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| Source: zimbio.com |
- India 159/5 (Kohli 50, Raina 38) defeated Afghanistan 136 (Nabi 31, Balaji 3/19)
A scratchy performance for from India was enough to secure victory against minnows Afghanistan and virtually book their place in the Super Eight stage. India made the most of a sloppy Afghan performance in the field, which included four dropped catches. Virat Kohli and Suresh Raina both benefitted from those misses to top score for India. Afghanistan missed a chance to record a massive upset, losing 8/61 after a solid start.
The comeback:
It was a welcome return to an international tournament for India's Yuvraj Singh following his recovery from cancer treatment. Five years to the day since he took England's Stuart Broad for 36 off one over, he opened his account with a six and finished with 18 runs. Also chimed in with 3 wickets.
Who's hot:
India: Kohli looked ominous before holing out, as did skipper MS Dhoni who pushed India's total to 159 with some lusty blows at the end of the innings. India's spinners stopped the Afghani innings in its tracks.
What it means:
India: With an eye on the next round of the tournament, India will be looking for a marked improvement against England with both bat and ball.Afghanistan: Will be confident of causing an upset against England while rueing missed opportunities. The four dropped catches cost them more than 50 runs, not to mention the 16 wides and no-balls they bowled. Pretty much the game right there.
The Votes:
MVP: 3- V Kohli (half-century anchored innings), 2- Y Singh (Runs and started the Afghan collapse), 1- M Nabi (top scored and contributed with the ball)
Tucker Trophy: 1- M Nabi (dropped a couple of sodas), 2- Z Khan (went for 32 off three overs), 3- S Shenwari (dropped Raina and conceded six runs in one play, out for 1 in a very tame manner)
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