India Wins Battle Against Afghanistan

Posted by Aniket in News on 05 2nd, 2010 | no responses

India-Afghanistan “We will play in front of live camera”, this is what one of the Afghanistan’s player said when asked about representing their national team in T20 World Cup. Two years back they were languishing in Division-5. But their achievements in last one and half year have been extraordinary. Their journey to top-12 teams in world cricket is phenomenal. They lost the match but certainly they won many hearts.

India was playing against a set of 11 unknown players but it was a determined bunch of cricketers. They have followed Indian cricket for many years, they adore Indian cricketers and were up against their idols to give them a competition. To certain extent they managed to do that. But for former world champions it was a cake wake in the end.

Opener Noor Ali was impressive in his 50 of 48 balls. Some of the shots that he played were classic cricket shots. After loss of three wickets he along with Asghar Stanikazi put up 68 for 4th wicket. They both played well against Indian bowling attack Stanikazi in 30 runs knock hit three massive sixes one each to Jadeja, Yusuf Pathan and Harbhajan. But after 97-4 in 17 overs they lost the plot and managed to get to 115 in 20 overs. Nehra was lucky to get few wickets. He exposed their weakness against short deliveries. Ravindra Jadeja who missed IPL season was economical and managed to pick one wicket.

Dhoni Watches as Asghar hit massive sixes

Back foot punch by Noor Ali During his 50

It was good opportunity for Gambhir to spend some time in the middle and get some runs under his name before big battles but he got out cheaply. On the other side debutant Murali Vijay continued with his form in IPL and got 48 in 46 balls. Thankfully Yuvraj spent some time in the middle and looked good in 23 runs inning. In the end Dhoni hit two towering sixes and finished match in 15^th over. Nehra won man of the match for his three wickets. India will play the second match of group stage tonight against South Africa.

In another battle between two Asian countries Pakistan and Bangladesh, defending champion Pakistan won the game by 21 runs. Pakistan’s opening pair provided them solid start. Kamran Akmal and Salman Butt put up 142 for opening stand. 73 runs inning by both opener helped Pakistan to post 172 runs. Pakistan was put under pressure by Mohammad Ashraful and Shakib Al Hasan. But Ashraful’s 65 of 49 balls and Shakib’s 47 of 31 balls could not get Bangladesh to the finishing line. Two wickets by Mohammad Sami in 16th over ensured a win for Pakistan, Tonight they will play against Australia in their second group match.