NEW DELHI: Team India secured a 47-run victory over Afghanistan in their T20 World Cup Super Eight’s opening match on Thursday. Remaining undefeated so far, they are now favorites to reach the semi-finals.
Star performers Suryakumar Yadav and Jasprit Bumrah played crucial roles in this victory.
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Suryakumar Yadav's moment of humor during the pre-match press conference went viral soon after the match.
A journalist mistakenly called him Mohammed Siraj, to which he responded with a smile, "Siraj toh nahi hai, yaar... Siraj bhai khana kha rahe hai." His relaxed demeanor reflected the team's confident mindset as they enter the business end of the tournament.
ICC posted the video on its social media platform, with a humorous captain: "Galti se mistake ho jati hai, Surya bhai."
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In the match, Suryakumar delivered an impressive performance, scoring 53 runs off 28 balls, including three sixes and five fours. This batting effort helped India post a total of 181/8.
Jasprit Bumrah then shined with the ball, bowling a devastating spell. He took three wickets for just seven runs in his four-over stint, which included a maiden over, leading to Afghanistan's collapse at 134.
These performances underscore India's dominant position in the T20 World Cup and highlight the critical contributions of Yadav and Bumrah. With the semi-finals in sight, the team remains focused and in good spirits.
1/9:T20 World Cup: Suryakumar Yadav stars as India down Afghanistan
<p>T20 World Cup: Suryakumar Yadav stars as India down Afghanistan</p>ANI
2/9:Suryakumar Yadav
<p>Suryakumar Yadav's fearless knock of 53 off 28 balls powered India to 181 for 8 on a challenging pitch.</p>ANI
3/9:Rashid Khan
<p>Rashid Khan (3/26) was the standout bowler for Afghanistan, but India dominated with both bat and ball.</p>AFP
4/9:Afghanistan's Struggle
<p>Afghanistan struggled in their run chase, being bowled out for 134 in 20 overs, never posing a real threat to India.</p>AP
5/9:Jasprit Bumrah
<p>Jasprit Bumrah's exceptional figures of 3/7 in four overs dismantled Afghanistan's batting lineup.</p>PTI
6/9:Kuldeep Yadav
<p>Kuldeep Yadav, playing his first match of the tournament, took 2/32, adding to Afghanistan's woes.</p>ANI
7/9:Next: India vs Bangladesh
<p>India will face Bangladesh in their next Super 8 fixture in Antigua on Saturday.</p>AFP
8/9:Rahmanullah Gurbaz
Rahmanullah Gurbaz's early aggression was short-lived as he fell to Jasprit Bumrah's bowling.AFP
