Cricket

Jasprit Bumrah's exceptional performance in India's commanding victory over Afghanistan in the Super Eight stage of the T20 World Cup has once again highlighted his crucial role in the team's success. Captain Rohit Sharma emphasized the importance of managing Bumrah wisely to maximize his effectiveness.Bumrah's exceptional spell of 4-0-7-3 was instrumental in India's 47-run win at Kensington Oval, Bridgetown in Barbados. His ability to restrict the opposition's scoring and take crucial wickets proved invaluable."We know Bumrah's class and what he can do," said Rohit after the match. "It is important for us to use him smartly. He is the one who is ready to take the responsibility (of leading the attack)."India's decision to drop seamer Mohammed Siraj and opt for Kuldeep Yadav created a three-pronged spin attack. Rohit explained that the team's bowling combinations are flexible and adaptable based on conditions and opposition."We have to assess conditions, opposition and based on that we're open to making changes if required," Rohit said. "We felt three spinners were good here. If it's seamer-friendly next time, we'll go with (three) seamers."India's next Super Eight match is against Bangladesh on Saturday. The team will be aiming to maintain their winning momentum and secure a place in the semi-finals.

India's T20 World Cup campaign got off to a flying start as they cruised to a 47-run victory over Afghanistan in their Super Eight opener. Despite a challenging pitch, Suryakumar Yadav's brilliance and Jasprit Bumrah's devastating bowling performance propelled India to a commanding total and a comfortable win.Suryakumar, batting at No. 4, played a masterful innings of 53 off 32 deliveries. His ability to adapt to the slow conditions and find gaps in the field was a testament to his exceptional skills. He played four sweeps for boundaries, smashed a six over the three Ws stand, and executed a stunning swipe shot to keep the scoreboard ticking.India's aggressive approach was evident from the start, with Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli looking to hit boundaries early on. Kohli's dismissal for 29 was a setback, but the middle order stepped up to maintain the momentum. Suryakumar's innings was crucial in setting up a competitive total of 181 for 8.Afghanistan's chase was derailed by Bumrah's brilliance. The Indian pace spearhead bowled a devastating spell of 3-7, including two wickets in his first over. He exploited the slow pitch by bowling wide and slow, denying the Afghan batsmen the opportunity to hit straight.Kuldeep Yadav also impressed with his spin bowling, picking up 2 for 32. Axar Patel and Ravindra Jadeja contributed with a wicket each, while Arshdeep Singh almost completed a hat-trick in the final over.India's victory was a testament to their adaptability and aggressive mindset. They have shed their conservative approach and are now willing to take risks to score runs and take wickets. With Suryakumar in top form and Bumrah leading the bowling attack, India will be a formidable force in the tournament.

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.

Virat Kohli, the legendary Indian batter, has been struggling to find his form in the ongoing T20 World Cup 2024. However, during the Super 8 match against Afghanistan on Thursday, he provided a moment of brilliance that evoked memories of his iconic shot from the previous edition of the tournament.In the fifth over of India's innings, Kohli faced a delivery from Naveen-ul-Haq that was short and wide. Seizing the opportunity, he unleashed a powerful stroke, sending the ball soaring straight down the ground for a massive six.This shot instantly went viral on social media, drawing comparisons to his famous six off Haris Rauf during India's memorable victory over Pakistan in the T20 World Cup 2022 at the Melbourne Cricket Stadium. In that historic encounter, Kohli produced a similar feat, smashing Rauf for a colossal six straight down the ground before guiding his team to a thrilling victory with an unbeaten knock of 82 runs off 53 deliveries.The International Cricket Council (ICC) later recognized Kohli's straight drive six against Rauf during that India-Pakistan clash as the "Shot of the Century."Kohli's six against Afghanistan was not just a reminder of his past glory but also a sign that he is slowly regaining his touch. He played a crucial role in India's victory, scoring 24 runs off 24 balls and forming a crucial partnership with Suryakumar Yadav, who top-scored with 51 runs off 36 balls.India posted a total of 181-8 in their 20 overs during their T20 World Cup Super 8 match against Afghanistan. Rohit Sharma, the Indian captain, provided a brisk start with 13 runs off 8 balls before being caught by Rashid Khan off Fazalhaq Farooqi. Virat Kohli contributed 24 runs, maintaining a run-a-ball pace, but fell to Rashid Khan, who also dismissed wicketkeeper Rishabh Pant for a quickfire 20 off 11 balls.Despite the regular fall of wickets, India managed a competitive score, but it was the disciplined bowling from Afghanistan, particularly from Rashid, who conceded only 26 runs in his four overs, that kept India's scoring in check.

India vs Afghanistan: Kohli's Form and Kuldeep's Inclusion in Focus as Super 8 BeginsAs the T20 World Cup enters its Super 8 stage, all eyes will be on India's opening clash against Afghanistan in Barbados. The match will be a crucial test for the Indian team, particularly for star batsman Virat Kohli, who is yet to score a double-digit total in the tournament.Kohli's struggles in New York have raised concerns, but he is expected to bounce back on the more favorable wickets in the Caribbean. The 35-year-old is known for his unwavering intensity, and his performance in training sessions suggests that he is determined to make a statement.Another key factor to watch will be the inclusion of left-arm spinner Kuldeep Yadav. With the pitch at Kensington Oval expected to offer assistance to spinners, Kuldeep's case for a place in the starting lineup has strengthened. The gentle breeze blowing across the ground could also provide swing for the pacers in the powerplay.The Indian team combination is a major talking point ahead of the game. Skipper Rohit Sharma has previously expressed his desire to field all four all-rounders - Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel, and Ravindra Jadeja - in the playing eleven. However, the inclusion of Kuldeep may force a rethink of that strategy.Afghanistan, on the other hand, will be looking to cause an upset against the tournament favorites. The team has shown impressive form in recent matches, and they will be confident of their chances against India.The match promises to be an exciting contest between two talented teams. Kohli's return to form and the potential inclusion of Kuldeep Yadav will be key factors to watch as India aims to start their Super 8 campaign with a victory.

As India gears up to face Afghanistan in the T20 World Cup 2024 Super 8s, the threat of rain looms over the highly anticipated clash. The ongoing tournament has witnessed several rain-affected matches, including India's final group game against Canada.According to Accuweather, there is a 25% probability of rain in Barbados on Wednesday. While the morning is expected to be clear, precipitation is forecast around 1:00 PM local time. With the match scheduled to begin at 10:30 AM local time, rain interruptions are likely in the second half.India's practice session on Tuesday was also affected by rain, highlighting the potential impact on the match. The team's four spinners, Ravindra Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav, Axar Patel, and Yuzvendra Chahal, spent considerable time practicing against Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Suryakumar Yadav.Despite the weather concerns, India remains focused on their goal of achieving success in the tournament. Captain Rohit Sharma expressed the team's determination to make a mark. "There is real keenness in the group to go and do something special," Sharma said. "We take our skill sessions quite seriously. There is something to achieve in every skill session that you do."India's spinners will be crucial in countering Afghanistan's spin threat. The Afghan team boasts a formidable spin attack led by Rashid Khan, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, and Mohammad Nabi. India's batsmen will need to adapt quickly to the conditions and find ways to score against the spinners.The weather forecast remains uncertain, but India will be hoping for a clear day to showcase their skills against Afghanistan. The match promises to be a thrilling encounter between two talented teams, and the outcome could have a significant impact on the Super 8s standings.

India's journey in the Super 8 stage of the tournament, where they aim to secure a semifinal berth, is fraught with challenges. Afghanistan, a formidable T20 side, has demonstrated their prowess in recent matches. Despite their defeat against the hosts, West Indies, they possess the ability to regroup swiftly and pose a significant threat in the qualifiers. Bangladesh, too, has given India a run for their money, particularly in the white-ball format, and will be eager to prove their mettle once again.India recognizes the arduous task ahead of them in securing a top-two finish in their group. Australia, a formidable opponent in all formats of the game, raises their level of play when facing India. They are aware of India's lingering disappointment after their defeat in last year's World Cup final and will be determined to exact revenge.India's batting lineup has yet to fully ignite, with only Rishabh Pant delivering consistent performances. The team has played three of their four matches on a challenging pitch in New York and faced a washout in Florida. Barbados, renowned for producing legendary cricketers, will provide a different playing surface and serve as an inspiration for India to showcase their top-quality cricket. Earning the appreciation of the Barbados crowd is akin to winning a rare prize. Playing here will also offer India valuable insights into the pitch conditions should they reach the final.The match will be a battle of wits between the spin magicians of Afghanistan and India's formidable batting lineup. Afghanistan will miss the services of Mujeeb Ur Rahman, a rare spinner who excels in the PowerPlay. However, with Rashid Khan and Noor Ahmad in their ranks, they remain confident in their ability to restrict India to a manageable score. India may consider introducing the left-arm wrist spin of Kuldeep Yadav, although they are likely to field an unchanged playing eleven.The bowling attack, led by Jasprit Bumrah and ably supported by Arshdeep Singh, can extract bounce from the pitch if it is firm and hard. Hardik Pandya has bowled exceptionally well, effectively utilizing the bouncer. With Suryakumar Yadav finding form in the match against USA, the middle order concerns have been largely alleviated. Shivam Dube has also demonstrated a keen understanding of the game situation and the ability to bide his time on the unpredictable New York pitch.Predicting the outcome of a T20 match is never easy, especially against Afghanistan, whose players have extensive experience in T20 leagues worldwide. The team that maintains composure and executes their plans effectively will emerge victorious.

The ICC's partnership with UNICEF to empower girls through cricket faces a stark contrast with the Taliban's suppression of women's rights in Afghanistan. While the Afghanistan men's cricket team has achieved remarkable success, the country's women are denied basic freedoms.The ICC's dilemma lies in balancing its commitment to gender equality with the potential consequences of banning Afghanistan for violating its charter. The Taliban's allowance of men's cricket is a calculated move to appease Pakhtun men, a source of their power.However, the Taliban's sensitivity to international perception suggests that cricket embargos could have an impact. By turning its back on the Afghanistan men's team, the ICC would not only punish the players but also send a strong message to the Taliban.The situation echoes the Apartheid era in South Africa, where many talented cricketers were denied international careers due to the racist policies of the government. While the role of cricket in the fall of Apartheid is debatable, it undoubtedly contributed to the pressure on the regime.Today, South Africa faces challenges in implementing transformation targets in its sports teams, highlighting the ongoing tensions between politics and sport. The Afghanistan situation presents a similar dilemma, where a response must be both effective and politically feasible.As consumers of the sport, we have a responsibility to inform the direction taken by governing bodies. By understanding the complexities of the situation, we can contribute to a solution that balances the pursuit of gender equality with the potential consequences for the Afghanistan men's cricket team.

India's head coach Rahul Dravid faced a barrage of questions about his past performances in Barbados during a press conference ahead of the T20 World Cup 2024 match against Afghanistan. Dravid, who had a forgettable outing in Barbados as a player in 1997, was visibly irked by the reporter's query."Geez, thanks a lot buddy! I have had some other decent memories here as well," Dravid retorted sarcastically.The reporter persisted, asking if it was an opportunity for Dravid to create new and better memories. Dravid's patience snapped."God man! I am not trying to make new anything man!" he exclaimed.Dravid emphasized that he had moved on from his past performances and was solely focused on his current role as coach."I move on from things very quickly. That's one of my things. I don't look back on things. I try and look at what I am doing now, at the moment. I am not concerned about what happened in 97 or some other year," he said.Dravid acknowledged that his past performances would remain on the scorecard, but he refused to dwell on them."Even if we win this match tomorrow, unfortunately, that is still going to remain 80 on the scorecard, however much I try and will it. No I don't think about any retribution. I move on from things. What's in front of me, good or bad?"Dravid reiterated that he no longer identified with his past as a player."I don't think of myself much as a player anymore. Yeah, just move on. Focus on tomorrow, and try and get a good result tomorrow," he concluded.