Rohit Sharma faced another setback in the IND vs AFG T20I series, registering his second consecutive duck as he fell prey to Afghan pacer Fazalhaq Farooqi on the fifth ball of the opening over while chasing a target of 173 runs. Eager to take on Farooqi from the start, Sharma’s attacking approach backfired as he missed a length ball, resulting in the off stump being dislodged.
Afghanistan gained an early advantage with this crucial wicket, looking to capitalize further and defend their total. This follows Sharma’s earlier dismissal for zero in the first T20I, where a mix-up with Shubman Gill led to his run-out. Despite Sharma’s struggles, the Afghani team is currently in control, aiming to secure more wickets and strengthen their position.
Here is the video fo the dismissal of Rohit Sharma:
Farooqi castles Rohit in the opening over 😯
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On the flip side, Virat Kohli now has an opportunity to anchor the Indian innings and showcase his mastery as a chase master. Making a comeback to the T20I side after 14 months, Kohli’s last appearance in the format was during the T20 World Cup 2024. Notably, Kohli’s only T20I century came against Afghanistan in the Asia Cup 2022, marking his 71st international century after a three-year gap.
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In the bowling department, the Indian team displayed a commendable performance in Indore, restricting Afghanistan to 172 runs. Arshdeep Singh played a pivotal role, securing 3 wickets in the final over. Gulbadin Naib emerged as the top run-scorer for Afghanistan, contributing 57 runs from 35 balls with 5 fours and 4 sixes.
The lower-order, including Mohammad Nabi, Najibullah Zadran, Karim Janat, and Mujeeb Ur Rahman, played valuable cameos, assisting Afghanistan in achieving a respectable total. However, consistent wickets fell, with Arshdeep Singh being the most successful bowler for India, securing 3 wickets. Ravi Bishnoi and Axar Patel claimed 2 wickets each, while Shivam Dube chipped in with 1.
WATCH – Axar Patel Shines with Precision: Clean Bowls Ibrahim Zadran In IND vs AFG T20 Clash
As the T20I series against Afghanistan serves as India’s final bilateral tournament before the T20 World Cup 2024, the team aims to clinch the trophy and end their ICC title drought of the last decade. Despite a formidable run in the 2023 ODI World Cup, where Virat Kohli was the Player of the Tournament and top run-scorer, India fell short in the final against Australia. The focus now shifts to the T20 format, with India eyeing success in the upcoming World Cup.
