India kicked off their Super Eight campaign in the T20 World Cup 2024 with a convincing 47-run victory over Afghanistan. The Barbadian pitch at Kensington Oval proved to be a tricky one, but India found their heroes in the in-form Suryakumar Yadav and the ever-reliable Jasprit Bumrah.
Suryakumar, batting at number four, played a scintillating knock of 53 runs off just 28 deliveries. With the top order faltering against some tight Afghan bowling, particularly Rashid Khan, Surya injected much-needed impetus into the Indian innings. His audacious strokeplay, peppered with audacious sixes into the stands named after the legendary West Indies trio of Worrell, Weeks, and Walcott, left the bowlers bewildered. His crucial partnership with Hardik Pandya (32 runs) propelled India to a competitive total of 181/8.
In reply, Afghanistan’s chase never quite got going. Jasprit Bumrah, with his trademark searing yorkers and sharp pace variations, ripped through the Afghan top order, claiming three wickets for a meager seven runs in his four overs. The rest of the Indian bowling attack chipped in with wickets as well, bundling out Afghanistan for 134 runs in 20 overs.
This victory sets the tone for India’s Super Eight journey. Suryakumar’s batting prowess and Bumrah’s economical bowling spell showcased their importance to the team’s title aspirations. With both these players in top form, India will be a force to be reckoned with in the knockout stages.
