World Cup 2023: Rohit Sharma Scores Record World Cup Century as India Defeats Afghanistan by 8 Wickets

World Cup 2023: Rohit Sharma Scores Record World Cup Century as India Defeats Afghanistan by 8 Wickets

11/10/2023 (JKNN) :
Rohit Sharma showcased his exceptional skills, securing a record-breaking century and guiding India to a dominant eight-wicket victory over Afghanistan in the ODI World Cup held in Delhi on Wednesday.

Choosing to bat, Afghanistan reached a total of 272 for eight, with Hasmatullah Shahidi contributing a determined 80 and Azmatullah Omarazai displaying his grit with 62 runs.

Rohit Sharma, the Indian captain, was in an unstoppable form, scoring 131 runs off 84 balls and exhibiting a wide range of strokes. His remarkable seventh World Cup century, achieved in just 63 balls, enabled India to chase down the target within 35 overs, significantly improving their net run-rate before their upcoming clash against arch-rivals Pakistan on October 14.

Jasprit Bumrah was the standout bowler for India, delivering an impressive performance in both the powerplay and death overs, finishing with figures of 4 for 39 in 10 overs, marking his best World Cup performance.

While the ball didn’t offer much turn, Kuldeep Yadav’s figures were tidy at one for 40 in 10 overs.

Afghanistan had a somewhat challenging start, reaching 48 for one in the opening Powerplay. Bumrah created the breakthrough with a short of length ball that straightened and took the outside edge off Ibrahim Zadran’s bat.

Although Mohammed Siraj struggled initially, leaking 28 runs from his first 24 balls, Bumrah’s performance compensated for it. Siraj ultimately conceded 76 runs off his nine overs.

The opening pair of Ibrahim Zadran and Rahmanullah Gurbaz collected boundaries off Siraj, with Gurbaz and Rahmat Shah falling in quick succession.

Azmatullah Omarzai, who was promoted up the order, impressed with boundaries, while Hasmatullah Shahidi played a supporting role.

Omarzai’s innings stood out as he comfortably faced the Indian spin duo of Ravindra Jadeja and Kuldeep, hitting Kuldeep for three crucial sixes.

Shahidi, on the other hand, excelled in cuts against the pacers and executed a brilliant ramp shot off Hardik Pandya.

Despite Rashid Khan’s late efforts, Afghanistan only managed to score 61 runs in the last 10 overs while losing four wickets.

JKNN