India squared up against Afghanistan in the second match of their World Cup Campaign at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi. After a resounding win against Australia, an encore was expected from Team India and the men in Blue just did not disappoint.
Afghans Labour to 272
The Afghans decided to bat on a good track ( the previous match between SA and SL had witnessed a run fest ) and though a brilliant Jasprit Bumrah was too hot to handle, captain Hashmat Shahidi and Azmatullah Omarzai batted sensibly. But Hardik Pandya produced a superb delivery to knock over Omarzai, not before the Afghan duo had added 121 runs together. A platform was laid, but terrific bowling from India aided by some timid batting from Afghanistan saw them crawl to 272, which was respectable but in no way a match-winning score. Bumrah got 4 and bowled with great purpose. He looks in fine shape. He is bowling quick, hitting the deck hard and bowling a nagging length. Surely he is a big plus for India going forward.
Rohit ‘Panache’ Sharma
India’s reply to 272 was one to savour. Both Rohit Sharma and Ishan Kishan had yet to open their accounts in this World Cup and this was a great opportunity to get some runs under their wings. However what transpired, was not just batting, but an exhibition of some classical strokeplay laced with effortless finesse from India’s ‘Hitman’ Rohit Sharma. The Afghan bowlers were caught in a Rohit whirlwind as he clobbered them to all parts of the ground. But Rohit hardly broke a sweat, such was the flourish and elan in his batting. The sound coming from the meet of his bat was proof of his artistry and panache.
Hitman Cracks Records
Rohit pummelled the bowling and ensured that India won with lots to spare. His 131 of just 84 balls had 16 exquisite boundaries and 5 towering sixes. It was a performance to remember and in its wake, Rohit shattered a few records too. With his 7th hundred in World Cups, Rohit reached the peak, getting one better than Sachin Tendulkar’s 6 centuries and also became the batter with the highest number of 6s in ODIs, beating Chris Gayle’s record.
Virat Celebrated Too
India wrapped up the match with the local hero Virat Kohli getting a fifty, giving more joy to the already celebrating fans. It was a masterclass from India and the Afghans were well and truly handed over a tough lesson on the day.
Afghans Need A Miracle and Tons of Self Belief
The much-heralded Afghan spinners were no match for the Indians while the pacers too were simply average. The Afghan batting which oscillates between the callous and the timid is also a concern that they need to address going forward. But for the moment it looks tough for Afghanistan unless they bring about a miraculous turnaround and have some unflinching self-belief. Success in T20s is no guarantee for ODI excellence. The longer the game, the more difficult it becomes and exposes uncooked skills.
It’s Over to Lucknow
As the Tournament moves forward, a mouth-watering clash between the highly impressive South Africans and a bruised Australia is slated to be held in Lucknow today. What a game it is going to be !!
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