Afghanistan vs India, 43rd Match, Super 8 Group 1 - Live
Afghanistan vs India, 43rd Match, Super 8 Group 1 - Live
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India's combination so far of three pacers and two spinners and a pace bowling all-rounder might well be rejigged. India might include Kuldeep Yadav at the expense of someone. Who will give way to him is a big question mark?! Afghanistan have played like a well oiled machine but came a cropper on a flat track against the Windies. So, in case it is another flat track, the Afghan bowlers will have to be smarter.
09:00 Local Time, 13:00 GMT, 18:30 IST:
Hello and welcome to an all Asia battle. It is India taking on Afghanistan in the Super 8s. India are coming into this unbeaten but they were run close by Pakistan and USA. Afghanistan swatted aside three sides but were battered by the Windies. The wicket at Barbados though won't be what India have come across at New York. The game between Australia and England saw the former scoring 201. So, runs are expected for sure.
As India prepares to launch its Super 8s campaign in the ICC Twenty20 World Cup in Barbados, Rohit Sharma and Rahul Dravid couldn't have asked for a better draw for the second stage of the competition. With Afghanistan, Bangladesh, and Australia in their group, the path to the semifinals should be a straightforward one. These opponents, including Australia (ranked No. 2), are positioned below India in the Twenty20 International rankings. Afghanistan (ranked No. 10) and Bangladesh (ranked No. 9) are significantly lower on the table.
But if only life were that easy.
Afghanistan, India's opponents at Kensington Oval on Thursday, have a reputation for being giant killers, having defeated New Zealand, a team known for consistently strong performances in ICC competitions, in the first round. The Kiwis have not survived that assault.
Afghanistan also have a better understanding of the conditions, having played all their matches in the Caribbean. In contrast, India will have their first outing in the West Indies tomorrow. Moreover, many of Aghanistan's players have honed their skills in the IPL, where they have got an insight into India's batting and bowling apart from handling the inherent pressure in T20 cricket.
"I think the more exposure players have got to the IPL and different franchises where there's pressure all the time in this format of the game, I think that'll only do us well and serve us well going forward," Afghanistan coach Jonathan Trott says. The last time the two sides met, Afghanistan had pushed India to a second Super Over in a high-scoring contest in Bengaluru this January.
Afghanistan has demonstrated a noticeable improvement in recent times. Traditionally known for their strong bowling, their batting has also developed remarkably, enabling them to challenge any attack. Despite being ranked No. 10 in the world, they cannot be considered pushovers, as they are known to punch above their weight.
But India's No. 1 ranking is not without merit. They possess an all-round team capable of handling any team in any condition. They can afford to leave out a batsman of Yashasvi Jaiswal's ability. He is No. 7 in the ICC rankings, headed by Suryakumar Yadav.
The pitch at The Oval in Bridgetown has recently favored batters, making the outcome heavily dependent on how well the Indian batters combat Afghanistan's spinners - Rashid Khan, Noor Ahmed, and Mohammed Nabi. The prospect of facing them could be particularly enticing for players like Shivam Dube, who is being specifically prepared for this challenge. He needs to step up in a middle order, which will constantly challenge the opposition with a left-right combination, an asset previous Indian teams lacked.
Also expected to step up will be Virat Kohli. After three low scores in the World Cup, he is anticipated to deliver. Over the past two days, he did not leave a single sinew unstrained at the nets. A big knock from a hungry Kohli is around the corner and what else would India hope for than a strong start from their star opener?
**Match Details:**
**Event:**
ICC Mens T20 World Cup
**Match:**
43rd Match, Super 8 Group 1
**Teams:**
Afghanistan vs India
**Date:**
20 June, Thursday
**Time:**
8:00PM
**Venue:**
Kensington Oval, Bridgetown, Barbados
**Overview:**
The 43rd match of the ICC T20 World Cup features a highly anticipated clash between Afghanistan and India in the Super 8 stage of Group 1. This match is crucial for both teams as they compete for a spot in the semi-finals of the tournament.
**Afghanistan:**
Afghanistan has been a rising force in international cricket, known for their aggressive style of play and talented roster. Key players to watch include:
**Rashid Khan:**
A world-class leg-spinner, Rashid is renowned for his ability to take crucial wickets and contain runs.
**Mohammad Nabi:**
The experienced all-rounder brings balance to the team with his reliable batting and off-spin bowling.
**Hazratullah Zazai:**
Known for his explosive batting at the top of the order, Zazai can provide a quick start for Afghanistan.
**India:**
India, a cricketing powerhouse, is always a formidable opponent in any format of the game. Key players to watch include:
**Virat Kohli:**
The former captain and a prolific batsman, Kohli's experience and skill make him a vital part of India's batting lineup.
**Rohit Sharma:**
The current captain and an exceptional opener, Rohit is known for his ability to score big runs in crucial matches.
**Jasprit Bumrah:**
One of the best fast bowlers in the world, Bumrah's ability to bowl yorkers and slower balls make him a key player in the death overs.
**Key Match-Ups:**
**Rashid Khan vs. Virat Kohli:**
This battle between Afghanistan's star spinner and India's premier batsman could be a deciding factor in the match.
**Jasprit Bumrah vs. Hazratullah Zazai:**
Bumrah's precision and variety against Zazai's aggressive batting style will be intriguing to watch.
**Previous Encounters:**
India and Afghanistan have had a few encounters in T20 World Cups, with India generally having the upper hand. However, Afghanistan has shown significant improvement over the years, making this match a potentially close contest.
**Live Coverage:**
Fans can watch the match live on various sports networks and streaming platforms. Ensure you check local listings for the broadcast details in your region.
**Match Prediction:**
Given the talent and form of both teams, predicting the outcome of this match is challenging. India, with its experience and depth, might be the favorites, but Afghanistan's unpredictable and fearless approach can turn the tables.
This match promises to be an exciting encounter, showcasing the passion and skill of both teams as they vie for supremacy in the T20 World Cup.
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