Follow UsIndia have begun their Super Eight journey on a high, defeating Afghanistan in a largely one-sided game. India first scored 181/8 on a slow track and then bundled out Afghanistan for 134, winning the game by 47 runs.
Indian skipper Rohit Sharma credited the Indian side's adaptability to their familiarity with the conditions in Barbados. India played all their group-stage games in the US before moving to the Windies for the Super Eight stage of the World Cup.
“The last two years we've played T20s here, so we understand the conditions and planned accordingly,” 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. We know Bumrah's class and what he can do. It is 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 three spinners) We have to assess conditions, opposition and based on that, we're open to making changes if required. Felt three spinners were good here, if it's seamer-friendly next time, we'll go with [three] seamers.”
Suryakumar Yadav was the star batter for the Indian team that day. Despite Sharma and Virat Kohli departing early, Yadav batted in characteristic fashion and scored 53 runs in 28 balls with three sixes and five fours. He became the Player of the Match for this performance.
“A lot of hard work and practice has gone behind this. Lot of routine and process,” Yadav said.
“I'm very clear about what to do when I go out. I don't mind giving this Player of the Match award to a bowler as well. [This is] First for a batter [in this World Cup], hopefully [it will be] first of many.”
Meanwhile, Afghanistan skipper Rashid Khan found faults in how his side executed their plans in the game.
“We knew we'd be chasing 160-170 given it was against a bigger team,” Rashid said.
“We could've done it had we executed smarter. My bowling has been coming out well. I struggled early in the IPL, but I am hitting the right areas consistently. But it's the match result that matters most. We've enjoyed our cricket everywhere, but our mindset is what matters. If the conditions are helpful, we'll use it depending on if it's a batting or bowling track.”
India will play their next Super Eight game against Bangladesh on June 22 at Sir Vivian Richard’s Stadium in North Sound, Antigua.
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