India vs Afghanistan Super Four – 5 T20 Match – Result, Scorecard
India beat Afghanistan by 101 runs
02
nd Innings Afghanistan
That is it from this match. The final game of the Super Four is coming up. It is Sri Lanka versus Pakistan on 9th September at 7.30 pm IST (2 pm GMT). Do join us for the build up as well. Cheers!
Virat Kohli is the PLAYER OF THE MATCH. He says he is grateful for how the game went today. Adds that his partner has seen a raw side of him. Tells that he came back to the system as a relaxed person and tried to enjoy the game. Shares that today's innings was the build up of the grind he has been doing for the last few years. Admits that it was surprising that his 60-odd runs were seen as a failure but he doesn't blame anyone. Says there is no ego of what he has created but gratitude for how blessed he is. Adds the coach backed him and told him just to bat without much pressure. Reckons there were a lot of advice coming his way but his approach didn't change. Says people are entitled to have opinions but they don't know what is going inside the head. Ends by saying he is blessed and is enjoying what he is doing.
KL Rahul, the skipper of India says he is coming after a big injury and he realized that it is not easy to find the rhythm back. Adds that he somewhat found his form during the Hong Kong game, when he hit one six. Shares that the results have been disappointing, they came to the tournament thinking to play the finals but the results didn't go their way. Tells that they need to sit back and asses the tournament. Ends by saying the vision is the World Cup and hopefully the learnings will help them for the World Cup.
Mohammad Nabi, the skipper of Afghanistan says it was really tough to play against Pakistan and now against India, it was tough and mentally they were not prepare. Today they also tried their best but Virat Kohli and KL Rahul gave India a good start and in their batting, they lost the early wicket. Tells yes as a captain they started the tournament on a good note but didn't finish on a good note.
…Presentation coming up…
Bhuvneshwar Kumar is up for a chat. He says he was just bowling in the right areas and it was just his day. Adds that the white-ball doesn't swing much but it happened for him today and he hit the right areas. Shares that it is a bit unpredictable with the white ball. On Deepak Chahar, he is coming after an injury so it tends to be a bit hard to settle. On the tournament, he says they are not in a good position but it is good to play these tight games before the World Cup.
Afghanistan looked mentally and physically drained. They dropped numerous catches at the start which is unlike them, the bowling wasn't up to the mark and it felt like the loss against Pakistan was still in their heads. In reply with the bat, Afghanistan had no answers against some quality bowling of swing-king, Bhuvneshwar Kumar. They lost half their side inside the Powerplay and after that, it was just formalities. Ibrahim Zadran was the only positive from this match as he scored a fifty. Playing back-to-back games against two big teams was always going to be hard for them but more than that, it was the loss against Pakistan.
A clinical performance from India and they end Asia Cup, 2022 on a high. An excellent performance from them. They needed a few players to get their form back and all of them grabbed the opportunity. KL Rahul was back with runs as he scored his fifty. Virat Kohli finally scored his maiden and 71st century to post a huge score. With the ball, it was the experience of Bhuvneshwar Kumar who took a five-fer. His spell was enough to bundle the opposition out. A professional performance from India and they end their campaign on a positive note.
19.6
Dinesh Karthik to Ibrahim Zadran, A dot to end the game! This is full and outside off, it is hit to covers. India win by 101 runs.
19.5
2
Dinesh Karthik to Ibrahim Zadran, Too full and outside off. Zadran drives it on the up over covers for a couple of runs.
19.4
2
Dinesh Karthik to Ibrahim Zadran, Short again on middle. Zadran pulls in the gap, between long on and deep mid-wicket for two.
19.3
6
Dinesh Karthik to Ibrahim Zadran, SIX! Karthik drops it short and outside off. Zadran stays back and thumps it straight down for a biggie.
19.2
6
Dinesh Karthik to Ibrahim Zadran, SIX! Fifty for Ibrahim Zadran! This is full and on middle. Zadran makes room and heaves it over deep mid-wicket for a biggie.
19.1
2
Dinesh Karthik to Ibrahim Zadran, Flatter and down leg. Zadran pulls and loses his bat while making the connection. It rolls to square leg for two.
Dinesh Karthik to bowl the final over.
18.6
Axar Patel to Fareed Ahmad, Fuller length, on to off. Fareed Ahmad slogs it to deep mid-wicket and they don't run a single.
18.5
Axar Patel to Fareed Ahmad, Fuller length, around middle. Fareed Ahmad goes on the back foot and hits it towards short mid-wicket.
18.4
1
Axar Patel to Ibrahim Zadran, Fuller length, around middle. Ibrahim Zadran makes room and plays it towards deep cover for a single.
18.3
1
Axar Patel to Fareed Ahmad, Fuller length, outside off. Fareed Ahmad goes on the back foot and gets an inside edge towards the backward square leg.
18.2
1
Axar Patel to Ibrahim Zadran, Fuller length, outside off. Ibrahim Zadran cuts it off the back foot towards deep cover.
18.1
2
Axar Patel to Ibrahim Zadran, Fuller length, outside off. Ibrahim Zadran plays it towards deep cover for a couple.
17.6
Ravichandran Ashwin to Fareed Ahmad, A carrom ball, on the pads. Ahmad looks to flick but seems to miss it. The ball lobs to the right of Pant who dives but that looked like it came off the pads.
17.6
1
Ravichandran Ashwin to Fareed Ahmad, Wide! Fuller and angling on leg. Ahmad misses his flick.
17.5
Ravichandran Ashwin to Fareed Ahmad, Flatter and around middle. Ahmad fends it on the leg side.
17.4
W
Ravichandran Ashwin to Mujeeb Ur Rahman, OUT! TIMBER! Ashwin ends with one wicket! Mujeeb Ur Rahman comes down the track and yorks himself, this is on middle. Mujeeb Ur Rahman misses and it goes under his bat and hits the stumps.
17.3
4
Ravichandran Ashwin to Mujeeb Ur Rahman, FOUR! Mujeeb Ur Rahman is playing some excellent shot! This is flatter and down the leg side. Mujeeb Ur Rahman plays the reverse-batted shot, over covers for a boundary.
17.3
1
Ravichandran Ashwin to Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Wide! Slides one down the leg side and Mujeeb Ur Rahman leaves it alone.
17.2
1
Ravichandran Ashwin to Ibrahim Zadran, This time he finds the gap and gets to the other end with a single.
17.1
Ravichandran Ashwin to Ibrahim Zadran, Flatter and on middle. Zadran punches it to covers.
17.1
1
Ravichandran Ashwin to Ibrahim Zadran, Wide! Outside off, left alone.
16.6
1
Deepak Chahar to Ibrahim Zadran, Fuller length, on off. Ibrahim Zadran plays it through to deep cover for a single.
16.5
1
Deepak Chahar to Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Short of length, onto the stumps. Mujeeb Ur Rahman plays it towards long off for a single.
16.4
1
Deepak Chahar to Ibrahim Zadran, Fuller length, on off. Ibrahim Zadran lofts it over the bowler's head for a single towards long on.
16.3
Deepak Chahar to Ibrahim Zadran, On a god length, outside off. Ibrahim Zadran tries to play it towards cover but misses it.
16.2
4
Deepak Chahar to Ibrahim Zadran, FOUR! That was short, outside off. Ibrahim Zadran makes room for himself and goes over mid-off for a boundary.
16.1
Deepak Chahar to Ibrahim Zadran, Fuller length, on off. Ibrahim Zadran plays it towards cover for no run.
15.6
Ravichandran Ashwin to Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Outside off, turning in. Mujeeb Ur Rahman guides it to backward point.
15.5
6
Ravichandran Ashwin to Mujeeb Ur Rahman, SIX! BANG! A loopy ball, full and around off. Mujeeb Ur Rahman comes down the track and rockets it over long on for a six.
15.4
Ravichandran Ashwin to Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Full and on off, Mujeeb Ur Rahman punches it to covers.
15.3
Ravichandran Ashwin to Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Tossed up on middle and spinning in. Mujeeb Ur Rahman looks to defend but gets an inside edge onto the pads and the ball was very close to hitting the off pole.
15.2
Ravichandran Ashwin to Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Around off, pushed to point.
15.1
4
Ravichandran Ashwin to Mujeeb Ur Rahman, FOUR! Well played! Tossed up, around off. Mujeeb Ur Rahman reverse hits it over point and bags a boundary.
14.6
1
Deepak Chahar to Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Fuller length, outside off. Mujeeb Ur Rahman plays it towards deep point for a single.
14.5
1
Deepak Chahar to Ibrahim Zadran, On a good length, outside off. Ibrahim Zadran plays it towards the third man for a single.
14.4
1
Deepak Chahar to Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Fuller length, onto the pads. Mujeeb Ur Rahman knocks it towards the square leg region for a single.
14.3
1
Deepak Chahar to Ibrahim Zadran, Short of length, outside off. Ibrahim Zadran knocks it towards the third man for a single.
14.2
2
Deepak Chahar to Ibrahim Zadran, Fuller length, outside off. Ibrahim Zadran tries to play it towards cover gets an inside edge and the ball goes towards third man region.
14.1
Deepak Chahar to Ibrahim Zadran, On a good length, outside off. Ibrahim Zadran knocks it back to the bowler.
13.6
1
Deepak Hooda to Ibrahim Zadran, Short of length, on off. Ibrahim Zadran goes on the backfoot and knocks it towards long on for a single.
13.5
1
Deepak Hooda to Mujeeb Ur Rahman, On middle, flicked to square leg for one more.
13.4
Deepak Hooda to Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Lofted delivery, onto the middle. Mujeeb Ur Rahman pushes it towards short mid-wicket for no run.
13.3
1
Deepak Hooda to Ibrahim Zadran, On the pads, flicked to deep square leg for a single.
13.2
Deepak Hooda to Ibrahim Zadran, Short of length, onto the middle. Ibrahim Zadran knocks it back to the bowler.
13.1
W
Deepak Hooda to Rashid Khan, OUT! TAKEN! Hooda strikes on his very first delivery! Hooda follows Khan on the leg side with a shorter delivery. Khan pulls it but not off the middle and Axar Patel at deep mid-wicket takes a simple catch. The 33-run stand is broken.
12.6
4
Axar Patel to Ibrahim Zadran, FOUR! Too much width this time, outside off. Zadran cuts it through point for a boundary
12.5
Axar Patel to Ibrahim Zadran, Tossed up, outside off. Zadran pushes it to covers.
12.4
1
Axar Patel to Rashid Khan, Short of length, outside off. Rashid Khan cuts it towards point for a single.
12.3
Axar Patel to Rashid Khan, Outside off, cut to point.
12.2
1
Axar Patel to Ibrahim Zadran, Lofted delivery, on off. Ibrahim Zadran tries to play it towards long off but gets an inside edge and the ball goes towards mid-wicket.
12.1
1
Axar Patel to Rashid Khan, This is on a length, around off, quicker. Khan skips down and lofts it to long off for one.
11.6
2
Ravichandran Ashwin to Ibrahim Zadran, Short, outside off. Ibrahim Zadran cuts it through point for a couple of runs.
11.5
Ravichandran Ashwin to Ibrahim Zadran, A carrom ball, short and on middle. Kept out.
11.4
Ravichandran Ashwin to Ibrahim Zadran, Yorker delivery, onto the middle stump. Ibrahim Zadran knocks it towards short mid-wicket.
11.3
1
Ravichandran Ashwin to Rashid Khan, On off, swept to deep square leg for one.
11.2
Ravichandran Ashwin to Rashid Khan, Short, outside off. Rashid Khan plays it towards cover for no run.
11.1
1
Ravichandran Ashwin to Ibrahim Zadran, Too short and outside off. Zadran slaps it to deep point for a single.
10.6
4
Axar Patel to Rashid Khan, FOUR! Second in the over! Too full and on off. Khan sweeps it to deep square leg for a boundary.
10.5
Axar Patel to Rashid Khan, Tossed up, outside off. Khan works it to covers.
10.4
Axar Patel to Rashid Khan, Short, outside off. Rashid Khan tries to cut that one through the point but misses it.
10.3
Axar Patel to Rashid Khan, This is short and outside off, angling in. Khan looks to pull but misses.
10.2
4
Axar Patel to Rashid Khan, FOUR! Welcome boundary! Too full and outside off. Khan powers it through covers for four.
10.1
1
Axar Patel to Ibrahim Zadran, On middle, punched through covers for one.
Drinks! It is a no-context game now. Afghanistan have clearly given up and looks like it is just formalities from here now. 179 runs are needed in 60 balls. Ibrahim Zadran and Rashid Khan will look to get some runs under their belt.
9.6
1
Ravichandran Ashwin to Ibrahim Zadran, Another single to end the over as this is cut to deep point.
9.5
1
Ravichandran Ashwin to Rashid Khan, This is full and outside off. Khan skips down and works it to long off for a single.
9.4
Ravichandran Ashwin to Rashid Khan, Slower through the air, full and on off. Blocked out.
9.3
2
Ravichandran Ashwin to Rashid Khan, Slightly short and outside off. Khan cuts it to deep point for a couple of runs.
9.2
1
Ravichandran Ashwin to Ibrahim Zadran, Tosses it up, full and outside off. Zadran pushes it to covers for a single.
9.1
Ravichandran Ashwin to Ibrahim Zadran, Tossed up on middle. Defended back to the bowler.
8.6
1
Axar Patel to Ibrahim Zadran, An arm ball, full and outside off. Zadran eases it to long off for a single.
8.5
Axar Patel to Ibrahim Zadran, Full and around off, slower in the air. Zadran blocks it out.
8.4
Axar Patel to Ibrahim Zadran, On off, kept out.
8.3
Axar Patel to Ibrahim Zadran, Flatter and outside off. Zadran works it to backward point.
8.2
1
Axar Patel to Rashid Khan, Around off, pushed to long off for one.
8.1
1
Axar Patel to Ibrahim Zadran, Lofted ball, around off. Ibrahim Zadran pushes it towards long off for a single.
7.6
Arshdeep Singh to Rashid Khan, Short of length. Rashid Khan ducks it and let that ball go through to the keeper.
7.5
Arshdeep Singh to Rashid Khan, On a good length, outside off. Rashid Khan tries to go big through the off side but misses it and the ball goes through to the keeper.
7.4
Arshdeep Singh to Rashid Khan, Fuller length, onto the leg stump. Rashid Khan tries to play it towards mid-wicket and the ball hits the pad.
7.3
1
Arshdeep Singh to Ibrahim Zadran, Short of length, around the leg. Ibrahim Zadran pulls it towards deep square leg for a single.
7.2
Arshdeep Singh to Ibrahim Zadran, Fuller length, onto the leg stump. Ibrahim Zadran tries to play it towards mid-wicket but gets a leading edge and the ball falls just short of the bowler.
7.1
4
Arshdeep Singh to Ibrahim Zadran, FOUR! This is full and on leg. Zadran flicks it to fine leg for four.
6.6
Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Rashid Khan, fuller length, on off. Rashid Khan blocks it off the front foot. Bhuvneshwar Kumar ends with a spell of (4-1-4-5) which includes 20 dot balls.
6.5
W
Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Azmatullah Omarzai, OUT! TAKEN! Outstanding bowling from Kumar! Five-fer for him! What a spell this is of swing bowling! Kumar serves it on a driving-length, outside off and it seams away. Azmatullah Omarzai looks to drive but splices it to covers where Dinesh Karthik takes a simple catch. This is not looking good for Afghanistan.
6.4
Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Azmatullah Omarzai, On a good length, outside off. Azmatullah Omarzai tries to go big but misses it completely and the ball goes through to the keeper.
6.3
Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Azmatullah Omarzai, Short, outside off. Azmatullah Omarzai tries to cut this one but gets a bottom edge and the ball rolls towards Rishabh Pant.
6.2
Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Azmatullah Omarzai, On a good length, outside off. Azmatullah Omarzai knocks it towards the point for no run.
6.1
Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Azmatullah Omarzai, Fuller length, on off. Azmatullah Omarzai pushes it straight towards mid-off.
5.6
1
Arshdeep Singh to Azmatullah Omarzai, Fuller length, down the leg side. Azmatullah Omarzai flicks it towards deep square leg for a single.
5.5
W
Arshdeep Singh to Mohammad Nabi, OUT! LBW! Arshdeep Singh strikes now and he walks back as there are no more reviews left! A length ball, around middle and leg, swinging back in. Nabi is rooted to his crease as he looks to flick but misses and gets hit on the pads. An appeal for LBW and up goes the finger. That looked absolutely plumb. Afghanistan have lost half their side inside the Powerplay.
5.4
Arshdeep Singh to Mohammad Nabi, Fuller length, onto the pads. Mohammad Nabi tries to push it towards mid-wicket but gets a leading edge and the ball lands in front of the cover fielder.
5.3
1
Arshdeep Singh to Ibrahim Zadran, On a good length, outside off. Ibrahim Zadran pushes it towards the third man region for a single.
5.2
Arshdeep Singh to Ibrahim Zadran, That was a beauty! How did that miss the stumps! That was on a good length, swinging away. Ibrahim Zadran tries to play it towards mid-wicket but misses it and goes through to the keeper.
5.1
Arshdeep Singh to Ibrahim Zadran, Fuller length, outside off. Ibrahim Zadran plays it towards cover for no run.
4.6
Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Mohammad Nabi, On a length and outside off, it jags back in sharply. Nabi steps across to defend but gets rapped on the front pad. An appeal for LBW and the finger stays down. KL Rahul takes the review. No bat clearly there. Ball Tracking shows wickets are hitting but the impact is umpire's call. Nabi survives.
4.5
Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Mohammad Nabi, On a good length, outside off. Mohammad Nabi plays it towards cover for no run.
4.4
Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Mohammad Nabi, On a good length, outside off. Mohammad Nabi knocks it back to the bowler.
4.3
1
Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Ibrahim Zadran, Short of length, onto the leg stump. Ibrahim Zadran plays it towards short mid-wicket for a single.
4.2
Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Ibrahim Zadran, Fuller length, outside off. Ibrahim Zadran pushes it towards cover.
4.1
Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Ibrahim Zadran, On a good length, onto middle stump. Ibrahim Zadran knocks it towards mid-on.
3.6
1
Deepak Chahar to Ibrahim Zadran, Short of length, outside off. Ibrahim Zadran knocks it towards deep fine leg for a single.
3.5
3
Deepak Chahar to Mohammad Nabi, Fuller delivery, onto the pads. Mohammad Nabi knocks it towards the mid-wicket region for three runs.
3.4
4
Deepak Chahar to Mohammad Nabi, FOUR! Wonderful shot! This is full and outside off. Nabi drives it on the up and to the left of covers for a boundary.
3.3
1
Deepak Chahar to Ibrahim Zadran, Fuller delivery, outside off. Ibrahim Zadran knocks it towards mid-off and a good stop by KL Rahul stops a certain boundary.
3.2
Deepak Chahar to Ibrahim Zadran, On a good length, swinging away. Ibrahim Zadran tries to play that towards cover but misses it.
3.1
Deepak Chahar to Ibrahim Zadran, On a god length, outside off. Ibrahim Zadran plays it to point for no run.
2.6
W
Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Najibullah Zadran, OUT! LBW! This looks plumb but Najibullah Zadran reviews it! An inswinger to the left hander, this is full and around middle and leg. Najibullah Zadran looks to flick but misses and gets plumb on the pads. He looked dead with the naked eye and even the review didn't help him as the Ball Tracking shows three reds. Bhuvneshwar Kumar has four wickets now. He is bossing with the ball.
2.5
Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Najibullah Zadran, On a good length, into the left-hander. Najibullah Zadran pushes it towards short mid-wicket.
2.4
W
Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Karim Janat, OUT! EDGED AND GONE! Virat Kohli is still busy, this time on the field! Kumar serves a length ball, outside off, it seams away after landing. Karim Janat has a poke at it but gets an outside edge to first slip where Virat Kohli makes no mistake. India all over Afghanistan right now.
2.3
1
Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Ibrahim Zadran, On a good length, around off. Ibrahim Zadran drives it towards mid-off fielder for a single.
2.2
1
Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Karim Janat, On a good length, angling in. Karim Janat plays it towards mid-wicket for a quick single.
2.1
Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Karim Janat, Short of length, outside off. Karim Janat drives it straight to the fielder at cover.
1.6
4
Deepak Chahar to Ibrahim Zadran, FOUR! That was short, outside off. Ibrahim Zadran cuts it through point for a boundary.
1.5
1
Deepak Chahar to Karim Janat, On a good length, angling in. Karim Janat looks to leave and plays it towards third man for a single.
1.4
1
Deepak Chahar to Ibrahim Zadran, On a good length, outside off. Ibrahim Zadran works it through point for a single.
1.3
Deepak Chahar to Ibrahim Zadran, Length ball, outside off, nips away. Ibrahim Zadran taps it to covers.
1.2
Deepak Chahar to Ibrahim Zadran, Short of length, outside off. Ibrahim Zadran lets that one goes through to the keeper.
1.1
Deepak Chahar to Ibrahim Zadran, On a length and outside off. Pushed to covers.
Ibrahim Zadran comes in. Deepak Chahar to bowl from the other end.
0.6
W
Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, OUT! TIMBER! WHAT A DELIVERY! Absolutely brilliant from Kumar! On a length and outside off, it lands and swings back in sharply. Gurbaz hangs back to fend it away but the ball swings in sharply and Rahmanullah Gurbaz has no clue as the ball goes through the gate and hits the stumps. A magical delivery and both the openers are gone in the first over.
0.5
1
Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Ibrahim Zadran, On a good length, angling in. Ibrahim Zadran knocks it towards deep square leg for a single.
0.4
W
Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Hazratullah Zazai, OUT! LBW! A length ball, around middle and leg and it nips back in sharply. Zazai hangs on the back foot to defend but gets beaten by the swing and gets rapped on the pads. A huge appeal for LBW and up goes the finger. Zazai reviews it! No bat there. Ball Tracking shows three reds and Zazai goes for a duck. Lovely delivery from Kumar!
0.3
Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Hazratullah Zazai, Fuller length, angling in. Hazratullah Zazai knocks it back to the bowler.
0.2
Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Hazratullah Zazai, On a good length, angling in. Hazratullah Zazai steers it towards the point fielder.
0.1
Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Hazratullah Zazai, Outside off, left alone.
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01
st Innings India
We are back for the chase. The players are out in the middle. Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Hazratullah Zazai are the openers for Afghanistan. Bhuvneshwar Kumar to bowl now.
…THE CHASE…
Right then! A huge score and Afghanistan need to show some class to chase this down. Stay tuned as the chase is coming up.
Here is the man of the hour, Virat Kohli up for a quick chat. He says he is blessed and grateful for last 2 and a half years and that has thought him alot. This was the least he was expecting to score a 100 in T20. It was a great time after having a break and the team welcomed him very well and they supported him. Says after the century he kissed his ring to thank his wife as she had my back through my rough patch and this is also dedicated to her daughter, Vamika. Tells he was very happy to comeback after having a stressful time mentally and physically. Ends by saying he is very happy to score this century.
India will be delighted with the score. It was the opening partnership that helped India score this huge score. Both, KL Rahul and Virat Kohli started brightly and scored their respective fifty. Rahul fell but there was no stopping from the other end. Virat Kohli was just playing without any pressure and was scoring boundaries for free. Kohli's 122 included 12 fours and 6 huge sixes. A sparking hundred from King Kohli!
Afghanistan won the toss but after that, it was all India. They looked a bit dizzy, playing back-to-back games and it was clearly seen in their fielding as they dropped few catches. The seamers got some swing early on but they failed to create pressure. Rashid Khan and Mohammad Nabi were erring in their lines. It was really poor performance with the ball by Afghanistan.
The curse is broken! It took 1,019 days for Virat Kohli to score his much-awaited 71st century. That took a while but it was worth waiting. The King has also finally hit his maiden T20I century. So many records have been broken but Virat Kohli has finally done it. Indian cricket fans can finally say – the King is back with a bang.
20
over
20 | 18 Runs |
HH: 212/2
19.6
Fazalhaq Farooqi to Virat Kohli, A bumper on middle. Kohli skips down to pull but misses. A dot to end but the damage is convincingly done by Kohli. India finish with 212/2.
19.5
1
Fazalhaq Farooqi to Rishabh Pant, Full and on off, eased down to long on for one. Can Virat Kohli finish on a high?
19.4
1
Fazalhaq Farooqi to Virat Kohli, Fuller length, onto the pads. Virat Kohli flicks it towards the square leg for a single.
19.3
4
Fazalhaq Farooqi to Virat Kohli, FOUR! 6, 6, 4! Virat Kohli is on fire! This is some shot though! Too full and on middle. Kohli makes room and drives it through covers for a boundary.
19.2
6
Fazalhaq Farooqi to Virat Kohli, SIX! TWO IN A ROW! This is a slower bouncer, around off. Kohli anticipates it well as he stays back and powers it over mid-wicket for a biggie. What a knock this is!
19.1
6
Fazalhaq Farooqi to Virat Kohli, SIX! Kohli, the finisher now! On a length and on middle. Kohli skips down and hits it through the line over long off for a biggie.
19
over
19 | 19 Runs |
HH: 194/2
18.6
4
Fareed Ahmad to Rishabh Pant, FOUR! India nearing the 200 mark! A slower bouncer on middle. Pant looks to pull but gets a top edge to deep square leg where Mujeeb Ur Rahman runs in but drops his second catch. It rolls away to the fence.
18.5
1
Fareed Ahmad to Virat Kohli, On middle, eased down to long on for a single.
18.4
2
Fareed Ahmad to Virat Kohli, This is full and outside off. Kohli drives it crisply through covers for a brace.
18.3
2
Fareed Ahmad to Virat Kohli, Around off, driven through covers for one. The fielder has a shy at the bowler's end but misses. The back up makes a fumble and allows another run. Two runs.
18.2
6
Fareed Ahmad to Virat Kohli, SIX! CENTURY FOR KING KOHLI! 71ST IS HERE! It came after quite a while but here is his hundred! What a knock by the legend! Absolutely sensation! The crowd erupts at Dubai! Short in length and outside off. Kohli pulls it all the way over mid-wicket for a biggie. There is a big smile on his face as he hits the six. He stretches his arms and takes all the applause. A treat to watch the master at work.
18.1
4
Fareed Ahmad to Virat Kohli, FOUR! Virat Kohli moves to 94! Straight down the ground. This is full and outside off. Kohli smacks it straight for four.
18
over
18 | 15 Runs |
HH: 175/2
17.6
1
Fazalhaq Farooqi to Virat Kohli, Slower delivery, outside off. Virat Kohli pushes it towards long off and he will keep the strike.
17.5
4
Fazalhaq Farooqi to Virat Kohli, FOUR! Kohli is playing from the start but there is no drop in energy by the King! A bit of luck here! This is short and around off. Kohli looks to cut it away but gets an outside edge over backward point for a boundary,
17.4
2
Fazalhaq Farooqi to Virat Kohli, Slower delivery, short of a length. Virat Kohli pulls it into the gap towards deep mid-wicket for a couple of runs.
17.3
4
Fazalhaq Farooqi to Virat Kohli, FOUR! Farooqi tries the yorker but serves it outside off. Kohli opens the face of the bat and guides it through point for four more. Virat Kohli is 17 runs away from his hundred.
17.2
2
Fazalhaq Farooqi to Virat Kohli, Slower delivery, short of a length. Virat Kohli pulls it towards deep mid-wicket for a couple of runs.
17.1
1
Fazalhaq Farooqi to Rishabh Pant, A yorker, outside off. Pant squeezes it to long on for one.
17.1
1
Fazalhaq Farooqi to Rishabh Pant, Wide! A length ball, way outside off. Pant leaves it alone.
17
over
17 | 15 Runs |
HH: 160/2
16.6
4
Fareed Ahmad to Virat Kohli, FOUR! 15 runs off the over! Virat Kohli is on 77 now! This is just great from King Kohli! On a length and on middle. Kohli steps down and across to flick it to deep square leg for a boundary.
16.5
4
Fareed Ahmad to Virat Kohli, FOUR! Well played! This is very full and just outside off. Kohli steps across and whips it past the square leg fielder for a boundary.
16.4
1
Fareed Ahmad to Rishabh Pant, Outside off, worked to long off for a single.
16.3
4
Fareed Ahmad to Rishabh Pant, FOUR! DROPPED! This is short and around off. Pant was hurried as he looks to pull. The ball goes high and behind square on the leg side where Mujeeb Ur Rahman tries to take over his head but didn't look stable at all. He parries it away for four.
16.2
1
Fareed Ahmad to Virat Kohli, A widish yorker, outside off. Kohli jams it out to long off for a single. He wanted a single but the fielder was quick.
16.1
1
Fareed Ahmad to Rishabh Pant, Length and on top of off. Pant works it to deep mid-wicket for a single.
16
over
16 | 11 Runs |
HH: 145/2
15.6
2
Rashid Khan to Virat Kohli, Tossed up on middle. Kohli skips down and nudges it to mid-wicket for a brace. Virat Kohli is looking in very good touch!
15.5
6
Rashid Khan to Virat Kohli, SIX! BANG! This is full and around middle and leg. Kohli uses his feet yet again and launches it over long on for a six.
15.4
1
Rashid Khan to Rishabh Pant, Shorter and outside off, cut hard to deep cover for a single.
15.3
1
Rashid Khan to Virat Kohli, This is full and outside off. Kohli comes down the track and drives it to long off for a single.
15.2
1
Rashid Khan to Rishabh Pant, Flatter and on off. Pant cuts it to point for a single.
15.1
Rashid Khan to Rishabh Pant, Around off. Pant keeps it out.
15
over
15 | 4 Runs |
HH: 134/2
14.6
1
Mujeeb Ur Rahman to Rishabh Pant, Fuller length, onto the leg stump. Rishabh Pant strides forward and gets a leading edge which lands to the left of the bowler for a single.
14.5
1
Mujeeb Ur Rahman to Virat Kohli, Fuller length, onto the middle and leg stump. Virat Kohli sweeps it down to deep mid-wicket for a single.
14.4
1
Mujeeb Ur Rahman to Rishabh Pant, 'Round the wicket. Fuller length, around middle. Rishabh Pant flicks it down to the fielder at deep mid-wicket for a single.
14.3
1
Mujeeb Ur Rahman to Virat Kohli, Flatter and angling on middle. Kohli tries to whack it over but mistimes it to the mid-wicket region for a single.
14.2
Mujeeb Ur Rahman to Virat Kohli, Fuller length, outside of. Virat Kohli drives of the front foot and the short extra cover does well to stop that one.
14.1
Mujeeb Ur Rahman to Virat Kohli, Fuller length, on off. Virat Kohli comes down the pitch and pushes it back to the bowler.
14
over
14 | 5 Runs |
HH: 130/2
13.6
Rashid Khan to Rishabh Pant, Beauty of a delivery! Pitched up, full and outside off, probably another googly. Pant looks to cut but misses. Khan appeals but noting doing.
13.5
Rashid Khan to Rishabh Pant, Flighted delivery, slower through the air, outside off. Rishabh Pant tries to go big with the slog sweep but misses it completely.
13.4
Rashid Khan to Rishabh Pant, Fuller length, onto the stumps. Rishabh Pant defends it onto the pitch.
13.3
4
Rashid Khan to Rishabh Pant, FOUR! Pant is off the mark! Flatter and on middle. Pant gets low and sweeps it to deep square leg for a boundary.
13.2
Rashid Khan to Rishabh Pant, Short of length, onto the middle and leg. Rishabh Pant defends it towards the fielder at short extra cover.
13.1
1
Rashid Khan to Virat Kohli, Short of length, onto the pads. Virat Kohli pushes it towards mid-wicket for a single.
Rishabh Pant walks in.
13
over
13 | 14 Runs |
HH: 125/2
12.6
W
Fareed Ahmad to Suryakumar Yadav, OUT! CHOPPED ON! Six and out on the next delivery for Suryakumar Yadav! On a length and nipping in from around the wicket. Yadav tries to play it towards third man but the angle makes it hard. He gets an inside edge back onto the stumps.
12.5
6
Fareed Ahmad to Suryakumar Yadav, SIX! WOW! Suryakumar Yadav is just brilliant! Tad short and down leg. Yadav gets low and just helps it away over fine leg for a biggie. Doesn't even bother to look back.
Suryakumar Yadav is the new man in.
12.4
W
Fareed Ahmad to KL Rahul, OUT! TAKEN! Rahul perishes and that is the end of a very fine innings from the stand-in captain! On a length and around off, a cross-seam delivery. Rahul clears his front leg and looks to whack it over long on but mistimes and Najibullah Zadran takes a simple catch. The 119-run opening stand is broken.
12.3
6
Fareed Ahmad to KL Rahul, SIX! These two are certainly looking for a triple-digit score! What a great shot this is! Short of a length and on leg. Rahul goes across and pulls it behind the keeper to fine leg for a biggie.
12.2
1
Fareed Ahmad to Virat Kohli, Back of a length, on off stump. Virat Kohli dances down the track and pushes it towards mid-off fielder for a quick single.
12.1
1
Fareed Ahmad to KL Rahul, Back of a length, around off. KL Rahul punches it towards deep point for a quick single.
12
over
12 | 16 Runs |
HH: 111/0
11.6
4
Mohammad Nabi to Virat Kohli, FOUR! Third boundary of the over! 16 runs off the over! This is touch short and Kohli doesn't need a second invitation. He pulls it to deep mid-wicket for four.
11.5
1
Mohammad Nabi to KL Rahul, Fuller length, outside off. KL Rahul cuts it down to the fielder at deep cover for a single.
11.4
2
Mohammad Nabi to KL Rahul, Fuller length, onto the pads. KL Rahul plays it with soft hands towards the vacant area at mid-wicket for a couple of runs.
11.3
4
Mohammad Nabi to KL Rahul, FIFTY FOR RAHUL! Nice to way to get the half-century! He too will be happy to get some runs under his belt! Nabi follows Rahul on the leg side. This is lofted over covers for four.
11.2
4
Mohammad Nabi to KL Rahul, FOUR! Well played! The spinners have been erring in their lines! This is short and around off. Rahul pulls it off the back foot over mid-wicket for four. 100 up!
11.1
1
Mohammad Nabi to Virat Kohli, A single! Full and on middle. Kohli skips down and nudges it to mid-wicket. The man there runs to his left but misfields and parries it away. A single.
11
over
11 | 8 Runs |
HH: 95/0
10.6
1
Azmatullah Omarzai to Virat Kohli, FIFTY FOR VIRAT KOHLI! The good thing for India is Virat Kohli has found his form in Asia Cup! Another fifty for him! This is on a length and outside off. Kohli pushes it to long off for a single. These two need to hit more boundaries now, knowing there are 10 wickets in the bag.
10.5
Azmatullah Omarzai to Virat Kohli, Short of length, outside off. Virat Kohli reaches to the ball and cuts it towards short extra cover.
10.4
1
Azmatullah Omarzai to KL Rahul, Fuller length, around off. KL Rahul flicks it off the inside half of the bat towards the square leg region for a single.
10.3
1
Azmatullah Omarzai to Virat Kohli, Slower delivery, onto the middle and leg. Virat Kohli pushes it towards deep mid-wicket for a single.
10.2
4
Azmatullah Omarzai to Virat Kohli, FOUR! IN THE GAP! Short of a length and outside off. Kohli pulls it in the gap to deep square leg and the ball finds the fence.
10.1
1
Azmatullah Omarzai to KL Rahul, Short, outside off. KL Rahul tries to cut it but gets an outside edge and the ball goes towards third man region for a single.
Drinks! An excellent start for India and they are well on course for a score around 200. A nice platform is set for the upcoming batters to play their game. Afghanistan are finding it hard to break this stand. They need to build some pressure.
10
over
10 | 7 Runs |
HH: 87/0
9.6
1
Mohammad Nabi to KL Rahul, Fuller length, outside off. KL Rahul drives it towards long off for a single.
9.5
1
Mohammad Nabi to Virat Kohli, On middle, this is flicked to deep square leg for a single.
9.4
1
Mohammad Nabi to KL Rahul, Tossed up, outside of. KL Rahul uses his feet and pushes it towards cover for a single.
9.3
1
Mohammad Nabi to Virat Kohli, Short of length, onto the middle and leg. Virat Kohli flicks it towards the square leg for a single.
9.2
1
Mohammad Nabi to KL Rahul, Quicker and shorter, onto the pads. KL Rahul pushes it towards deep mid-wicket for a single.
9.1
2
Mohammad Nabi to KL Rahul, Edged and it falls safe! Flatter ball, around off. Rahul gets on his knee as he looks to sweep but gets a top edge behind the keeper and wide of short third man for a couple of runs.
9
over
9 | 8 Runs |
HH: 80/0
8.6
1
Rashid Khan to KL Rahul, A single as this is hit to deep mid-wicket by Rahul.
8.5
1
Rashid Khan to Virat Kohli, Fuller length, around off stump. Virat Kohli goes down on one knee and slog sweeps it towards deep mid-wicket for a single.
8.4
4
Rashid Khan to Virat Kohli, FOUR! Yet another beautiful shot from the blade of Kohli! A loopy ball, full and outside off. Kohli skips down and goes inside-out over covers and the ball reaches to the fence.
8.3
Rashid Khan to Virat Kohli, Fuller length, on off. Virat Kohli defends it towards mid off.
8.2
1
Rashid Khan to KL Rahul, Short of length, Onto the middle. KL Rahul knocks it towards deep mid-wicket for a single.
8.1
1
Rashid Khan to Virat Kohli, Fuller length, onto the off. Virat Kohli pushes it towards the short cover fielder for a quick single.
8
over
8 | 11 Runs |
HH: 72/0
7.6
1
Mohammad Nabi to Virat Kohli, Short of length, outside off. Virat Kohli goes on the backfoot and dabs it towards the gully region for a quick single.
7.5
1
Mohammad Nabi to KL Rahul, Quicker delivery, on off. KL Rahul makes room and drives it towards mid off for a single.
7.4
1
Mohammad Nabi to Virat Kohli, Fuller length, on off. Virat Kohli pushes it towards long off for a single.
7.3
6
Mohammad Nabi to Virat Kohli, SIX! Anything short and these two are taking it over! A chance though! This is short and around off. Kohli pulls it flat and to deep mid-wicket. Ibrahim Zadran there was standing a few inches ahead of the ropes. He mistimes his jump and lets the ball through his right hand and over the ropes for a biggie. It will count as a chance..
7.2
1
Mohammad Nabi to KL Rahul, Short, on off. KL Rahul goes back and punches it towards long on for a single.
7.1
1
Mohammad Nabi to Virat Kohli, Fuller length, on the pads. Virat Kohli tucks it towards short fine leg for a single.
Change. Mohammad Nabi to bowl now.
7
over
7 | 9 Runs |
HH: 61/0
6.6
1
Rashid Khan to Virat Kohli, Short of length, outside off. Virat Kohli pushes it towards long on for a single.
6.5
1
Rashid Khan to KL Rahul, Fuller length, turning in. KL Rahul knocks it towards long on for a single.
6.4
6
Rashid Khan to KL Rahul, SIX! THAT IS HUGE! Touch short from Khan, around off and Rahul is quick to get on the back foot. He pulls it all the way over mid-wicket for a biggie.
6.3
Rashid Khan to KL Rahul, Fuller length, onto the stumps. KL Rahul defends it back to the bowler.
6.2
Rashid Khan to KL Rahul, Fuller length, outside off. KL Rahul pushes it towards mid off.
6.1
1
Rashid Khan to Virat Kohli, Short, wide outside off. Virat Kohli knocks it towards deep cover for a single.
Change. Rashid Khan is into the attack.
6
over
6 | 15 Runs |
HH: 52/0
5.6
1
Mujeeb Ur Rahman to Virat Kohli, On middle, tucked to mid-wicket for one. 15 runs off the over. Excellent from India. At the end of the Powerplay, India are 52/0.
5.5
6
Mujeeb Ur Rahman to Virat Kohli, SIX! WHAT A SHOT! Tossed up, around off, in the slot. Kohli again comes down the track and lofts it nonchalantly over long off for a biggie. 50 up!
5.4
4
Mujeeb Ur Rahman to Virat Kohli, FOUR! These two are dealing in boundaries at the moment! You rarely see Kohli playing the sweep! Fuller ball, angling on middle, it is swept past square leg for a boundary.
5.3
Mujeeb Ur Rahman to Virat Kohli, Short and spinning into off stump. Virat Kohli goes back and punches it but the fielder at extra covers does well to stop this one.
5.2
4
Mujeeb Ur Rahman to Virat Kohli, FOUR! Beats the fielder! This is full and outside off. Kohli skips down and smashes it past mid off for a boundary.
5.1
Mujeeb Ur Rahman to Virat Kohli, Fuller length, angling in. Virat Kohli plays it towards short mid wicket.
5
over
5 | 9 Runs |
HH: 37/0
4.6
4
Fareed Ahmad to KL Rahul, FOUR! KL Rahul is looking in fine form! Much needed for him! This is too easy for Rahu! Short and on middle, it is pulled to deep square leg for a boundary.
4.5
Fareed Ahmad to KL Rahul, Slower delivery, on a good length, on off stump. KL Rahul punches it back to the bowler.
4.4
Fareed Ahmad to KL Rahul, On a good length, on off stump line. KL Rahul tucks it to short mid-wicket.
4.3
4
Fareed Ahmad to KL Rahul, FOUR! Class from Rahul! Length and outside off, bit of width and Rahul cuts it through point for four.
4.2
Fareed Ahmad to KL Rahul, Short of a length, onto the leg stump line. KL Rahul tries to pull that one but misses it and the ball hits his thigh pad, there is an appeal for LBW by Fareed Ahmad but the umpire doesn't seem interested. It was pitching outside leg.
4.1
1
Fareed Ahmad to Virat Kohli, On a good length, outside off. Virat Kohli pushes it towards mid off for a quick single.
4
over
4 | 7 Runs |
HH: 28/0
3.6
4
Mujeeb Ur Rahman to KL Rahul, FOUR! Good shot! Mujeeb Ur Rahman drops a bit short and Rahul makes the most of it. This is around leg, it is pulled away past square leg for four.
3.5
Mujeeb Ur Rahman to KL Rahul, Fuller length, on off stump. KL Rahul drives it down to the covers for no run.
3.4
Mujeeb Ur Rahman to KL Rahul, Short of length, onto the middle stump. KL Rahul comes down the pitch and plays it towards mid off for no run.
3.3
1
Mujeeb Ur Rahman to Virat Kohli, This one stays a bit low on middle. Kohli works it to mid-wicket for one.
3.2
1
Mujeeb Ur Rahman to KL Rahul, Flatter and on middle. Rahul makes room and punches it through covers for a single.
3.1
1
Mujeeb Ur Rahman to Virat Kohli, Fuller length, on the middle stump line. Virat Kohli knocks it down to dep mid wicket for a single.
3
over
3 | 12 Runs |
HH: 21/0
2.6
2
Fazalhaq Farooqi to KL Rahul, On a good length, outside off. KL Rahul lofts it over the mid off region for a couple of runs.
2.5
1
Fazalhaq Farooqi to Virat Kohli, Edged but no slip. Fazalhaq Farooqi bowls a bit fuller, outside off. Virat Kohli goes for the drive and gets an outside edge and the ball races away towards the third man region for a single.
2.4
4
Fazalhaq Farooqi to Virat Kohli, FOUR! First boundary now for Kohli! This is full and on middle. Kohli whips it behind square leg for another boundary.
2.3
1
Fazalhaq Farooqi to KL Rahul, Fuller length, angling in. KL Rahul pushes it towards mid off for a quick single.
2.2
4
Fazalhaq Farooqi to KL Rahul, FOUR! First boundary of the game! Beautiful shot! Short in length and on the hips. Rahul helps it over short fine leg for a boundary.
2.1
Fazalhaq Farooqi to KL Rahul, An appeal for LBW but it was pitching outside leg. On a length and on middle. Rahul looks to flick but misses and gets hit on the pads.
2
over
2 | 3 Runs |
HH: 9/0
1.6
1
Mujeeb Ur Rahman to KL Rahul, Length delivery, onto the middle. KL Rahul drives on the front foot towards the fielder at mid-off for a quick single.
1.5
1
Mujeeb Ur Rahman to Virat Kohli, Tossed up on middle. Kohli pushes it to long on for a single.
1.4
Mujeeb Ur Rahman to Virat Kohli, Fuller length, outside off. Virat Kohli plays it towards the cover fielder for no run.
1.3
Mujeeb Ur Rahman to Virat Kohli, Short, onto the middle. Virat Kohli plays it towards short mid-wicket for no run.
1.2
1
Mujeeb Ur Rahman to KL Rahul, Floated one, outside off. KL Rahul plays it towards cover for a single.
1.1
Mujeeb Ur Rahman to KL Rahul, Short of a length, turning in. KL Rahul tickles it towards short fine leg for no run.
Who will bowl from the other end? It is Mujeeb Ur Rahman.
1
over
1 | 6 Runs |
HH: 6/0
0.6
Fazalhaq Farooqi to Virat Kohli, Short of a length and on middle. Kohli looks to flick it away but misses and gets hit high on the pads. A decent start by Fazalhaq Farooqi.
0.5
1
Fazalhaq Farooqi to KL Rahul, Farooqi makes it to swing in, this is on middle, it is nudged to square leg for one.
0.4
Fazalhaq Farooqi to KL Rahul, This is on a length and outside off. Rahul swings and misses.
0.4
1
Fazalhaq Farooqi to KL Rahul, Wide! This is full and going across, outside off. Rahul leaves it alone.
0.3
1
Fazalhaq Farooqi to Virat Kohli, Kohli is underway as well. Farooqi angles a length ball on middle. Kohli tucks it to mid-wicket for a single.
0.2
1
Fazalhaq Farooqi to KL Rahul, TAP AND RUN! Length and on off. Rahul drops it to mid off for a quick single.
0.1
2
Fazalhaq Farooqi to KL Rahul, Rahul and India are off the mark! On a length and on the pads. Rahul flicks it past square leg for a couple of runs.
We are all set. The players from both teams walk out to the middle for their respective national anthems. It is Afghanistan's first followed by India's. Done with the pre-match proceedings. It is time for action. The players are out in the middle. KL Rahul and Virat Kohli to open for India. Fazalhaq Farooqi to start with the ball.
Rashid Khan comes for a quick chat. He says whenever the captain wants a wicket he calls him. Informs they played with batsmen mindset last night against Pakistan and that got them wickets. Says they need to forget about that game and focus on this game. Shares it is a chance to play against a big team and against some big players.
Rahul Dravid, the Head Coach of India is up for a chat. He says his role is to support the captain. Adds they are actually the support staff if they put things rightly, it is mostly on the captains to know how to run the game and they are trying to support their call. Shares they need to put things in perspective. Tells they have lost a couple of matches on a pitch where it is hard to defend. The loss doesn't make them a terrible team. Ends by saying it's a positive environment irrespective of the results and the journey continues.
PITCH REPORT – Ravi Shastri is pitchside. He says Afghanistan will play as a unit after a tough night but Afghanistan have two left arm pacers and this pitch will assist them. Shares that it is a better surface to bat later on as well. Afghanistan will look to make early inroads.
KL Rahul, the skipper of India says they wanted to bat first and challenge themselves. Adds that Rohit Sharma is not playing because he wants to take a break, tough conditions and wanted to keep everybody fresh. Informs Karthik, Patel and Chahar comes in. Tells that they had chat before coming into this competition about the World Cup and this tournament is good learning. Says losing is not great but it teaches many things.
Mohammad Nabi, the skipper of Afghanistan says they would like to bowl first. Adds they had a meeting before leaving the ground and had a green tea with few players but that was a tough night for us against Pakistan. Reckons overall in the tournament they played well. Shares they are trying their best to play a good game and take the momentum to the World Cup.
India (Playing XI) – KL Rahul (C), Virat Kohli, Suryakumar Yadav, Rishabh Pant (WK), Deepak Hooda, Dinesh Karthik (In for Rohit Sharma), Axar Patel (In for Yuzvendra Chahal), Deepak Chahar (In for Hardik Pandya), Ravichandran Ashwin, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Arshdeep Singh.
Afghanistan (Unchanged Playing XI) – Hazratullah Zazai, Rahmanullah Gurbaz (WK), Ibrahim Zadran, Karim Janat, Najibullah Zadran, Mohammad Nabi (C), Rashid Khan, Azmatullah Omarzai, Fareed Ahmad, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Fazalhaq Farooqi.
TOSS – The first big update is KL Rahul walks out for the toss along with Mohammad Nabi. Afghanistan have won the toss and they will BOWL first!
The defending champions were favourites to lift the cup once again and after defeating Pakistan and Hong Kong in their opening matches, it looked like an easy destination but it was not meant to be. Pakistan came all guns blazing while Sri Lanka demolished their hopes to push them out of the race. India before the start of the Asia Cup were playing two different sides at two different times, if you can remember but here comes an important stage and all of a sudden India are lacking experienced campaigners. Dinesh Karthik was seen as the finisher but he is not able to find a place and Jadeja is ruled out. All said and done, it’s time for both teams to look at the bigger picture and ready themselves for the upcoming World Cup. Expect both to make some changes in this match. Toss and team news in a bit…
India
KL Rahul
CAP/Bat/Bow
Virat Kohli
Bat/Bow
Suryakumar Yadav
Bat/Bow
Rishabh Pant
KEEPER/Bat/Bow
Deepak Hooda
Bat/Bow
Dinesh Karthik
Bat/Bow
Axar Patel
Bat/Bow
Ravichandran Ashwin
Bat/Bow
Deepak Chahar
Bat/Bow
Bhuvneshwar Kumar
Bat/Bow
Arshdeep Singh
Bat/Bow
Afghanistan
Hazratullah Zazai
Bat/Bow
Rahmanullah Gurbaz
KEEPER/Bat/Bow
Ibrahim Zadran
Bat/Bow
Karim Janat
Bat/Bow
Najibullah Zadran
Bat/Bow
Mohammad Nabi
CAP/Bat/Bow
Rashid Khan
Bat/Bow
Azmatullah Omarzai
Bat/Bow
Fareed Ahmad
Bat/Bow
Mujeeb Ur Rahman
Bat/Bow
Fazalhaq Farooqi
Bat/Bow