India faced Afghanistan in the ninth match of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 at the Arun Jaitley stadium in Delhi on Wednesday. The hosts, who had won their opening game against Australia, were looking to maintain their momentum against a spirited Afghan side. However, the visitors put up a brave fight and posted a competitive total of 258 for 8 in 50 overs, despite losing early wickets to Jasprit Bumrah.
Bumrah strikes twice in first spell
Afghanistan won the toss and opted to bat first, hoping to put pressure on the Indian bowling attack. However, they were soon in trouble as Bumrah, who had missed the previous game due to a niggle, struck twice in his first spell. He dismissed opener Rahmanullah Gurbaz for 4 and then trapped Rahmat Shah lbw for 12. Afghanistan were reduced to 28 for 2 in the eighth over and needed a partnership to rebuild.
Shahidi and Nabi steady the innings
The experienced duo of Hashmatullah Shahidi and Mohammad Nabi came to the rescue and steadied the innings with a 74-run stand for the third wicket. Shahidi played the anchor role while Nabi was more aggressive, hitting six fours and a six in his 48-ball 46. They took Afghanistan past the 100-run mark in the 23rd over and looked set for a big partnership. However, Hardik Pandya broke the stand by having Nabi caught by Kuldeep Yadav at deep midwicket.
Najibullah and Omarzai provide late flourish
Afghanistan lost two more quick wickets as Shardul Thakur removed Shahidi for 49 and Rashid Khan for 7. At 147 for 6 in the 37th over, they were in danger of being bowled out cheaply. However, Najibullah Zadran and Azmatullah Omarzai provided some late fireworks and added 83 runs for the seventh wicket in just 9.4 overs. Najibullah scored a fluent 58 off 51 balls with four fours and two sixes, while Omarzai smashed 42 off 28 balls with three fours and two sixes. They took Afghanistan past the 200-run mark in the 45th over and gave their bowlers something to defend.
Bumrah and Siraj restrict Afghanistan
India fought back in the death overs as Bumrah returned to pick up his third wicket by dismissing Najibullah in the 47th over. He finished with figures of 3 for 32 in his 10 overs, proving his worth as one of the best death bowlers in the world. Mohammed Siraj, who was playing his first World Cup game, also bowled well and picked up two wickets in the final over. He dismissed Omarzai and Fazalhaq Farooqi to end with figures of 2 for 49 in his 10 overs. Afghanistan managed to score only 29 runs in the last five overs and lost four wickets.
India face spin challenge
India will have to chase down a tricky target of 259 against a quality Afghan spin attack led by Rashid Khan, Mujeeb Ur Rahman and Naveen-ul-Haq. The pitch is expected to assist spinners as the game progresses and India will have to be wary of losing early wickets. Rohit Sharma, who is leading the side in Virat Kohli’s absence due to injury, will have to play a captain’s knock along with Ishan Kishan, who is opening in place of Shubman Gill. India have made one change from their previous game as Ravichandran Ashwin has been replaced by Shardul Thakur.
