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In a cricket match in Barbados, India’s captain Rohit Sharma won the toss and chose to bat first. The team’s innings began with a setback as Sharma, attempting an aggressive shot off Fazalhaq Farooqi, was caught by Rashid Khan. Rishabh Pant and Virat Kohli then worked to stabilize the innings, but Pant was dismissed for 20 by Rashid Khan during the powerplay. Afghanistan took lead by taking the important wickets of Kohli and Shivam Dube in their quick session.
However, Suryakumar Yadav and Hardik Pandya managed to turn the tide with a rapid 60-run partnership, which helped India set a competitive target. Despite losing Yadav, Pandya, and Ravindra Jadeja in the final overs, India posted a total of 181/7 in their 20 overs.
Afghanistan’s reply got off to a shaky start with Hazratullah Zazai being dismissed for 2 by pacer Jasprit Bumrah in the second over. The situation worsened as Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Ibrahim Zadran were also sent back to the pavilion in the fourth over, leaving Afghanistan struggling at 23/3. A 43-run partnership between Azmatullah Omarzai and Gulbadin Naib provided some resistance, but the Afghan batsmen could not maintain the required run rate.
The dismissal of Omarzai in the 12th over was a significant blow to Afghanistan’s chances, and they ultimately fell short, being bowled out for 134. The match concluded with Arshdeep Singh taking the final wicket, removing Naveen-ul-Haq for a golden duck on the last delivery of the 20th over. India’s performance, highlighted by key partnerships and disciplined bowling, secured their victory.
