Suryakumar Yadav and Jasprit Bumrah’s contributions helped India beat Afghanistan by 47 runs. It was India’s first Super-8 match. After winning the toss and choosing to bat first, India made 181/8 in the 20 overs. Yadav was the highest scorer with 53 runs. Afghanistan were bowled out for 134 runs. Bumrah and Arshdeep took 3 wickets each. Surya Kumar Yadav was declared the player of the match.
After the match Indian skipper Rohit Sharma said, “We adapted well and got 180, which was a great effort from the batters. We had class bowlers who defended it perfectly. Everyone came in and did their job, that's critical and we dwell on it. SKY and Hardik's partnership was critical at that point, we needed someone to bat deep which they did.”
Appreciating Bumrah, he said, “We know Bumrah's class and what he can do. Important for us to use him smartly regardless of conditions. He's willing to responsibility and he's been doing it for years.”
On playing with 3 spinners, Sharma said, “Have to assess conditions, opposition and based on that we're open to make changes if required. Felt three spinners were good here, if it's seamer-friendly next time, we'll go with seamers.”
An elated Suryakumar Yadav said, “Lot of hard work and practice has gone behind this. Lot of routine and process. I'm very clear about what to do when I go out. I don't mind giving this POTM award to a bowler as well.”
Speaking about his adjustments from US to WI, Yadav said, “You need to know what the game plan is. Keep the team first when you go out there. I remember when Hardik came in, I told him not to leave too much at the end, when the ball gets old/reverses. Just wanted to push the pedal, see where we get to at 16 overs, and take it from there.”
India’s next Super-8 match is against Bangladesh on June 22.
