Suryakumar Yadav stands on the same pedestal as Virat Kohli even after playing only half the matches

India middle-order batter Suryakumar Yadav recorded his second consecutive half-century during the Super 8 match against Afghanistan in the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2024. Suryakumar Yadav equaled star Indian batter Virat Kohli's record in nearly half the innings in the shortest international format.

The Rohit Sharma-led team recorded a 47-run victory in Match 43 of the World Cup at the Kensington Oval in Barbados on Thursday, June 20. The Men in Blue posted a total of 181 runs for the loss of eight wickets in 20 overs. The Indian bowlers bundled the opposition team out for 134 runs in 20 overs.

Ace pacer Jasprit Bumrah registered sensational bowling figures of 3/7 in his four overs, including a maiden over. Left-arm wrist spinner Kuldeep Yadav picked up two wickets for 32 runs in his first match in the T20 World Cup 2024. Left-arm pacer Arshdeep Singh took three wickets for 36 runs in his full quota of overs.

Suryakumar Yadav Equals Virat Kohli's T20I Record

Suryakumar Yadav rescued the India team after the early dismissals of Rohit Sharma and Rishabh Pant. Yadav added a 60-run partnership in 37 balls with Hardik Pandya for the fifth wicket. Surya was dismissed for 53 runs off 28 balls, including five boundaries and three sixes, and scored at a strike rate of 189.29.

The top-ranked T20 batter came in at No. 4 when India was at 54/2 in 7 overs. Suryakumar played aggressively to shift the momentum in India's favor during the middle overs. The star batter reached his half-century in 27 balls with a boundary off Fazalhaq Farooqi, but was dismissed on the following delivery.

Suryakumar was named Player of the Match for his impressive batting performances against Afghanistan. The middle-order batter secured his 15th Player of the Match award in T20 international cricket, matching Virat Kohli's record. The 33-year-old batter equaled Kohli's record in nearly half the number of matches.

There's A Lot Of Hard Work - Suryakumar Yadav

Speaking in the post-match presentation, Suryakumar Yadav stated that he had a clear mindset about what he wanted to do. Yadav stated that he didn't mind giving the Player of the Match award to a bowler, noting that it's the first time an Indian batter received it in this tournament.

“I think there's a lot of hardwork, there are a lot of processes and routine involved in it. I am clear in my mind what I want to do. I don't mind giving this Player of the Match to a bowler. First time it's going to a batter (from India in this tournament), I don't mind. I think you just need to know your game plan, and just play accordingly. I still remember when Hardik came in to the bat, I told him let's bat with the same intent. Let's keep pressing the pedal and keep pushing, in the end very happy with a score of 180,” said Suryakumar.

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