locals and visitors alike was Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley.
Tonight, June 21 is the match between the West Indies and USA at Kensington Oval. Game time is 8.30 pm and it is expected that thousands will pack the stadium to see the West Indies who after their defeat by England must win this match to secured a place in the next stage of the tournament.
