India crush Afghanistan to score massive win

KABUL (Pajhwok): Afghanistan suffered a massive defeat as India ended their winless streak in the ICC T20 World Cup in Abu Dhabi on Wednesday night.

As a result of their emphatic triumph, India managed to keep their hopes alive in the mega event. However, they still have their way littered with challenges.

In the remaining two matches against Namibia and Scotland, India will have to in by huge margins to qualify for the semifinals. Their chances will improve if Afghanistan outplay New Zealand.

Placed above India in second and third positions respectively, Afghanistan and New Zealand remain the frontrunners for the second semi-final spot from Group 2.

Asked to bat first, opener Rohit Sharma smashed a quick-fire 74 to power India to their first win. He played a key role in India inflicting a 66-run loss on Afghanistan.

Sharma and KL Rahul, who scored a handy 69, provided India 140-run opening stand. Their partnership saw India race to 210 for two in their must-win Super 12 game.

Chasing the tournament’s highest total, Afghanistan were restricted to 144-7 in the stipulated 20 overs. Despite the loss, the Afghans are still in the run.

As Afghanistan’s star spinner Rashid Khan went wicketless and conceded 36 runs in his four overs spell, Naveenul Haq was thrashed for 59 runs.

mud

Views: 80