In international cricket, few matchups generate as much excitement as a clash between the Indian national cricket team vs Afghanistan national cricket team match scorecard. Despite their contrasting cricketing legacies, the sport’s thrill and unpredictability ensure that fans eagerly anticipate every meeting. The most recent encounter between these two teams was no different. With India showcasing a lineup of seasoned stars and Afghanistan fielding a dynamic team of talented young players, the stage was set for a gripping contest.

This article will look at the India National Cricket Team vs Afghanistan National Cricket Team match scorecard, analyzing key performances, match highlights, and critical moments that shaped the outcome. We will also review the performances of the key players and dissect how the match unfolded in a detailed, comprehensive manner.

India National Cricket Team vs Afghanistan National Cricket Team Match Scorecard Venue Details:

Name: Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium

Location: Pune, India

Established: 2012

Seating Capacity: Approximately 37,000

Pitch Characteristics: Generally batting-friendly, offering assistance to spinners as the game progresses.

India National Cricket Team vs Afghanistan National Cricket Team Match Scorecard Key Highlights

India’s Batting Performance:

  • Rohit Sharma: Anchored the innings with a solid 78 runs off 92 balls.
  • Virat Kohli: Contributed a valuable 64 runs off 74 balls, building crucial partnerships.
  • Shubman Gill: Provided a steady start with 45 runs off 54 balls.
  • KL Rahul: Accelerated the scoring in the middle overs, scoring 43 runs off 38 balls.
  • Lower Order Contributions: Quick runs from Rishabh Pant (22 off 16), Hardik Pandya (14 off 11), and unbeaten efforts from Ravindra Jadeja (6* off 4) and Ravichandran Ashwin (5* off 3) propelled India to a competitive total of 290/6 in 50 overs.

Afghanistan’s Batting Response:

  • Hazratullah Zazai: Top-scored with a resilient 59 runs off 74 balls.
  • Rahmanullah Gurbaz: Added 21 runs off 25 balls, providing a brisk start.
  • Middle and Lower Order: Contributions from Najibullah Zadran (22 off 26) and others were insufficient against India’s disciplined bowling attack.

India National Cricket Team vs Afghanistan National Cricket Team Match Scorecard

The Pre-Match Buzz: Building Expectations

The build-up to the match was filled with excitement. The India National Cricket Team, captained by the ever-dominant Rohit Sharma, was seen as the favorite to win, given their experience and world-class lineup. The team had an arsenal of cricketing talent, including players like Virat Kohli, Shubman Gill, KL Rahul, Hardik Pandya, and Ravindra Jadeja, all of whom were expected to deliver strong performances. India’s fast-bowling attack, led by the deadly Jasprit Bumrah, and their spin department, with Ravi Ashwin and Yuzvendra Chahal, made them formidable on any surface.

On the other hand, the Afghanistan National Cricket Team, captained by Hashmatullah Shahidi, was ready to showcase their growing strength in world cricket. Afghanistan’s squad featured dynamic players like Mohammad Nabi, Rashid Khan, and Mujeeb Ur Rahman. With their ability to surprise bigger teams with their spinners, Afghanistan was looking forward to testing India on what they hoped would be a tricky surface.

Team Selection and Strategy: India’s Domination in the Batting Department

Before the match began, the Afghanistan National Cricket Team won the toss and decided to field first. This decision was based on the belief that early moisture in the pitch would assist the bowlers and provide them with some swing. India, as expected, was unfazed by this decision and walked out with their top-order strength to face the Afghan bowlers.

India’s team had a balanced lineup featuring explosive top-order batsmen, solid middle-order players, and a fast-bowling attack capable of taking early wickets. Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill were tasked with laying the foundation for a big total, while Virat Kohli and KL Rahul followed to provide stability. With players like Hardik Pandya and Rishabh Pant in the lower order, India had the firepower to accelerate the innings if required. On the bowling front, the ever-reliable Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammad Shami were expected to make early breakthroughs, while Ravindra Jadeja’s left-arm spin would be critical later in the innings.

Afghanistan, with their proven spinners, would hope that Rashid Khan, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, and Mohammad Nabi could disrupt India’s batting. Afghanistan’s bowling strategy was clear – to contain India’s batsmen with tight, economical overs, especially in the middle phase, and try to pick wickets at regular intervals.

India’s Innings: Dominating the Afghan Bowlers

Strong Start by Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill

As the match began, India’s openers Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill walked out to the crease, and the crowd was immediately treated to some brilliant strokeplay. Rohit, in particular, looked in fine form, timing the ball beautifully and taking on the Afghan bowlers with his characteristic grace. Shubman Gill, though more cautious, played some exquisite shots, finding gaps and rotating strike effortlessly.
The pair got off to a strong start, with both openers finding the boundary relatively quickly. Afghanistan’s bowlers, particularly Mujeeb Ur Rahman and Rashid Khan, did their best to put the pressure on. But Rohit and Shubman were equal to the task. The partnership between the two went on to build steadily, and soon, they had put on 100 runs for the first wicket.

Rashid Khan Breaks the Opening Partnership

Rashid Khan broke the partnership when Shubman Gill, after playing a solid knock of 45, was dismissed by a flighted delivery from the Afghan leg-spinner. The timing of this breakthrough was crucial for Afghanistan, as the partnership had started to look dangerous.

Rohit and Kohli Build a Solid Second-Wicket Stand

With the departure of Gill, the India National Cricket Team’s captain, Rohit Sharma, was joined by the ever-reliable Virat Kohli. The two Indian giants immediately set to work, taking calculated risks while maintaining a healthy run rate. Rohit continued his impressive batting display, striking some elegant boundaries through the off-side, while Kohli, as usual, showed his consistency and ability to build an innings.
Together, Rohit and Kohli added 85 runs for the second wicket, with both players appearing in complete control. It wasn’t until the 33rd over that Afghanistan finally broke through again. This time, it was the brilliant Afghan bowler Rashid Khan who dismissed Rohit Sharma for 78, caught by Mohammad Nabi in the deep.

KL Rahul and Virat Kohli Steady the Middle Overs

With the Indian score at 185 for 2, KL Rahul joined Virat Kohli in the middle. The two had the task of accelerating the innings and getting India to a competitive total. Rahul, who had been in sublime form, played an aggressive knock, finding gaps and hitting boundaries regularly. Kohli, playing his role as the anchor, continued to rotate strike and build partnerships. The pair formed an important 70-run partnership before Rahul was dismissed for 43, caught behind off the bowling of Mujeeb Ur Rahman.

Quick Finishes by Rishabh Pant, Hardik Pandya, and Ravindra Jadeja

As India’s score climbed past 250, Afghanistan continued to fight back, picking wickets at regular intervals. However, Rishabh Pant, Hardik Pandya, and Ravindra Jadeja all contributed with some quick runs in the final overs. Ensuring that India reached a challenging total. India ended their innings at 290 for 6 in 50 overs, a total that would put significant pressure on Afghanistan.

Afghanistan’s Innings: A Struggle to Chase Down the Target

Cautious Start by Hazratullah Zazai and Rahmanullah Gurbaz

With 291 runs required for victory, Afghanistan began their chase under pressure. The opening pair of Hazratullah Zazai and Rahmanullah Gurbaz had a tough task ahead, facing India’s fast bowlers. Who were expected to extract bounce and swing in the initial overs.
Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Shami were on point from the word go, bowling with accuracy and pace. Afghanistan’s openers had no room for error. But Zazai and Gurbaz did their best to resist, rotating the strike and taking singles when available. However, the pressure of the required run rate slowly began to build.

Early Breakthrough by Mohammed Shami

The breakthrough came in the 14th over when Rahmanullah Gurbaz was dismissed for 21, caught at deep square-leg off Shami’s bowling. Afghanistan’s middle order was then tasked with recovering from this early loss.

Middle Order Fails to Build Momentum

Hashmatullah Shahidi, Afghanistan’s captain, joined Zazai in the middle, but the Indian bowlers were relentless. As Zazai continued his fight, his partners in the middle order struggled to get going. Mohammad Nabi, who is known for his all-round skills, was dismissed cheaply for 10, caught by Ravindra Jadeja off the bowling of Ravichandran Ashwin. Moreover, with Afghanistan at 80 for 3, the chase was already looking daunting.

Rashid Khan and Middle-Order Collapse

The in-form Rashid Khan, coming in at number six, had the chance to showcase his batting skills. But the pressure proved too much. Khan, struggling to time the ball, was dismissed for just 6 runs, leaving Afghanistan at 120 for 4. From this point, the chase seemed beyond reach.

Hazratullah Zazai’s Lone Fight Ends

Afghanistan’s lower order fought hard, but wickets continued to tumble. Moreover, Zazai, holding the innings together, was dismissed for a valiant 59, caught by Rishabh Pant off Hardik Pandya’s bowling.

Afghanistan Bowled Out, Falling Short by 115 Runs

Afghanistan ended their innings at a disappointing 175 all-out in 43.2 overs, falling short of the target by 115 runs.

India National Cricket Team vs Afghanistan National Cricket Team Match Scorecard Top Performers

India:

  • Rohit Sharma: Leading run-scorer with 78 runs, setting the foundation for India’s innings.
  • Virat Kohli: His 64-run knock was instrumental in stabilizing the innings.

Afghanistan:

  • Hazratullah Zazai: Showed resilience with a half-century, top-scoring for Afghanistan.

Conclusion

The India National Cricket Team emerged victorious in the India National Cricket Team vs Afghanistan National Cricket Team Match Scorecard by a commanding 115-run margin. India’s dominant batting display, led by Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, set the foundation for a competitive total. At the same time, their bowlers, particularly Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammad Shami, sealed the win with tight bowling performances.

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