Indian captain Rohit Sharma celebrates after scoring a century against Afghanistan during the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 Match at the Arun Jaitley Cricket Stadium in New Delhi on October 11, 2023
| Photo Credit: RV Moorthy
Cricket World Cup
Rohit Sharma’s brilliant display of batting prowess illuminated the skies of Delhi as India secured a resounding eight-wicket triumph over Afghanistan in their World Cup encounter at the Arun Jaitley Stadium.
The Indian captain’s scintillating knock of 131 runs from 84 deliveries, adorned with 16 boundaries and 5 sixes, formed the bedrock of the Men in Blue’s successful chase of Afghanistan’s total of 272 for eight. India reached a commanding 273 for two in just 35 overs.
From the get-go, India raced ahead with Rohit launching an array of exquisite shots while Ishan Kishan played a supportive role.
Rohit’s hunger for runs was evident as he effortlessly dispatched Fazalhaq Farooqi for a boundary, setting the tone for the spectacle that followed. He continued to dismantle the Afghan attack with his signature strokes, including a memorable pull shot against Mujeeb Ur Rahman and an impressive show of sixes and fours against Naveen-ul-Haq, Farooqi, and Azmatullah Omarzai.
Rohit reached his half-century in just 30 deliveries. Kishan contributed with sweeps and lofted shots against Mohammad Nabi.
Even with the introduction of Rashid Khan, the Indian openers maintained their composure, effectively neutralizing Afghanistan’s spin threat.
Also read |India vs Afghanistan Highlights
A Remarkable Milestone
Rohit achieved his century in style with a well-executed glided shot past the third man for a four, followed by a single. He celebrated by removing his helmet, gazing at the sky, and acknowledging the cheers from his teammates and fans.
The partnership between Rohit and Kishan yielded 156 runs for the first wicket before Kishan fell to a catch off Rashid. The crowd’s excitement then transitioned to their support for local hero Virat Kohli, who effortlessly added to the team’s score with elegant boundaries and quick singles. Even after Rohit’s dismissal to Rashid’s delivery, getting bowled out, India’s victory march continued unabated as Virat (55 n.o.) and Shreyas Iyer cruised towards victory.
In the earlier part of the match, Afghanistan captain Hashmatullah Shahidi won the toss and chose to bat. Openers Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Ibrahim Zadran settled in comfortably, capitalizing on Mohammed Siraj’s slightly wayward deliveries. Ibrahim impressed with his drives and flicks, while Gurbaz showcased his cover drive skills.
Gurbaz unleashed his aggressive side with a punch and a lofted six against Hardik Pandya and Shardul Thakur. However, the Indian bowlers quickly regrouped and dismissed Gurbaz, with Shardul showcasing exceptional acrobatic fielding skills. Shardul later claimed the wicket of Rahmat Shah.
At 63 for three in 13.1 overs, Afghanistan needed a stabilizing partnership. India then introduced spin through Kuldeep Yadav and Ravindra Jadeja, who restricted the scoring rate. Shahidi and Azmatullah patiently built a solid partnership before breaking loose against the spinners. Once the pace bowlers returned, Shahidi displayed his flair with slashing shots and Azmatullah showcased his ability to find boundaries through the midwicket region.
The duo added 121 runs for the fourth wicket before Hardik dismissed Azmatullah (62) and Kuldeep trapped Shahidi (80). From there, India maintained their dominance until the end, with Rohit shining the brightest.
Brief Score:
Afghanistan: 272 for 8 in 50 overs (Hashmatullah Shahidi 80, Azmatullah Omarzai 62; Jasprit Bumrah 4/39).
India: 273 for 2 in 35 overs (Rohit Sharma 131, Virat Kohli 55 not out, Ishan Kishan 47; Rashid Khan 2/57).
Lineups:
India: Rohit Sharma (captain), Ishan Kishan, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, Lokesh Rahul, Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav, Shardul Thakur, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj
Afghanistan: Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Ibrahim Zadran, Rahmat Shah, Hashmatullah Shahidi (captain), Najibullah Zadran, Mohammad Nabi, Azmatullah Omarzai, Rashid Khan, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Naveen-ul-Haq, Fazalhaq Farooqi
Denial of responsibility! Vigour Times is an automatic aggregator of Global media. In each content, the hyperlink to the primary source is specified. All trademarks belong to their rightful owners, and all materials to their authors. For any complaint, please reach us at – [email protected]. We will take necessary action within 24 hours.
