Indian all-rounder Axar Patel continued his remarkable bowling display in the second T20I clash between India and Afghanistan, making a significant breakthrough by dismissing Afghani captain Ibrahim Zadran for 8 runs off 10 balls. Patel’s delivery, a well-directed length ball, deceived Zadran, who attempted to push but found his off stump knocked back.
Before Patel’s intervention, it was Ravi Bishnoi who struck first for India in the third over, dismissing Rahmanullah Gurbaz for 14 runs off 9 balls. Gurbaz was caught by Shivam Dube, who later added to India’s success by cleaning up Azmatullah Omarzai for 2 runs.
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As the seventh over concluded, Afghanistan reached 60/3, seeking to build a partnership to stabilize their innings. However, India dominated the early proceedings, aiming to restrict the visitors to a low score and clinch the series.
Here is the video of the dismissal of Ibrahim Zadran:
Axar bowls a beaut 🤌 and Zadran has no answers!
Watch #INDvAFG 2nd T20I 👊 LIVE now on #JioCinema, #Sports18 & #ColorsCineplex.#IDFCFirstBankT20ITrophy #JioCinemaSports #GiantsMeetGameChangers #INDvAFG pic.twitter.com/cBjAJbBW4U
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Prior to the match, the spotlight was on the exclusion of Shubman Gill, who was involved in a costly mix-up with captain Rohit Sharma in the previous game, resulting in Rohit’s run-out for a duck. Gill’s replacement by Yashasvi Jaiswal sparked criticism from netizens, who expressed their disapproval of Rohit’s decision.
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The match also marked the return of Virat Kohli to the shortest format after 14 months. Kohli’s last T20I appearance was in the T20 World Cup 2022 semi-final against England. Known for his outstanding form, Kohli had become the top run-scorer for India in international cricket since the T20 World Cup. Notably, he scored his 71st international century against Afghanistan in the 2022 Asia Cup.
Kohli’s return brought excitement to fans, as hundreds had become scarce from his bat. His last century came almost three years ago, making his return a much-anticipated event. Kohli’s exceptional performances led him to be named the Player of the Tournament in the 2023 ODI World Cup.
