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In a chilly Mohali, Team India started their T20I series against Afghanistan with a resounding victory, showcasing the depth and resilience of their squad. The match, held on January 11, witnessed standout performances from Shivam Dube, Axar Patel, and Jitesh Sharma, ensuring a comprehensive win for the home team.
Dube’s Dual Impact
Shivam Dube stole the limelight with an all-round display that reaffirmed his prowess in both bowling and batting. After making a significant contribution with the ball, claiming the crucial wicket of Afghanistan captain Ibrahim Zadran, Dube turned the tables with the bat. His unbeaten half-century, a well-paced innings, included impressive strokes against both spin and pace. Dube’s ability to adapt to different bowling styles showcased his maturity as a batsman, and his finishing touches sealed the victory for India.
Axar’s Precision
With the absence of Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel stepped up to the challenge, delivering a precision performance with the ball. Employing a mix of stump-to-stump deliveries and well-placed variations, Axar picked up crucial wickets, finishing with figures of 2 for 23 in his four overs. His accurate lines and lengths posed constant challenges for the Afghan batsmen, showcasing his importance in the absence of other key spinners.
Jitesh Sharma’s Explosive Entry
Jitesh Sharma, known for his explosive finishing abilities in the IPL, made a mark in the T20I arena with a quickfire 31 off 20 balls. His aggressive style of play and ability to accelerate the scoring rate provided the necessary impetus during India’s chase. Retaining his place ahead of Sanju Samson, Sharma’s inclusion proved justified as he played a pivotal role in steering India towards victory.
Afghanistan’s Fightback
Despite the loss, Afghanistan exhibited moments of resilience, especially through Mohammad Nabi’s spirited innings. Turning 39 earlier this month, Nabi showcased his experience and skill, top-scoring with a well-crafted 42. Azmatullah Omarzai and Najibullah Zadran’s contributions in the slog overs ensured Afghanistan posted a competitive total.
Rohit’s Early Exit
Indian skipper Rohit Sharma had a forgettable return to T20Is, being run out for a duck in the first over. However, the team, missing the services of Virat Kohli, showcased their depth as Shubman Gill and later Dube and Jitesh guided the chase with confidence.
Balance and Bold Choices
India’s team management made bold choices by resting Kuldeep Yadav and opting for Washington Sundar. The decision paid off as Sundar, despite challenging conditions, delivered a commendable performance, contributing to the team’s overall balance. As the series progresses, this victory sets a positive tone for India, highlighting their bench strength and adaptability. The team will look to build on this momentum as they gear up for the upcoming T20 World Cup.