Afghanistan’s astonishing rise to international cricket stardom has inspired global fans. Their fearless and talented players bring an unconventional style that subverts established cricketing norms.
Afghan cricket has found these encounters with world-class teams to be invaluable learning experiences, while participation in the demanding Indian Premier League has provided further opportunities to hone its skills and develop its understanding of the game. In this article, we will discuss about the matches of India National Cricket Team Vs Afghanistan National Cricket Team Players.
India
Afghanistan Cricket Team, is the national cricket team of Afghanistan based out of Kabul and playing their home matches at Tashkent Stadium. Competing in 2012 ICC World Twenty20 Qualifier as runners up qualifying them for group stage. Led by Ibrahim Zadran with Rahmanullah Gurbaz as captain; Ikram Alikhil Rashid Khan Fareed Ahmad Mohammad Nabi Mujeeb Ur Rahman complete the squad.
Holkar Cricket Stadium in Pune is known for being an ideal ground for batsmen, and any team winning the toss should usually opt for bat first. Though known as an excellent venue for fast bowlers and spinners, batsmen have had success at this ground in past matches as well.
Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Hazratullah Zazai of Afghanistan are at bat while Arshdeep Singh from India opens up its bowling attack with pacers looking to take early wickets to increase pressure on Afghan batters.
Afghanistan are dealt a setback by Kuldeep Yadav’s wicket, caught by Jadeja at deep midwicket. Although Afghanistan have suffered, they still have a chance at making it to the final by playing well in their next over. Gulbadin Naib continues his aggressive play and hit two SIXES off Noor Ahmad in one over, taking 17 runs from it – taking their target up to 182.
Afghanistan
Afghanistan has quickly established themselves as one of the major forces in cricket, surprising many. From being one of the struggling associations in their region to being amongst the top ten teams globally in both Twenty20 and One-Day internationals. Their success can largely be attributed to their impressive fitness levels as well as support from their local people.
Afghanistan has experienced a setback. Since the Taliban returned to power in 2021, they have banned women’s cricket once again; also retaking control of an Afghan Cricket Board which had long had difficulty with international governing bodies of sport.
Since Taliban took control, Afghanistan’s men’s national team has enjoyed great success since winning games and qualifying for the ICC World T20. Led by former Indian players Lalchand Rajput and Manoj Prabhakar, it even competed internationally in India – winning both T20I (3-0) and ODI (3-2).
Afghanistan are currently ranked 10th in T20Is worldwide and boast a strong spin bowling trio: Rashid Khan, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, and Noor Ahmad can all produce miserly spells that confound batters. Such skills will prove key in their preparations for World Cup this summer – however they remain confident and hopeful their home nation can bring home the trophy!
ODIs
Indian cricket team will have much to prove against Afghanistan cricket team, one of the finest T20 sides. India scored an emphatic win against Australia earlier in this tournament and are hoping to continue their run of success against a powerful adversary like Afghanistan cricket team in their match today. Both sides know this is a crucial match and that whoever comes out victorious will advance further in this competition and into semi-finals of tournament.
Rohit Sharma struck the first boundary of his innings early, hitting it over short third man for four. Fazalhaq Farooqi bowled an inside tramline delivery that Rohit played with a gentle stroke towards cover.
Najibullah Zadran then hit a six off Kuldeep Yadav’s bowling, taking full advantage of being given time and room to hit it over deep midwicket.
Najibullah had made an encouraging start, but Bumrah quickly proved unlucky by picking him off at deep midwicket. This wicket marked another setback for India.
Jasprit Bumrah took control of the run rate and put pressure on Afghan players with his pace, controlling run-rate effectively while maintaining composure under pressure.
Indian team boasts an intimidating roster that will pose a formidable challenge to Afghanistan. Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel and Yuzvendra Chahal will be present to aid their teammates while Rashid Khan and Mohammad Nabi will make themselves felt during this match-up – providing both teams a perfect chance to test out their skills and tactics against one another.
T20s
India and Afghanistan will square off against each other in their third T20 World Cup Super 8 match at Kensington Oval in Barbados tonight at 7.30 pm; India won the toss and elected to bat first before play will commence half an hour later at 8.30 pm.
Rohit Sharma enjoys the pitch and believes it will become slower as the game goes along, introducing Kuldeep Yadav for Mohammed Siraj. Afghanistan coach Jonathan Trott predicted his side would flourish on this surface and they have proven it. They already defeated New Zealand and boast three of the top five wicket-takers this tournament.
Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Ibrahim Zadran have both been impressive for Afghanistan this tournament, creating an effective partnership. While Gurbaz has amassed 281, Zadran has scored 229. Together they have combined for two hundred-run partnerships for their nation.
Fazalhaq Farooqi bowls a fuller delivery that grips the surface and deceives Rohit into making an attempt at swinging across-the-line but misses, and is caught at mid-on by Rashid Khan.
Pant connected with another shorter and straight ball from Jadeja for six – his fourth six of an outstanding innings from 60 balls! Nabi also looked in fine form and edged a short delivery from Jadeja towards deep midwicket for his maiden boundary of this innings.
Tests
Rohit Sharma and team India will face Afghanistan in their opening Super Eight game at this year’s World Cup on June 20 in Barbados. Afghanistan have an experienced side that boasts strong batting and spin attacks which India will need to counter effectively for them to progress to quarter-finals.
India coach Rahul Dravid stressed the need for his players to work hard in order to break through opponents’ defenses. Furthermore, players must maintain composure under pressure – something especially evident in T20 cricket where calm under pressure teams excel at competing. “That is something which stands out most with T20 teams,” according to Rahul.
Rahul Dravid shared that making decisions was challenging during this tournament, especially in selecting his side against Bangladesh in their opening match. While leaving certain players on the bench was hard, Dravid ultimately selected the eleven best suited to each match; although he would not reveal which ones had to remain out.
Indian skipper Virat Kohli also addressed how the Barbados pitch appeared more conducive for run-scoring than New York’s Nassau County Stadium, adding that it will likely get slower as play progresses. One change was made; Kuldeep Yadav replaced Mohammed Siraj on India’s team.
Naveen-ul-Haq has bowled a series of slower balls on the back foot in an effort to force batsmen into playing shots early, successfully dismissing Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli so far.
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