Afghanistan Collapse in Chase of India's 182 in T20 World Cup

Afghanistan's chase of India's imposing 182-run target in the ICC T20 World Cup 2024 match got off to a shaky start as they lost three wickets within the first six overs.

Jasprit Bumrah, India's pace spearhead, struck twice in his opening spell to leave Afghanistan reeling at 28/3. Bumrah's first wicket was that of Rahmanullah Gurbaz, who was caught behind for 13 after mistiming a slower delivery.

Bumrah then dismissed Hazratullah Zazai for a duck, inducing an edge that was safely taken by Ravindra Jadeja at point. Axar Patel, India's left-arm spinner, joined the party by trapping Ibrahim Zadran leg before wicket for 0.

Afghanistan's top order collapse left them in a precarious position, with the onus now on Gulbadin Naib and Azmatullah Omarzai to rebuild the innings. However, the Indian bowlers maintained a tight line and length, making it difficult for the Afghan batters to score freely.

Naib and Omarzai managed to add 28 runs for the fourth wicket before Naib was dismissed by Patel for 14. Omarzai remained unbeaten on 15, but Afghanistan's chase was dealt a further blow when Zadran was caught at extra cover off the bowling of Bumrah.

With Afghanistan struggling at 61/6 after 10 overs, the task of chasing down India's total seemed insurmountable. The Indian bowlers continued to dominate, with Arshdeep Singh and Mohammed Shami sharing the remaining wickets.

In the end, Afghanistan were bowled out for 102, falling short of their target by 80 runs. Bumrah was the pick of the Indian bowlers, finishing with figures of 3/17, while Patel claimed 2/18.

Tags: #ICC, #T20WorldCup, #Afghanistan, #India, #Cricket