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Home » Live Cricket Score » ICC Cricket World Cup, 2019 » Summary

India vs Afghanistan Live Cricket Score, Match 28, ICC Cricket World Cup, 2019, June 22, 2019

IND 224/8 (50)
India beat Afghanistan by 11 runs
AFG 213/10 (49.5)
Match over
Commentary :
0.0 : Welcome ladies and gentlemen for Match 28 of this edition's ICC World Cup. It's India versus Afghanistan at The Rose Bowl, Southampton. One team on a winning streak while the other is on a losing rut and this game looks like a complete mismatch. Having said that, in cricket anything is possible and we are looking forward to a good contest. Stay with us for more updates...
Pitch report - Pommie Mbangwa and Rameez Raja are out there to inspect the surface. The Zimbabwean starts by telling that it's a big stadium. Adds that if you are bowling from the Pavilion End, then the square boundaries are on the shorter side and from the Northern End, hitting down the ground will be a better option. Rameez Raja has a look at the pitch and he starts by saying that it's a beauty and has a brown look to it. Feels that there will be something in it for the spinners. Mentions that
Toss - Virat Kohli flips the coin, Gulbadin Naib calls incorrectly. The crowd goes mad after that and Kohli has to wait for a while to tell what they will be doing... INDIA ARE BATTING FIRST!
India skipper, Virat Kohli says that it looks like a good surface, nice and hard. Tells that it's a beautiful day to play cricket and they would look to put runs on the board. Informs about the forced change as Mohammed Shami comes in for the injured Bhuvneshwar Kumar. Showers praise on Vijay Shankar and tells that he is a good package and provides a good balance to the side. Adds that it doesn't matter who the opposition is, their mindset is exactly the same. States that they cannot take Afghan
Afghanistan skipper, Gulbadin Naib, smiles and says that he would have batted first also. Feels it will be a long day and he is looking forward to the end of the day. Informs about the changes in his side - Noor Ali Zadran is not playing and in comes Hazrat Zazai, also Dawlat Zadran is replaced by Aftab Alam. On their batting performance against England, he replies that they have taken a lot of positives from that.
India (Playing XI) - KL Rahul, Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli(C), Vijay Shankar, MS Dhoni(WK), Hardik Pandya, Kedar Jadhav, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Shami (IN FOR BHUVNESHWAR KUMAR), Yuzvendra Chahal, Jasprit Bumrah.
Afghanistan (Playing XI) - Hazrat Zazai (IN FOR NOOR ALI ZADRAN), Gulbadin Naib(C), Rahmat Shah, Hashmatullah Shahidi, Asghar Afghan, Mohammad Nabi, Ikram Ali Khil(WK), Najibullah Zadran, Rashid Khan, Aftab Alam (IN FOR DAWLAT ZADRAN), Mujeeb Ur Rahman.
Boys from both the sides are out in the middle to sing their respective national anthems. Afghanistan's first followed by India's...
Time to get underway! The Afghans get into a huddle before spreading on the field. Rohit Sharma and KL Rahul now cross the boundary line to open the batting for India. Afghanistan, as expected, are beginning with the spin of Mujeeb Ur Rahman. Rahul to face first ball. All in readiness, here we go...
0.1 : Ur Rahman to KL Rahul, Starts off with a flatter ball just outside off, Rahul pushes it back to the bowler.
0.2 : Ur Rahman to KL Rahul, Slightly shorter and on the stumps this time, Rahul goes back and pushes it down to long on for one. India and Rahul are underway.
0.3 : Ur Rahman to R Sharma, Tosses this one up on off, Rohit pushes it to mid off.
0.4 : Ur Rahman to R Sharma, Good running! Rohit too is off the mark! This one turns in just a little after pitching outside off, Rohit pushes it against the turn towards mid off and takes a quick run.
0.5 : Ur Rahman to KL Rahul, Another single to the same fielder! Rahul this time strokes it wide of mid off and gets to the other end easily.
0.6 : Ur Rahman to R Sharma, A dot to end! This is a slider and it is on the pads, Rohit looks to play it with a closed faced bat but closes it too early. A soft leading edge is induced towards point. A tight first over by Mujeeb.
Aftab Alam to bowl from the other end with the second new ball.
1.1 : A Alam to KL Rahul, Starts off with a back of a length ball on off, Rahul stays back and defends it to cover.
1.2 : A Alam to KL Rahul, Slightly shorter and outside off, it seemed like it came off slow from the surface. Rahul looks to push it firmly but ends up mistiming it to mid off.
1.3 : A Alam to KL Rahul, This time gets the timing right! Goes back to this shortish ball outside off and strokes it through cover-point. The batters take two.
1.4 : A Alam to KL Rahul, Fails to find the gap this time! There was more width on offer outside off this time, the length was similar. The batter goes back and guides it straight to cover-point. Rahul will feel he misses out there.
1.5 : A Alam to KL Rahul, Slightly fuller on off, no swing on offer for the bowler. Rahul strokes it to cover.
1.6 : A Alam to KL Rahul, Gets this one to tail back in just a little, the line is a little too straight though. Rahul works it through mid-wicket and takes one. A good start by Alam as well.
2.1 : Ur Rahman to KL Rahul, In the air... but just wide! First sign of aggression there by Rahul. He makes room and looks to go over cover. The ball though sticks in the surface. Goes off the inner half uppishly but wide of mid-wicket and down to long on for one.
2.2 : Ur Rahman to R Sharma, On the stumps, it is kept out.
2.3 : Ur Rahman to R Sharma, Flatter and on off, Rohit goes back and pushes it to cover.
2.4 : Ur Rahman to R Sharma, On the shorter side and on the stumps, once again it comes off slowly from the surface. Rohit pushes it back to the bowler.
2.5 : Ur Rahman to R Sharma, Attacks the stumps again, Rohit works it to mid-wicket.
2.6 : Ur Rahman to R Sharma, Another dot to end another good over by Mujeeb. He continues attacking the stumps. Sharma takes his time and blocks this out.
3.1 : A Alam to KL Rahul, Good line and length by the pacer too! He lands it around off, offering no room to the batsman, Rahul goes back and defends it onto the ground.
3.2 : A Alam to KL Rahul, Good stop! Slightly shorter and on off, Rahul gets on top of the bounce and looks to guide it past point. Zadran there dives to his right and saves at least two.
3.3 : A Alam to KL Rahul, Continues bowling it on off, Rahul goes back and pushes it to the point fielder.
3.4 : A Alam to KL Rahul, 4 dots in a row! Length again and on off, Rahul defends it out. So India have started cautiously here.
3.5 : A Alam to KL Rahul, OHHHHH! Make that 5 dots in a row and probably this is the best ball of the over. It is fuller and it tails back in just a little and late. Rahul looks to drive it against the swing but gets an inside edge onto the pads.
3.6 : A Alam to KL Rahul, Lovely bowling! A maiden! Attacks the stumps again, Rahul works it to mid on. A lot more intent in the way Afghanistan have started today. They are bowling better lines and also, the fielding seems to be better. Need to continue this though.
Early opinion - The pitch appears to be on the slower side and so far the batsmen have found it a touch tough to time their shots. If Afghanistan stick to good lines and lengths, the Indians will have to really work hard for every run.
4.1 : Ur Rahman to R Sharma, Just outside off, Rohit drives it but can't get it past cover.
4.2 : Ur Rahman to R Sharma, OUT! TIMBER! Mujeeb strikes! The tight bowling early on has paid dividends. Huge wicket this as Rohit was in top form in this World Cup. An absolute peach to get rid of him. Mujeeb goes wide of the crease and angles it into the batter. Rohit plays for the original trajectory but it pitches and holds its line, beats the outside edge and hits the off pole. The Afghanistan players are delighted. Just the start they would have wanted after being asked to bowl first.
Virat Kohli is the number 3 batsman for India.
4.3 : Ur Rahman to V Kohli, Kohli is off the mark straightaway! Shorter and on middle, Kohli works it in front of square for one.
4.4 : Ur Rahman to KL Rahul, This one is down the leg side, Rahul works it through square leg for one.
4.5 : Ur Rahman to V Kohli, Flatter and around off, Kohli opens the face of the bat and guides it to point.
4.6 : Ur Rahman to V Kohli, Shorter and around off, Kohli looks to cut but due to the slowness of the wicket, he chops it to point. End of a successful over for Afghanistan.
5.1 : A Alam to KL Rahul, On the fuller side and around middle, Rahul strokes it back to the bowler firmly. He stops it, not cleanly but no runs conceded.
5.2 : A Alam to KL Rahul, FOUR! First boundary for India. A lovely shot by Rahul. Back of a length ball on off, Rahul stands tall and guides it through cover-point. It is in the gap and once it beats the fielder in the ring, it is going to race away.
5.3 : A Alam to KL Rahul, Rahul is disappointed with himself there! He once again gets room on offer. He fails to make use of it as he punches it straight to cover.
5.4 : A Alam to KL Rahul, Attacks the off pole, Rahul lunges and defends it onto the ground.
5.5 : A Alam to KL Rahul, EDGED! It goes between the keeper and the fielder at second slip! FOUR! They just moved him to second slip and they would now be ruining on that move. This lands around off and then straightens. Rahul ends up playing inside the line, the ball goes off the outside edge and through the vacant first slip region for a boundary.
5.6 : A Alam to KL Rahul, A single to end a good over for India. 9 from it. Rahul works this with the angle through mid-wicket for one.
6.1 : Ur Rahman to KL Rahul, Flatter and outside off, this one drifts back in. Rahul looks to punch it through the off side but gets an inside edge onto his pads. The ball then rolls on the leg side but no runs taken.
6.2 : Ur Rahman to KL Rahul, On the off pole, Rahul blocks it out.
6.3 : Ur Rahman to KL Rahul, Flatter and on middle, Rahul goes back and pushes it down to long on for one.
6.4 : Ur Rahman to V Kohli, Another single as Kohli pushes it off the back foot down to long on.
6.5 : Ur Rahman to KL Rahul, On the stumps, Rahul lunges and defends it onto the ground.
6.6 : Ur Rahman to KL Rahul, Rahul uses his feet but comes out a touch early. Mujeeb bowls it wide outside off, Rahul adjusts and strokes it to mid off. Mujeeb has once again kept it tight. He has only gone for 8 in his 4 overs and also taken a wicket.
7.1 : A Alam to V Kohli, This is on the pads, Kohli works it through mid-wicket and two runs for him.
7.2 : A Alam to V Kohli, This is angled into the batsman, Kohli looks to defend but it goes off the inner half through square leg for one.
7.3 : A Alam to KL Rahul, On the stumps again, Rahul works it through mid-wicket. They take one quickly, Rahul wants a second but is sent back.
7.4 : A Alam to V Kohli, FOUR! Poor ball and put away! Alam drifts it on the pads, Kohli is too strong over there, he flicks it behind square and the ball races away to the fence.
7.5 : A Alam to V Kohli, FOUR! Now through the off side! Consecutive boundaries! This time there is width offered outside off, Kohli punches it off the back foot, finds the gap through cover-point and it races away.
7.6 : A Alam to V Kohli, Misfield and a couple! Another expensive over from Alam. 14 from it. This is short and on middle, Kohli pulls it through square leg. Nabi fumbles and an extra run is taken. This is probably going to be Aftab's last over of this spell.
8.1 : Ur Rahman to KL Rahul, Mujeeb continues bowling a tight line and length. Rahul defends it.
8.2 : Ur Rahman to KL Rahul, This is flatter and on middle, Rahul pushes it back to the bowler.
8.3 : Ur Rahman to KL Rahul, On the off stump, this goes on with the arm. Rahul plays inside the line and it goes off the outer half to backward point.
8.4 : Ur Rahman to KL Rahul, On the stumps once again, Rahul prods forward and defends it onto the ground.
8.5 : Ur Rahman to KL Rahul, This is flatter and on middle, Rahul goes back and works it through mid-wicket for one.
8.6 : Ur Rahman to V Kohli, A single to end another good over by Mujeeb! Short and on middle, Kohli pulls it all along the ground but towards deep mid-wicket. Once again Mujeeb keeps it tight, need the same pressure to be put on from the other end as well which is not the case in the last few overs.
Gulbadin Naib is on now! The captain brings himself on here.
9.1 : G Naib to V Kohli, Kohli welcomes him into the attack with a lovely cover-drive. It is full and outside off, Kohli leans into it and strokes it towards cover. The fielder there gets a hand to it which takes the pace of the ball. The mid off fielder hares after it and saves a run for his side.
9.2 : G Naib to KL Rahul, Poor ball again! Short and wide outside off, Rahul slashes at it and it goes down towards third man for one.
9.3 : G Naib to V Kohli, Another single! This time he attacks the stumps, Kohli works it through mid-wicket and a single is taken.
9.4 : G Naib to KL Rahul, Slower one and fuller in length, Rahul hits it firmly but straight at the bowler who does stop it. He seems to have hurt is hand in the process but is fine to bowl.
9.5 : G Naib to KL Rahul, BEATEN! Just behind a driving length outside off, Rahul throws his bat at it but gets beaten. Loose shot, got carried away by the width on offer there.
9.6 : G Naib to KL Rahul, Another dot to end! Rahul works this with the angle to mid-wicket. 5 from the 10th. A decent Powerplay for both the sides.
Powerplay 2 begins! No more than 4 fielders allowed outside the 30-yard circle till the 40th over.
10.1 : Ur Rahman to V Kohli, Flatter and on off, Kohli pushes it to cover.
10.2 : Ur Rahman to V Kohli, Outside off, Kohli goes back and pushes it through covers for one.
10.3 : Ur Rahman to KL Rahul, This one is angled into the batter, Rahul works it towards square leg and takes one.
10.4 : Ur Rahman to V Kohli, Bowls it outside off, Kohli pushes it down to long on for one.
10.5 : Ur Rahman to KL Rahul, Another single as Rahul goes back and pushes it to cover for one.
10.6 : Ur Rahman to V Kohli, FOUR! Poor ball and it spoils the over completely! A full toss down the leg side, Kohli flicks it fine and it races to the fine leg fence.
11.1 : G Naib to KL Rahul, Slower one and outside off, this is left alone.
11.2 : G Naib to KL Rahul, On the pads, this is worked around the corner for one. 50 up for India.
11.3 : G Naib to V Kohli, Overthrow and an extra run! Sloppy stuff from Afghanistan. This is shorter and outside off, it is hit to sweeper cover. They take one. The throw from the fielder in the deep is a wild one at the keeper's end which the keeper fails to collect. No one backing up and another run is taken.
11.4 : G Naib to V Kohli, Goes very short! Bounces way above the batsman's head. Wided.
G Naib to V Kohli, The batsman plays it with an angled bat and guides it to third man. The batsmen have run through for a single.
11.5 : G Naib to KL Rahul, Back of a length on off, Rahul guides it down to third man for one.
11.6 : G Naib to V Kohli, Back of a length on off, Kohli stands tall and pushes it to the man at cover.
Mohammad Nabi comes on to bowl now.
12.1 : M Nabi to KL Rahul, Flatter and on off, Rahul pushes it back to the bowler.
12.2 : M Nabi to KL Rahul, Another flatter ball on the stumps, this is pushed down to long on for one.
Did you know? This is the first time Virat Kohli is batting against Afghanistan in ODIs. In the only ODI, these two teams have met, Kohli was not required in the run chase as India won by 8 wickets and Rohit Sharma batted number 3.
12.3 : M Nabi to V Kohli, Fuller on off, Kohli strokes it to covers.
12.4 : M Nabi to V Kohli, Kohli works it with the turn with soft hands through mid-wicket for one. 50-run stand up between the two. They have got things back on track after India lost Rohit Sharma early. They need to keep going.
12.5 : M Nabi to KL Rahul, On the off pole, this is pushed through covers for one.
12.6 : M Nabi to V Kohli, Down the leg side and it has been wided.
M Nabi to V Kohli, Good stop! Quicker and on off, Rahul goes back and pushes it towards cover where the fielder dives to his left and stops it. Just the 4 from Nabi's first.
13.1 : G Naib to KL Rahul, Another good effort in the field! Naib goes short and Rahul won't be troubled at that pace. He goes back and pulls it behind square on the leg side. The fielder in the deep runs to his right, dives and saves two for his side.
13.2 : G Naib to KL Rahul, Goes slightly fuller than the last ball this time, Rahul defends it onto the ground.
13.3 : G Naib to KL Rahul, The batsman has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery.
13.4 : G Naib to KL Rahul, Good length and around off, Rahul drives it nicely through cover for one.
13.5 : G Naib to V Kohli, A misfield again and a run! Back of a length around off, this is guided towards Zadran at point. He dives to his right but only manages to push it away from him and a run is taken.
13.6 : G Naib to KL Rahul, Rahul guides this one through backward point and then down towards third man for another single.
14.1 : M Nabi to KL Rahul, Floats it up on off, Rahul pushes it to cover.
14.2 : M Nabi to KL Rahul, OUT! Nabi strikes! Rahul looks to innovate but it does not come off. Such shots are wonderful when they come off but ugly when they don't. Rahul looks to play the reverse sweep but Nabi bowls it slower and gets some extra bounce on it. The ball goes off the top edge and it balloons to the fielder at short third man. Zazai there takes a dolly. A much-needed wicket for Afghanistan as the two were looking in control and the partnership was starting to look threatening.
Vijay Shankar comes out to bat.
14.3 : M Nabi to V Shankar, Flatter and outside off, this is guided to point.
14.4 : M Nabi to V Shankar, Shankar is off the mark as he eases this down to long on.
14.5 : M Nabi to V Kohli, On the off pole, Kohli eases it down to long on and takes one.
14.6 : M Nabi to V Shankar, End of a very good over by Nabi. Just the two runs and a wicket from it. This is pitched outside off and turns back in a little. Shankar looks to defend but gets an inside edge onto the pads.
15.1 : G Naib to V Kohli, On the shorter side, Kohli goes back and pulls it hard towards fine leg for one.
15.2 : G Naib to V Shankar, On a good length and on middle, Shankar works it towards the right of the bowler. He thinks of a run but is rightly sent back by his captain.
15.3 : G Naib to V Shankar, Another length ball and outside off, Shankar lets it be.
15.4 : G Naib to V Shankar, Lands it on a length and outside off, Shankar pushes it through covers for one.
15.5 : G Naib to V Kohli, Good running! A slower one on off, VK taps it towards cover-point and gets to the other end. There is a shy from the fielder but he misses.
15.6 : G Naib to V Shankar, WIDE! Outside the tramline on the off side and it has been wided.
G Naib to V Shankar, A single to end! Back of a length on off, Shankar gets on top of the bounce and works it towards square leg for one.
16.1 : M Nabi to V Shankar, Flighted and on off, Shankar shuffles across and then strokes it down to long on for one.
16.2 : M Nabi to V Kohli, Flatter and on the pads, Kohli goes back and works it to mid-wicket.
16.3 : M Nabi to V Kohli, Another dot as Kohli once again works it to mid-wicket.
16.4 : M Nabi to V Kohli, Three balls in a row now! On the stumps, Kohli works it to the man at mid-wicket.
16.5 : M Nabi to V Kohli, Kohli this time gets it past the fielder at mid-wicket and the ball goes down to long on for one.
16.6 : M Nabi to V Shankar, Lovely bowling and a lovely over! This is floated up on off, Shankar prods forward and keeps it out.
17.1 : G Naib to V Kohli, Back of a length on off, Kohli stands tall and punches it to mid off.
17.2 : G Naib to V Kohli, Length ball and outside off, Kohli guides it towards the right of the keeper and takes one.
17.3 : G Naib to V Shankar, Attacks the stumps again and Shankar defends it out.
17.4 : G Naib to V Shankar, On the fuller side and on off, Shankar pushes it to mid off.
17.5 : G Naib to V Shankar, On the pads, Shankar flicks it through backward square leg and a single is taken.
17.6 : G Naib to V Kohli, A dot to end! Short and it is on the slower side. Kohli looks to pull but gets beaten. Just the two from the over.
Drinks break. A watchful India are going on decently at the moment. Two wickets have not hampered them much but they would like to get a big partnership here. Virat Kohli has looked in sublime touch while Vijay Shankar has just come out and would like to make this opportunity count. The pitch has been on the slower side and the spinners have fared decently so far. With the spin king, Rashid Khan, yet to bowl, he will be a different challenge altogether for the Men in Blue. The middle phase will
18.1 : M Nabi to V Shankar, Floats it up on off, this is hit down to long on for one.
18.2 : M Nabi to V Kohli, On the pads, Kohli flicks it towards square leg, sees that it beats the dive of the fielder there and a run is taken.
18.3 : M Nabi to V Shankar, Good running! This is flatter and on off, Shankar opens the face of the bat at the very end and guides it towards point for one.
18.4 : M Nabi to V Kohli, Flighted ball on middle, Kohli works it to square leg.
18.5 : M Nabi to V Kohli, This is fuller on off, it is pushed down to long on for one.
18.6 : M Nabi to V Shankar, On the stumps and this is pushed back to the bowler. India dealing in singles at the moment.
Spin King! Rashid Khan finally comes on to bowl. Will we see a new Rashid Khan after being brutally smacked in his last game against England?
19.1 : R Khan to V Kohli, FOUR! Not the start Rashid would have wanted, especially after his previous game. He serves a half volley outside off, Kohli caresses it through covers, no chance for the long off fielder too. Boundary to welcome Rashid into the attack.
19.2 : R Khan to V Kohli, This is flatter and on middle, it is pushed down to long on for one.
Afghanistan have reviewed! An appeal for an LBW has been turned down. Shankar is the man in question. Looks a little high also, there could be an inside edge. Let's see...
19.3 : R Khan to V Shankar, NOT OUT! A big inside edge there! Afghanistan lose their review. Rashid bowls the googly outside off, it spins back in. Shankar does not pick it. He looks to jam it out in the end. It seems to have taken an inside edge onto the pads. The Afghanistan players make a loud appeal but the umpire shakes his head. They review and replays show that there is a big inside edge.
19.4 : R Khan to V Shankar, The leg spinner this time, Shankar plays it with the turn towards point for one.
19.5 : R Khan to V Kohli, The googly and Kohli picks it, he works it to mid-wicket.
19.6 : R Khan to V Kohli, Goes short and on middle, Kohli goes back and pulls it through square leg for one. So a decent comeback from Rashid after going for a boundary early on in the over.
20.1 : M Nabi to V Kohli, A bit on the shorter side, around off and turning back in, Kohli moves back and works it past the mid-wicket fielder for a run.
20.2 : M Nabi to V Shankar, Walks forward to the pitch of the delivery and eases it down to long on for a run.
20.3 : M Nabi to V Kohli, Shortish and outside off, Kohli cuts but finds the point fielder.
20.4 : M Nabi to V Kohli, This time Virat delays his square cut and plays it late to the left of short third man. A single is taken.
20.5 : M Nabi to V Shankar, Nice batting from Shankar. Once again uses his feet to get down the track and pushes it down to long on for one.
20.6 : M Nabi to V Kohli, Flatter and shorter outside off, Kohli stays back and punches it down to long on for one. 5 easy singles from the over.
21.1 : R Khan to V Kohli, The leg spinner on off, Kohli goes back and keeps it out.
21.2 : R Khan to V Kohli, Floats it up on off, Kohli pushes it to covers.
21.3 : R Khan to V Kohli, A little too fuller this time, Kohli pushes it wide of long off and takes two.
21.4 : R Khan to V Kohli, Fifty for Virat Kohli. Third consecutive fifty for him in this World Cup and 52nd fifty in ODIs. Once again the skipper leading from the front. He gets there by whipping this full ball down to long on and takes one. He would be eying his first ton in this World Cup.
21.5 : R Khan to V Shankar, Another two! Once again Rashid is a little too full, Shankar works it wide of long on and the batters take an easy two.
21.6 : R Khan to V Shankar, WIDE! Down the leg side, Shankar did look to flick but misses. Wided.
R Khan to V Shankar, A single to end Rashid's second. Shankar goes back and pushes it through covers for one.
Rahmat Shah to bowl his part-time leg spin. A false start first up for him and seeing that Kohli immediately puts his bat inside the crease at the non-striker's end.
22.1 : R Shah to V Shankar, FOUR! Another leggie is welcomed into the attack with a boundary! Tossed up ball landing full outside off, Vijay gets on the front foot and drills his drive through extra cover. Nabi moves across to his left from long off, puts in a dive but fails to stop it cleanly. Ends up pushing it towards the rope. 100 up for India!
22.2 : R Shah to V Shankar, Shankar has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery.
22.3 : R Shah to V Shankar, The batsman has pushed it to the cover region.
22.4 : R Shah to V Shankar, Strides forward to a full ball and drives it down to long on for a run.
22.5 : R Shah to V Kohli, Loopy delivery, landing full on off, Kohli stylishly eases it down through mid on for another run.
22.6 : R Shah to V Shankar, Fires in a fuller ball on middle, Shankar whips it across the line and the long on fielder moves across to his right to stop the racing ball. A single taken to close the over, 7 from it!
23.1 : R Khan to V Shankar, This is on the pads, Shankar works it behind square on the leg side and takes two easily. Runs starting to come now for India.
23.2 : R Khan to V Shankar, Flatter and outside off, left alone.
23.3 : R Khan to V Shankar, On the shorter side, Shankar goes back and pushes it to covers.
23.4 : R Khan to V Shankar, Pushes this one through covers and takes one.
23.5 : R Khan to V Kohli, Flatter and on middle, this is hit down to long on for one.
23.6 : R Khan to V Shankar, The googly which lands outside off and comes back in. Shankar looks to defend but gets an inside edge onto his pads.
24.1 : R Shah to V Kohli, This is floated outside off, Kohli strokes it through covers for one.
24.2 : R Shah to V Shankar, Another tossed up ball, Shankar drives it but finds the man at covers.
24.3 : R Shah to V Shankar, FOUR! Lovely shot! Shankar does play that shot well. Shah floats it a little too full outside off, Shankar stays leg side of the ball and lofts it over covers for a boundary. Also, the 50-run stand is up and this one is a good one for India. It has come up in good pace. Needs to continue though.
24.4 : R Shah to V Shankar, Another tossed up ball on middle, this is firmly driven back at the bowler who stops it.
24.5 : R Shah to V Shankar, On the stumps, this is kept out.
24.6 : R Shah to V Shankar, A single to end as Shankar works it through mid-wicket.
25.1 : R Khan to V Shankar, Flatter and on off, Shankar pushes it down to long off for one.
25.2 : R Khan to V Kohli, The leg spinner on off, Kohli guides it towards point and takes one.
25.3 : R Khan to V Shankar, Shorter and outside off, Shankar goes back and cuts it but finds point.
25.4 : R Khan to V Shankar, Well bowled! Lands this on off, Shankar defends it.
25.5 : R Khan to V Shankar, Floats it up on off, Shankar creams it past the bowler and down to long off for one.
25.6 : R Khan to V Kohli, FOUR! The last ball spoils the over! This is down the leg side and it is short, easy pickings for a batsman of Kohli's caliber. He whips it through backward square leg and the ball races to the fence.
Review time! This time by India as Shankar has been given out LBW. This could be a good review by him.
26.1 : R Shah to V Shankar, OUT! Umpire's call and Vijay Shankar is out of here! He can't make use of the start he got. A good decision in the end by Aleem Dar. The idea to continue with Shah has paid off. He lands this around the leg stump and gets it to straighten. Shankar looks to sweep but misses to get hit on the pads. The umpire has his finger up immediately as soon as the bowler puts in the appeal. Shankar reviews after a chat with his skipper. Replays roll in and they show the ball to be
0.0 : MS Dhoni walks out to replace Vijay Shankar.
26.2 : R Shah to MS Dhoni, Floats it up on off, Dhoni guides it to point.
26.3 : R Shah to MS Dhoni, Dhoni dances down the track and eases it down to long on for a run. MS is off the mark.
26.4 : R Shah to V Kohli, Another single, this time by Kohli as he hits it down to long on.
26.5 : R Shah to MS Dhoni, Flatter and on off, this one pitches and turns away. Dhoni goes back and defends it out.
26.6 : R Shah to MS Dhoni, Dhoni comes down the track and gently pushes it to cover. Just the two runs and a wicket from the over.
27.1 : R Khan to V Kohli, Floats it up on off, Kohli eases it down to long on for one.
27.2 : R Khan to MS Dhoni, Gets away with one there does Rashid! He goes short and outside off, MS goes back and slaps it hard but finds cover.
27.3 : R Khan to MS Dhoni, Tosses this one up on off, Dhoni drives it to covers.
27.4 : R Khan to MS Dhoni, The googly but outside off, it is left alone.
27.5 : R Khan to MS Dhoni, Another dot as Dhoni pushes it to covers.
27.6 : R Khan to MS Dhoni, 5 dots in a row to end the over! Just the one from it. This is floated up on off, it is the googly, Dhoni looks to hit it against the spin but it goes off the inner half towards mid on.
Mohammad Nabi comes back on.
28.1 : M Nabi to V Kohli, Flatter and on off, this is pushed down to long on for one.
28.2 : M Nabi to MS Dhoni, Flatter and on off, Dhoni plays it late towards backward point.
28.3 : M Nabi to MS Dhoni, Lands it on off, Dhoni works it with the turn to mid-wicket.
28.4 : M Nabi to MS Dhoni, Flatter and on middle, Dhoni pushes it to long on and takes one.
28.5 : M Nabi to V Kohli, Driven towards the mid on region. The batsmen have run through for a single.
28.6 : M Nabi to MS Dhoni, On off, Dhoni defends it late. Afghanistan are slipping in some quick quiet overs here.
Rahmat Shah has change of ends.
29.1 : R Shah to V Kohli, Two runs! Floats it up on off, Kohli hits it through covers and takes two.
29.2 : R Shah to V Kohli, On middle, this is kept out.
29.3 : R Shah to V Kohli, Another tossed up ball on off, Kohli drives it down towards long off for one.
29.4 : R Shah to MS Dhoni, Flighted and on off, Dhoni hits it towards cover where the fielder dives to his right and makes a half-stop. He parries it towards the bowler and MS has to backtrack.
29.5 : R Shah to MS Dhoni, Fuller and on middle, this is eased down to long on for one.
29.6 : R Shah to V Kohli, Shorter and outside off, Kohli goes back and pushes it through covers for one. Another decent over, just the 5 from it.
30.1 : M Nabi to V Kohli, Hangs on the back foot and forces a short ball to deep cover for a run.
30.2 : M Nabi to MS Dhoni, Lunges to a full ball and quietly works it wide of mid-wicket. That fielder runs to his left towards mid on and the batsmen cross.
30.3 : M Nabi to V Kohli, OUT! Virat Kohli is dismissed. Mohammad Nabi has hit the jackpot with this prized scalp. He delivers a short ball around off, too close to cut but the Indian skipper still goes for it. He flashes his bat hard but only to edge it down towards short third man. Rahmat Shah, stationed there, moves across a little to his left and then goes down low to take the catch safely. Disappointment writ large over Kohli's face as he returns to the pavilion. India in a bit of trouble no
Kedar Jadhav replaces his skipper in the middle.
30.4 : M Nabi to K Jadhav, Loopy and full outside off, Kedar leans forward and defends.
30.5 : M Nabi to K Jadhav, Defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat.
30.6 : M Nabi to K Jadhav, Knocks a full ball down through mid on for a run. A successful over for Nabi. Afghanistan would like to believe that they are on top at this stage.
31.1 : R Shah to K Jadhav, Down the leg side, Jadhav looks to pull but misses. Wided.
R Shah to K Jadhav, BEATEN! That has turned square! Lands it on off and spins away sharply. Jadhav looks to defend but gets beaten.
31.2 : R Shah to K Jadhav, Flatter and on middle, Jadhav works it towards square leg but for no run.
31.3 : R Shah to K Jadhav, Floats it up outside off, this is eased through covers for one.
31.4 : R Shah to MS Dhoni, On the stumps, it is defended.
31.5 : R Shah to MS Dhoni, The batsman shows the full face of the bat and defends the ball off the back foot.
31.6 : R Shah to MS Dhoni, Gives it a lot of air again and lands it on off, Dhoni pushes it to cover.
32.1 : M Nabi to K Jadhav, On off, Jadhav works it to mid-wicket.
32.2 : M Nabi to K Jadhav, A couple now! Slightly short and outside off, Kedar hits it behind point and takes two.
32.3 : M Nabi to K Jadhav, Jadhav uses his feet and gets to the pitch of the ball and then hits it down to long on for one.
32.4 : M Nabi to MS Dhoni, Another single as Dhoni hits it down to long on.
32.5 : M Nabi to K Jadhav, The batsman has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery.
32.6 : M Nabi to K Jadhav, Jadhav dances down the track and works it through square leg for one.
Mujeeb Ur Rahman comes on to bowl again. His figures so far, 6-0-18-1. Was exceptional with the new ball inside Powerplay 1 and has been brought here to keep things tight.
33.1 : Ur Rahman to K Jadhav, Well fielded! Shorter and outside off, Jadhav cuts it towards point where the fielder makes a good stop diving to his right.
33.2 : Ur Rahman to K Jadhav, On off, this is pushed through covers for one.
33.3 : Ur Rahman to MS Dhoni, A little fuller and around off, this is hit through covers again for one.
33.4 : Ur Rahman to K Jadhav, Jadhav works it with the angle towards backward square leg.
33.5 : Ur Rahman to K Jadhav, Flatter and on off, Jadhav hits it back to the bowler.
33.6 : Ur Rahman to K Jadhav, Down the leg side, this is worked through square leg for one.
34.1 : M Nabi to K Jadhav, Slower on off, Jadhav works it towards the leg side and takes one. The fielder does hit the bull's eye at the non-striker's end but the batter is well in.
34.2 : M Nabi to MS Dhoni, Dhoni uses his feet but does not get to the pitch of the ball, he pushes it towards mid-wicket, waits for it to beat that fielder and then takes a run.
34.3 : M Nabi to K Jadhav, Another run as Jadhav works it through square leg for one.
34.4 : M Nabi to MS Dhoni, Shorter and outside off, Dhoni slaps it hard through covers for one. 150 up for India. 15 overs to go after this.
34.5 : M Nabi to K Jadhav, Another single as Jadhav slaps it through covers.
34.6 : M Nabi to MS Dhoni, Flighted on off, Dhoni pushes it against the turn towards cover. Afghanistan continue keeping it tight here.
35.1 : Ur Rahman to K Jadhav, On the pads, this is worked towards short fine leg.
35.2 : Ur Rahman to K Jadhav, On the stumps again, Jadhav works it beside the pitch.
35.3 : Ur Rahman to K Jadhav, On the stumps again, Jadhav lunges and defends it onto the ground.
35.4 : Ur Rahman to K Jadhav, Very full on middle, this is jammed down to long on for one.
35.5 : Ur Rahman to MS Dhoni, On the pads again, this is worked towards short fine leg. No runs again.
35.6 : Ur Rahman to MS Dhoni, An appeal but not given! Afghanistan wanted to review it but they have exhausted their only review long back. Mujeeb bowls this down the leg side, Dhoni looks to flick. It goes off something to the keeper. Both, the bowler and the keeper appeal but nothing from the umpire. He has not given it as a wide though so there might be something, the umpire feels pad. Replays have not been shown yet. They now have been shown and it shows there was nothing and the sound was of
Drinks break. This is exceptional bowling by the Afghan spinners. They have not let the famed Indian batting off the hook and going has been extremely slow for the Men in Blue, especially after the fall of Virat Kohli. This doesn't look like a 300 pitch and the Asian giants would have gauged it by now. 14 overs left. Can they add another 100 runs or so to make it difficult for Afghanistan? Rashid Khan to bowl after the mini-break. He has five overs up his sleeves and won't be easy to target on t
36.1 : R Khan to K Jadhav, Flatter and on off, Jadhav goes back and keeps it out.
36.2 : R Khan to K Jadhav, Attacks the stumps again, Jadhav once again defends it onto the ground.
36.3 : R Khan to K Jadhav, Uppish but well short! Fuller and on middle, Jadhav whips it in the air but it goes on the bounce to mid on.
36.4 : R Khan to K Jadhav, The googly outside off, Jadhav lets it be. 4 dots in a row.
36.5 : R Khan to K Jadhav, FOUR! India will hope that breaks the shackles! A welcome boundary for India. Jadhav premeditated this stroke. He goes down on one knee early, hits the slog sweep against the turn and bags a boundary at mid-wicket. One after 64 balls.
36.6 : R Khan to K Jadhav, A dot to end! So just the boundary from the over. The googly and it is on the pads, Jadhav looks to flick but misses to get hit on the pads. The bowler is appealing but he is the only one doing so.
Gulbadin Naib comes on now. His figures read 5-0-23-0 so far.
37.1 : G Naib to MS Dhoni, FOUR! Hammered! Welcome back into the attack, Naib. A hit-me ball to begin with. Short and it is the slower one outside off, Dhoni waits for it and then clobbers it through covers for one.
37.2 : G Naib to MS Dhoni, Goes short this time, Dhoni pulls it all along the ground and through square leg for one.
37.3 : G Naib to K Jadhav, Another single as this short ball is pulled towards fine leg for one.
37.4 : G Naib to MS Dhoni, Shortish again outside off, Dhoni cuts it hard but to the man at point.
37.5 : G Naib to MS Dhoni, Shuffles right across does Dhoni and then works it calmly through mid-wicket for one.
37.6 : G Naib to K Jadhav, A dot to end! Short and wide outside off, Jadhav looks to cut but misses. 7 from the over!
38.1 : R Khan to MS Dhoni, Very full outside off, Dhoni hits it hard down to long off for one.
38.2 : R Khan to K Jadhav, Jadhav once again looks to play the sweep shot but gets an inside edge onto the pads.
38.3 : R Khan to K Jadhav, Shorter and on middle, this is worked through mid-wicket for one.
38.4 : R Khan to MS Dhoni, Floats it outside off, Dhoni guides it towards point for another run. Once again there is a direct hit from the fielder at the non-striker's end but Dhoni is well in.
38.5 : R Khan to K Jadhav, Floated up on off, Jadhav lunges and tries to defend but gets an inside edge onto his pads.
38.6 : R Khan to K Jadhav, On off and it is kept out. Another over from a spinner which does not go for a lot.
39.1 : G Naib to MS Dhoni, Fuller and on off, Dhoni pushes it through covers for one.
39.2 : G Naib to K Jadhav, Short and on the body, Jadhav looks to pull but it goes off the glove fine down the leg side. The batters take two. Another direct hit from Afghanistan at the striker's end this time. No harm done though for India.
39.3 : G Naib to K Jadhav, Length and outside off, Jadhav opens the face of the bat and guides it down to third man for one.
39.4 : G Naib to MS Dhoni, FOUR! Poor, poor ball at that pace! It is halfway down the track, it just won't trouble Dhoni. He goes back and smashes it through backward square leg and it races to the fence. Second boundary conceded in this spell by Naib.
39.5 : G Naib to MS Dhoni, Shorter and outside off, Dhoni slaps it through covers for one.
39.6 : G Naib to K Jadhav, A short one to end! Jadhav ducks under it. 9 from the over. A much-needed big over. India will be looking for a lot more of such overs in the last 10.
Powerplay 3 starts! No more than 5 fielders allowed outside the 30-yard circle till the end of the innings. India would hope their finisher finishes off the innings in style. Whereas Afghanistan would look to get a couple of wickets more and restrict the Indian score to below 250.
40.1 : R Khan to MS Dhoni, The googly on middle, turns back in. Dhoni looks to whip it but misses to get hit on the pads.
40.2 : R Khan to MS Dhoni, Floats it up on off, Dhoni pushes it to covers.
40.3 : R Khan to MS Dhoni, A little too full, Dhoni hits it hard but to long off for one.
40.4 : R Khan to K Jadhav, The leg spinner on off, this is guided to short third man.
40.5 : R Khan to K Jadhav, Tosses it up on off, it is defended.
40.6 : R Khan to K Jadhav, A full toss and Jadhav works it through mid-wicket. The fielder in the deep fumbles but only a run conceded.
Mujeeb Ur Rahman comes on to bowl for the final time in this innings. He has 2 overs left in his spell and has conceded just a lone boundary so far.
41.1 : Ur Rahman to K Jadhav, Wide! Starts his new spell with a delivery down the leg side, Jadhav fails to flick.
Ur Rahman to K Jadhav, Turning down the leg side, Kedar taps it down on the leg side but straight to square leg.
41.2 : Ur Rahman to K Jadhav, Leans forward to a full ball and gently pushes it in the gap on the off side for one.
41.3 : Ur Rahman to MS Dhoni, Quicker and on middle and leg, Dhoni fails to get it away and it goes off his pads to mid-wicket.
41.4 : Ur Rahman to MS Dhoni, Loopy and full on off, Dhoni pushes it off his front foot to covers.
41.5 : Ur Rahman to MS Dhoni, Skidding down the leg side, Dhoni tries working on the leg side but misses. It goes off his pads to the off side.
41.6 : Ur Rahman to MS Dhoni, Presses forward and pushes it towards extra cover. A diving stop there to end a quiet over, only 2 from it.
Aftab Alam is back!
42.1 : A Alam to K Jadhav, Good running! This is short and on the body, Jadhav works it through backward square leg. They take one, Dhoni wants a second and they complete it.
42.2 : A Alam to K Jadhav, FOUR! Bad ball with fine leg up! Short and on the body, Jadhav helps it on its way, over that fielder and into the fence. 6 from the first two balls.
42.3 : A Alam to K Jadhav, Howzzat? The answer to that question is not out! Jadhav uses his feet and Alam shortens the length. Jadhav looks to flick but misses to get hit high on the pads. 50-run stand up, this pair needs to get going now.
42.4 : A Alam to K Jadhav, Walks down the track again and this is bowled very full, Jadhav works it through square leg for one.
42.5 : A Alam to MS Dhoni, FOUR! One bounce and into the boundary! Full and outside off, this is right in the arc of Dhoni. He lofts it over the mid off fielder and bags a boundary. Second in the over.
42.6 : A Alam to MS Dhoni, A dot to end but a very good over for India. Full and on middle, this is hit back to the bowler.
43.1 : Ur Rahman to K Jadhav, On the pads, Jadhav works it towards short fine leg for one.
43.2 : Ur Rahman to MS Dhoni, On middle, Dhoni pushes it back to the bowler.
43.3 : Ur Rahman to MS Dhoni, Uses his feet but does not get to the pitch of it, Dhoni works it to mid-wicket. Just the single from the first three balls.
43.4 : Ur Rahman to MS Dhoni, Just the single from the first 4 balls now! Very full and on off, Dhoni jams it back to the bowler.
43.5 : Ur Rahman to MS Dhoni, Five balls, one run! On the stumps, it is pushed back to the bowler.
43.6 : Ur Rahman to MS Dhoni, Flatter and on middle, this is worked through mid-wicket for one. Just two from Mujeeb's last. A very economical spell from him comes to an end. 10-0-26-1 is his figures.
Rashid khan comes on to bowl. his figures so far read 8-0-35-0.
44.1 : R Khan to MS Dhoni, What happened there? Comical stuff! A run out opportunity goes abegging! No way that should have been missed! Dhoni dances down the track but Rashid bowls it shorter. Dhoni looks to flick but misses to get hit on the pads. The ball rolls on the leg side. Jadhav wants a run and sets off. Dhoni too takes a start but then bails out. Jadhav has to return from the point of no return. Rashid gets to the ball and gently throws it to the fielder running towards the stumps from
44.2 : R Khan to MS Dhoni, Defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat.
44.3 : R Khan to MS Dhoni, OUT! STUMPED! Dhoni is out of here! Big, big wicket in the context of the game. Rashid Khan gets his first and it is an important one. Dhoni finally decides to take on a spinner, he comes down the track but does not get to the pitch of it. Still swings hard but it turns away. Misses the bat and Ikram makes no mistake behind.
Hardik Pandya Comes to bat. Indian team would want him to finish the innings with a flourish.
44.4 : R Khan to H Pandya, On the stumps, this is kept out.
44.5 : R Khan to H Pandya, The googly outside off, Pandya does not pick it. In the end, he gets some part of the bat to it. It rolls through mid-wicket for one.
44.6 : R Khan to K Jadhav, Shorter and on middle, this is worked through mid-wicket for one. Just the two runs and a big wicket for Rashid in this over.
Aftab Alam comes on now.
45.1 : A Alam to K Jadhav, A yorker outside off, Jadhav uses his feet and fails to jam it out.
45.2 : A Alam to K Jadhav, FOUR! Too easy! Down the leg side, Jadhav says thank you very much and works it past short fine leg for a boundary. India would want a lot more here.
45.3 : A Alam to K Jadhav, Another dot! A low full toss outside off, Jadhav looks to go over the off side but misses.
45.4 : A Alam to K Jadhav, Another dot! Gold dust at this stage! A low full toss on the pads this time, Jadhav looks to flick but gets an inside edge onto the pads.
45.5 : A Alam to K Jadhav, SIX! Just about carries! Brings up the 200 for India in style! On the fuller side and Jadhav takes a few steps down the track, makes it into a half volley and just extends his arms. It goes just over the long on fence.
45.6 : A Alam to K Jadhav, A single to end! Full and on middle, this is worked down to long on for one. 11 runs from this one.
46.1 : R Khan to K Jadhav, On off, Jadhav looks to flick but gets a soft leading edge towards the bowler.
46.2 : R Khan to K Jadhav, Jadhav uses his feet again and tries to work it on the leg side, closes the face of the bat too early and another leading edge is induced which goes to the bowler.
46.3 : R Khan to K Jadhav, Down the leg side and it has been wided.
Stumping appeal is referred upstairs. Not much excitement shown by Afghanistan though.
R Khan to K Jadhav, NOT OUT! Jadhav is in! But a lovely delivery by Rashid. This lands on off, Jadhav has no clue which way the ball is spinning. He looks to work it on the leg side thinking it is a googly but it goes the other way. Beats the outside edge and Ikram whips the bails off. An appeal and the umpire takes it upstairs. Replays roll in and they show that Jadhav has his foot down in time.
46.4 : R Khan to K Jadhav, Turn and bounce! The googly now outside off, this one takes off after pitching and and also spins back in. Jadhav looks to cut but is beaten by the extra bounce.
Kedar Jadhav is adjudged lbw and he has taken the DRS. That was a quick decision by the umpire. A googly wasn't read well by Kedar as tries flicking but misses. Is it turning down too much and missing leg?
46.5 : R Khan to K Jadhav, NOT OUT! Excellent review! That is slipping down leg. The googly again on the pads, Jadhav fails to pick it again. He is late on the flick. The appeal goes up and the umpire raises the finger. Jadhav initially starts walking but then Pandya calls him back and asks him to review. Time for the replays and they show that the ball is going past the leg pole. Jadhav survives to fight another day.
46.6 : R Khan to K Jadhav, On the stumps, Jadhav lunges and keeps it out. Just the single from Rashid's last. He almost had a wicket too. tremendous comeback from him in this game. He has gone for only 38 in his 10 and got the big wicket of Dhoni.
Gulbadin Naib comes on to bowl.
47.1 : G Naib to H Pandya, Fullish and on middle, driven straight back and it hit the stumps at the other end.
47.2 : G Naib to H Pandya, Play and a miss! On a length and outside off, staying low, Pandya swings and misses.
47.3 : G Naib to H Pandya, A couple now! Full and on off, Pandya hits it hard down to long off, it is a little away from that fielder so two taken.
47.4 : G Naib to H Pandya, Shorter in length and it is the slower one, Pandya pulls it hard but straight to the man at deep square leg. Only one. Pandya would be disappointed, he could have hit that anywhere.
47.5 : G Naib to K Jadhav, Again a couple! Another slower one and the length is good. Jadhav is early in the shot. It rolls through mid-wicket and the batters take two.
47.6 : G Naib to K Jadhav, Another couple! Jadhav dances down the track, stays leg side of the ball and lofts it over cover for two. Just the 7 from the over which is excellent at this stage.
Aftab Alam comes on to bowl.
48.1 : A Alam to H Pandya, Shorter and on off, Pandya hits it hard down to long on for one. Just the single, Afghanistan won't mind the singles.
48.2 : A Alam to K Jadhav, A yorker, not a lot you can do with that. Jadhav jams it out towards long on. Nabi there fumbles but it is only a single.
48.3 : A Alam to H Pandya, Brilliant, brilliant fielding! This is full and on the pads, Pandya works it through backward square leg. Rashid in the deep runs to his right, slides, the ball has almost gone past him but he sticks his hand out, the ball sticks and he saves two for his side.
48.4 : A Alam to H Pandya, OUT! Another wicket for Afghanistan! The short slower one on middle, Pandya looks to upper cut it but has no pace to work with. It takes a feather and goes into the gloves of the keeper. Afghanistan have a realistic chance of restricting India under 230 now.
Mohammed Shami is the new man in.
48.5 : A Alam to M Shami, Bangs this one short, Shami pulls it through square leg for one.
48.6 : A Alam to K Jadhav, On the fuller side, Jadhav takes a few steps ahead and works it through mid-wicket. Keeps strike for the start of the last over. An amazing over by Alam though, just the 6 from it and a wicket.
Gulbadin Naib to bowl the last over of the Indian innings.
49.1 : G Naib to K Jadhav, Rashid has hurt himself! He has saved two for his side with a tremendous effort but these are not good signs for Khan. Jadhav comes down track and he gets a full toss. He smashes it wide of long on. Rashid runs there and then dives with his right hand stretched out. The ball lands just in front of him and he manages to stop it. The physio is out though to have a loot at Rashid and the leggie now walks off the field. The batsmen take two and Jadhav brings his fifty up.
49.2 : G Naib to K Jadhav, Shuffles right across and sweeps it over square leg and on the bounce to the fielder in the deep for one.
49.3 : G Naib to M Shami, OUT! BOWLED 'EM! You miss, I hit! Slower one and on the stumps, Shami is way too early in the swing, he misses and the leg stump is disturbed. Three runs and a wicket from the first half of the last over.
Kuldeep Yadav comes out to bat.
49.4 : G Naib to K Yadav, Slower one again, Kuldeep does the right thing as he jams it towards mid-wicket for one. Does the right thing by giving the strike to Jadhav.
49.5 : G Naib to K Jadhav, OUT! Second wicket in the over for Naib! Once again an Indian batter falls to a slower one. This is bowled very slow. Jadhav dances down the track and looks to go over covers but does not get the desired elevation. Noor Ali Zadran, the substitute, takes it in the second attempt.
Jasprit Bumrah comes out next to bat.
49.6 : G Naib to J Bumrah, A single to end! Full and on middle, this is worked through mid-wicket for one. just the single to end the last over and another top class one this for Afghanistan. Two wickets and 5 runs from it. INDIA END WITH 224 FOR 8!
Outstanding bowling show by Afghanistan. They have restricted one of the strongest batting units of this tournament under 225. What a comeback from them! They were taken to the cleaners by England the other day and have bounced back in a grand fashion. Really a lion-hearted effort from them.
The pitch is on the slower side and the Indian batsmen failed to come to terms with it. They did manage a few partnerships but surfaces like these demand a set batsman to continue and make a big score. That didn't happen and India are left with a total that Afghanistan will feel is achievable.
When Virat Kohli won the toss, he said that it's looking like a great strip for batting. But soon we found out that it's a bit sluggish and timing the shots won't be easy. The Indian skipper though still batted with a lot of control and class and scored 67 at a strike rate in excess of 100. It was his wicket that hurt India the most as after that the middle order really struggled to score runs. MS Dhoni and Kedar Jadhav did put together a stand but they failed to kick-on at the death.
All the Afghan bowlers were brilliant, barring Aftab Alam, who started well but failed to maintain the same intensity. Mujeeb was the real star as he bowled exceptionally in Powerplay 1 to create all the pressure and also bagged the prized wicket of Rohit Sharma cheaply. Mohammad Nabi and Gulbadin Naib also did a decent job in the middle overs while Rashid Khan, after receiving a pasting against England, proved his mettle and removed Dhoni at a critical stage of the innings. Overall, a great tea
Mohammad Nabi gives a quick interview. Starts by saying the wicket is slow and the bowlers bowled well and the fielding also was excellent. States they looked to bowl more dot balls and hoped the batters will make a mistake. Ends by saying they will try their best and hopes their batsmen can chase this down.
Yesterday, Sri Lanka did the unimaginable. Today, Afghanistan have a real chance to do the same. But they will have to bat exceedingly well. In a similar kind of a chase against Sri Lanka earlier in the tournament, they failed to overhaul a total of less than 200. India possess one of the best bowling attacks in this tournament and one can expect them to defend this total. Should be an exciting chase. Do join us in a short while.