Team India registered their first win of the T20 World Cup 2021, defeating Afghanistan by 66 runs at the Abu Dhabi Stadium on Wednesday. It was their batsmen who came to the party first before the bowlers completed the job on the night.
Chasing 211, the Afghan team was never really in with a shot, losing wickets at regular intervals. The Indian pacers, Mohammad Shami and Jasprit Bumrah struck in tandem early on, dismissing the openers without a lot on the board.
Youngster, Rahmanullah Gurbaz looked good for a brief period of time, before Ravindra Jadeja dismissed him. Ravichandran Ashwin soon joined the party, picking up a couple of wickets to finish with a brilliant spell of 2/14 in four overs in his first game of this tournament.
It was a formality thereon for the Indian team, as they choked the Afghans out of the match. The win was much needed for Virat Kohli’s men after they were put to the sword by Pakistan and New Zealand in their first two matches.
Earlier, openers Rohit Sharma and KL Rahul put on a brilliant batting display on one of the best surfaces seen so far in this tournament. Both scored wonderful fifties in a 140-run opening wicket association, putting on a much-needed show for the loyal Indian fans at the stadium.
A promotion for Rishabh Pant and Hardik Pandya worked out as well, with both getting useful time in the middle during their quickfire cameos. The team went on to put this World Cup’s highest score – 210/2 in their 20 overs.
Here’s how Twitter reacted to India’s first win:
So great to see Team India’s performance on the field today, @ashwinravi99 you were brilliant tonight, @ImRo45 & @klrahul11 amazing partnership. Keep up the good work, more power to you! ???#INDvAFG #T20WorldCup
— Suresh Raina?? (@ImRaina) November 3, 2021
This is how it is done. India played like India. ?? #T20WorldCup #IndvAfg
— Aakash Chopra (@cricketaakash) November 3, 2021
#TeamIndia this is the brand of cricket you are known for! #INDvAFG #T20WorldCup
— Pragyan Ojha (@pragyanojha) November 3, 2021
Ashwin bowling well is always a great sign for Indian cricket in every format. Never easy to bowl so well after making a comeback after four years in white ball cricket. #Afgvsindia #INDvsAFG #INDvsAFG
— R P Singh रुद्र प्रताप सिंह (@rpsingh) November 3, 2021
Rohit Sharma = class #IndvAfg
— Ravi Bopara (@ravibopara) November 3, 2021
Perfect Diwali Gift from #TeamIndia Fantastic all round performance!#T20WorldCup #INDvsAFG
— S.Badrinath (@s_badrinath) November 3, 2021
India's Net Run Rate has gone from -1.61 +0.07. #T20WorldCup
— Ben Jones (@benjonescricket) November 3, 2021
#India has finally opened their account with 2 points in 3 matches.
Their NRR from -1.609 has now jumped to 0.073
However, is this, all too late?
?#IndvAfg #IndvsAfg#AFGvIND #AfgvsInd#T20WorldCup21#T20WorldCup#T20worldcup2021— Mohandas Menon (@mohanstatsman) November 3, 2021
First win for India in T20 World Cup 2021 – total team effort lead by Rahul and Rohit – finished well by Hardik and Pant – bowlers did a great job in restricting Afghanistan under 150 and improving the NRR for India. Time to rise again, this team is far better.
— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) November 3, 2021
An emphatic performance from start to end! ??
Well played, #TeamIndia ?
— Mumbai Indians (@mipaltan) November 3, 2021
New Zealand's 2 remaining matches are against Afghanistan and Namibia. If they win both matches, they will qualify for the semi-finals with #Pakistan #T20WorldCup
— Saj Sadiq (@SajSadiqCricket) November 3, 2021
India opens their account in T20 World Cup 2021 with a magnificent win over Afghanistan. India won by 66 runs and their NRR is now into positive.
— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) November 3, 2021
Nom blame Mohammed Shami
3-32
Every day is not your day. But if the day is yours_______will happen#AFGvIND #ICCT20WorldCup2021 pic.twitter.com/oxJHuVLsnm— Kondareddydwarampudi (@Kondareddydwar1) November 3, 2021
It's absolutely crazy to see Pakistanis are talking about fixing ?#INDvsAFG pic.twitter.com/M0AsdknhiQ
— Nikhil (@shr_nikhil) November 3, 2021
Superb win. Now two more Games. Keep adding to the NRR and let’s see what happens on Sunday when NZ play Afghanistan. #INDvsAFG at least cricket fans can enjoy their Diwali. Here is my take. pic.twitter.com/8j8C7pPU4a
— Boria Majumdar (@BoriaMajumdar) November 3, 2021
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