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India vs Afghanistan 1st T20I just concluded. After that, Team India captain Shreyas Iyer opened up about the performance of his side in the match against the Afghans. India National Cricket Team defeated the Afghanistan National Cricket Team by 7 wickets as they take a 1-0 lead in the three-match series at Arun Jaitley Stadium, New Delhi.
Speaking after the win, Shreyas Iyer credited India’s bowling attack and Jasprit Bumrah, who gave them a brilliant start, as he was happy with the team's overall performance. The India skipper also spoke about the game and the start Abhishek Sharma gave, and the way he and Ishan Kishan played and took the game away from the Afghans inside the powerplay.
India bowlers dominate the powerplay
Shreyas Iyer won the toss and opted to field first, as he has won his 10th toss in 11 matches so far, having led the side. India went with two spinners and two pacers. Vaibhav Sooryavanshi did not find a place in the squad as the Men in Blue went with Sanju Samson and Abhishek Sharma’s opening combination.
Jasprit Bumrah, who returned to the side after the injury setbacks in recent times, struck on his first over, sending back opener Rahmanullah Gurbaz for a duck, as Abhishek Sharma took a simple catch at first slip, and the speedster picked his 350th T20 wicket. After that, skipper Ibrahim Zadran and Sediqullah Atal were looking dangerous.
But Ibrahim Zadran’s run-out changed the match as they lost four wickets in the span of four runs. They were five down before the fifty-run mark, then there was an 83-run partnership between Mohammad Nabi and Azmatullah Omarzai, as the former was dismissed for 33 runs; Omarzai scored 64*, which helped the side to reach a decent total of 156/8.
Abhishek Sharma stood tall against Afghanistan
Coming out to chase, the Men in Blue were off to a flying start; yet again, Sanju Samson failed to convert his start into a big score as he was dismissed for 10 runs. Later, Abhishek Sharma and Ishan Kishan took over and kept the runs flowing as the former scored 82 off 32 deliveries, smashing 7 sixes and as many fours.
Ishan also gave good support as the two stitched a partnership of 121 runs off 53 deliveries. Kishan was dismissed at the very end, having scored 42 runs, and captain Shreyas Iyer finished the game for the side, remaining unbeaten on the score of 8* runs with 38 balls to spare.
"The way they bowled was a phenomenal effort": Shreyas Iyer lauds India's bowling
The Team India captain was happy with the team's energy on the field and also spoke about Jasprit Bumrah, who was brilliant in the comeback game. Shreyas Iyer credited the whole bowling attack comprising Arshdeep, Axar and Varun Chakravarthy.
Iyer said (as quoted by Crex), "Everyone worked in synergy towards the success. Bumrah is a great asset to the team and giving that start, creating the momentum. Arshdeep also bowled brilliantly, followed by Axar and Varun. The way they bowled was a phenomenal effort."
Shreyas Iyer credits Abhishek Sharma for his innings
Iyer, while further speaking on Shivam Dube, who went for runs in the last over as he felt bad for the all-rounder, also credited Ishan and Abhishek Sharma, who went on a rampage on the night.
"[On the last Dube over] There was no choice and you saw that. It was unfair for Dube as well, coming in for the 20th over and not able to gauge the pace of the wicket and how the ball will go on. It's absolutely fine. I'm sure he will go and analyze what areas he needs to work on."
He further added, "[On Kishan] Starting with Abhishek, the shots he played were flawless and exemplary. Talking about Ishan, he's been on a great form currently. The way he's been portraying himself in the dressing room and on the ground during practice sessions, he is relaxed, very calm and knows his game."
