India's journey in the T20 World Cup Super 8 stage began with an impressive victory over Afghanistan on Thursday. Despite facing several challenges throughout the match, India emerged victorious, with minimal setbacks. While Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma did not perform to their usual standards, Suryakumar Yadav stepped up with a crucial half-century, supported by a solid innings from Hardik Pandya. On the bowling front, Jasprit Bumrah delivered a fiery spell, and contributions from Arshdeep Singh, Axar Patel, Ravindra Jadeja, and Kuldeep Yadav also proved decisive.
For Afghanistan, Rashid Khan stood out by claiming three vital wickets, including those of Virat Kohli, Rishabh Pant, and Shivam Dube. His spell made it challenging for the Indian batters, although Suryakumar Yadav managed to score some boundaries against him. A tense moment arose when Rashid appeared to have a brief exchange with Suryakumar on the field, which commentator Ravi Shastri humorously interpreted as Rashid telling him to "stop sweeping me."
Following this win, India faces crucial matches against Bangladesh on June 22 and Australia on June 24, needing strong performances to secure a spot in the semifinals.
Chasing a target of 182 runs, Afghanistan had a promising start, with Rahmanullah Gurbaz hitting Arshdeep Singh for a four and a six in the opening over. However, Jasprit Bumrah quickly countered by dismissing Gurbaz for 11 runs off eight balls in the next over, leaving Afghanistan at 13/1 after 1.2 overs.
At the halfway mark, Afghanistan stood at 66/3, with Gulbadin Naib (17*) and Azmatullah Omarzai (25*) at the crease.
As Afghanistan began to build a partnership, Indian spinners regained control. Kuldeep Yadav removed Naib for 17 runs off 21 balls, and Ravindra Jadeja dismissed Omarzai for 26 runs off 20 balls, which included a spectacular catch by Axar Patel. This double blow reduced Afghanistan to 71/5 in 11.1 overs.
Jasprit Bumrah (3/7) and Arshdeep Singh (3/36) were the standout bowlers for India, with Kuldeep Yadav taking two wickets and Axar Patel and Ravindra Jadeja each claiming one.
Earlier in the match, Suryakumar Yadav's crucial half-century and his 60-run stand with Hardik Pandya helped India set a total of 181/8 in their 20 overs against Afghanistan in Barbados.
With a target of 182 runs, India aimed to defend their score effectively to start the Super 8s on a high note.