New Delhi, September 12 (Daily Kiran) : Since 2010, the Indian and Afghan men’s cricket teams have faced off in nine T20 matches, with India emerging victorious in most encounters.
Notably, there have been four innings where the teams scored over 200 runs. India achieved this feat three times, while both teams surpassed the 200-run mark in one match. Here’s a closer look at those thrilling encounters.
On November 3, 2021, India first crossed the 200-run threshold during the T20 World Cup held in Abu Dhabi. In a remarkable partnership, Rohit Sharma and KL Rahul put together 140 runs for the first wicket. Rahul scored 69 runs, while Rohit contributed 74 runs off 47 balls, hitting 11 boundaries. Afghanistan, in response, managed only 144 runs, losing seven wickets. Karim Janat was the top scorer for Afghanistan with 42 runs, while added 35. India won the match by 66 runs, thanks to Mohammad Shami’s three wickets.
In another encounter on September 8, 2022, during the Asia Cup in Dubai, India batted first and posted an impressive 212 runs for the loss of just two wickets. Virat Kohli shone brightly, scoring an unbeaten 122 runs. Afghanistan struggled in reply, finishing their innings with 111 runs after losing eight wickets. Ibrahim Zadran was the standout for Afghanistan with 64 not out. India’s Bhuvneshwar Kumar excelled with the ball, taking five wickets for just four runs in his four overs. India secured a comfortable victory by 101 runs.
The third notable match took place on January 17, 2024, when Afghanistan toured India. In Bengaluru, India batted first and scored 212 runs, losing four wickets, led by captain Rohit Sharma’s unbeaten 121. Afghanistan matched this score, also finishing with 212 runs but lost six wickets in the process. The match proceeded to a Super Over, where India scored 16 runs. Afghanistan matched this total, leading to a second Super Over. India managed to score 11 runs, while Afghanistan could only manage one, giving India a thrilling victory.
These matches not only highlight the competitive spirit between India and Afghanistan but also showcase some remarkable individual performances.