During the Super 8 clash of the T20 World Cup 2024 in Barbados on Thursday (June 20), Afghanistan captain Rashid Khan and Indian middle-order batter Suryakumar Yadav engaged in a lively banter that caught the attention of viewers. The exchange unfolded as Suryakumar confidently executed a couple of well-connected sweeps to counter Rashid’s spinning deliveries.

Stepping up in a crucial moment for Team India

Suryakumar entered the crease at a critical juncture for India, particularly after Rashid had dismissed Virat Kohli and Rishabh Pant in quick succession. While India’s top-order struggled against Rashid’s bowling prowess, Suryakumar seemed to relish the challenge. He managed to score some crucial boundaries off the Afghan ace spinner’s bowling, showcasing his skill with some exquisite shots.

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Suryakumar Yadav’s spirited battle with Rashid Khan

In the 9th over, Suryakumar swept a tossed-up delivery from Rashid to the backward square leg boundary, displaying his confidence and control. He repeated a similar stroke in the 11th over, lofting Rashid’s delivery for a maximum that sailed into the stands. Following these shots, Rashid approached Suryakumar, and the moment was captured on camera. Though the conversation’s details were unclear, commentator Ravi Shastri speculat?ed that Rashid might have jokingly urged Suryakumar to refrain from us??ing the sweep shot.

Here’s the video:

Bowlers seal the victory for India

Meanwhile, Suryakumar played a crucial role for Team India amidst their challenging innings against Afghanistan in Barbados. He formed a pivotal 60-run partnership with Hardik Pandya, stabilizing India’s innings. Suryakumar accelerated to reach his half-century from just 27 balls, while Pandya contributed 32 runs from 24 deliveries. In the slog overs, Axar Patel‘s intelligent batting propelled Men in Blue to a competitive total of 181 runs in their allotted 20 overs. In response, Jasprit Bumrah and Arshdeep Singh led India’s bowling attack with three wickets each, restricting Afghanistan to 134 and securing a crucial victory by 47-run for India in their pursuit of advancing further in the tournament.

Also READ: BCCI, Irfan Pathan and others react as Suryakumar Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah steer India to easy win ove?r Afghanistan in T20 World Cup 2024

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India won the toss and chose to bat first in the third match of the Super 8 round of the T20 World Cup 2024 against Afghanistan at the Kensington Oval in Barbados on Thursday (June 20). The match began on a surprising note as Indian openers Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli walke?d out to bat wearing black armbands. The touching tribute by the Indian players piqued the curiosity of fans worldwide, leaving them wondering about? the significance of this poignant gesture and the motive behind it.

BCCI reveals why Indian players are wearing black armbands

As the images of Indian players wearing somber black armbands circulated, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) swiftly unveiled the reason behin??d the gesture i??n a heartwarming post on X (formerly Twitter)

The Indian board conveyed that this gesture serves as a memorial to the black armbands were worn to honor the memory of David Johnson, a former Indian cricketer, whose untimely passing was reported earlier that morning. Johnson, aged 52, tragically fell from his fourth-floor balcony in Bengaluru. According to the media reports, local authorities have launched an investigation to determine the circumstances surrounding ?his death, with early reports sugges?ting it could be a case of suicide.

“Team India will wear black armbands today in memory of former Indian fast bowler David Johnson, who passed away on Thursday,” the post reads.

Team India will wear black armbands today in memory of former Indian fast bowler David Johnson, who passed away on Thursday. pic.twitter.com/dhFiwjnWSs

— BCCI (@BCCI) June 20, 2024

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Cricketing Legacy

Johnson’s international cricket career, though brief, saw him play one Test each against Australia and South Africa, taking three wickets in total. However,? he had a more significant impact in domestic cricket, where he represented Karnata?ka with distinction. Johnson took 125 wickets in 39 First-Class matches and made 41 dismissals in 33 List-A games from 1992-93 to 2001-02. His contributions to Karnataka cricket were highly valued, and he was a respected figure in the cricketing community.

Tributes from the cricketing community

The news of Johnson’s passing prompted an outpouring of tributes from the cricketing world. Sachin Tendulkar, one of India’s most revered cricketers, led the tributes, expressing his sorrow and offering condolences to Johnson’s family. Former Indian bowlers and Johnson’s state teammates, Venkatesh Prasad and Anil Kumble, also paid their respects on social media, sharing heartfelt messages that highlighted Johnson’s impact both on and off the field.

Deeply saddened by the passing of my former teammate, David Johnson. He was full of life and never gave up on the field. My?? thoughts ar??e with his friends and family.

— Sachin Tendulkar (@sachin_rt) June 20, 2024

Shocked and sad to hear about the passing away of David Johnson.
Heartfelt condolences to?? his family and ??loved ones. Om Shanti 🙏🏼

— Venkatesh Prasad (@venkateshprasad) June 20, 2024

Saddened to h?ear the passing of my cricketing colleague David Johnson. Heartfelt condolences to his family. Gone too soon �?Benny�?

— Anil Kumble (@anilkumble1074) June 20, 2024

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Indian skipper Rohit Sharma won the toss and elected to bat first against Afghanistan, marking the beginning of their Super 8 stage journey in the ICC T20 World Cup 2024 at the iconic Kensington Oval in Bridgetown, Barbados, on Thu??rsday (June 20).

Reason behind Mohammad Siraj’s absence

Rohit announced one change for the match, with spinner Kuldeep Yadav coming in for fast bowler Mohammed Siraj. Rohit believed that the pitch is expected to get slower in the second innings, which could be the reason behind Siraj’s exclusion from the side and the inclusion of the champion spinner.

“The track looks alright, don’t know how it’ll play. Feel it’ll get slower. Better than New York (laughs), we won there which was more important. Need to adapt now. We’ve been here 3-4 days and have practiced. Kuldeep Yadav is playing in place of Mohammed Siraj,” Rohit said at the time of the toss.

Also READ: BCCI announces Team India ho?me fixture??s for the 2024-25 season

India’s impressive group stage performance

India enters this Super 8 clash riding high on an unbeaten run in the group stage. They topped Group A with seven points from four matches, which included three emphatic wins and one no-result due to rain. This dominant performance has not only boosted the team’s confidence but also set high expectations as they advance in the tournament. India’s blend of experienced campaigners and dynamic young talent has proven to be a formidable combination thus far.

Afghanistan’s mixed fortunes in group stage

Afghanistan, on the other hand, had a roller-coast?er ride in the group stage. They started strong, maintaining an unbeaten record until their final group match. However, they?? faced a heavy setback against the co-hosts West Indies, losing by more than 100 runs. This defeat exposed some vulnerabilities, but Afghanistan remains a resilient side with the potential to challenge any team on their day.

Also READ: T20 World Cup 2024: AB de Villiers reveal?s a ‘strategy�?to break ICC trophy drought for Team India

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India are set to face Afghanistan in a Super 8 encounter of the ongoing T20 World Cup 2024 at the Ke??nsington Oval in Bridgetown, Barb??ados on Thursday (June 20).

Afghanistan’s dominance in the T20 World Cup 2024

Afghanistan, having dominated the group phase with three consecutive victories, faced a setback against West Indies, losing by a significant margin of 104 runs. Despite this loss, Afghanistan secured the second spot in their group, showcasing a strong batting lineup complemented by versatile all-rounders capable of turning the tide. Their bowling attack has also been ??in top form, solidifying their reputation as a formidable team in the tournament.

India’s commanding group stage performance

India concluded their Group A fixtures at the summit, amassing seven points from four matches. Victories against Ireland, Pakistan and USA propelled India? smoothly into the Super 8 stages, underscoring their dominance and strategic prowess in th?e early phase of the T20 World Cup campaign.

Afghanistan’s probable playing XI for the Super 8 game against India:

1. Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk)
2. Ibrahim Zadran
3. Azmatullah Omarzai
4. Najibullah Zadran
5. Mohammad Nabi
6. Karim Janat
7. Rashid Khan (C)
8. Gulbadin Naib
9. Fazalhaq Farooqi
10. Naveen-ul-Haq
11. Noor Ahmad

Key players to watch out for Afghanistan:

1. Rashid Khan:

• Spin Bowling Maestro: Rashid Khan is Afghanistan’s premier spin bowler and captain. His ability to bowl accurate leg-spin with variations in pace and flight makes him a constant threat to opposition batters. Rashid not only contains runs but also picks up crucial wickets in all phases of the game.
• Leadership: As the captain, Rashid provides strategic guidance and boosts team morale. His experience in international cricket and tactical acumen play a pivotal role in Afghanistan’s performance.

2. Mohammad Nabi:

• All-round Consistency: Mohammad Nabi is known for his all-round abilities, contributing with both bat and ball. His off-spin bowling is effective in restricting opposition batters, particularly in the middle overs. Nabi’s experience and calm demeanor add stability to Afghanistan’s middle order batting.
• Finisher: Nabi’s role as a finisher in the batting lineup is crucial. His ability to accelerate the run rate and score quick runs towards the end of innings often proves decisive in close matches.

3. Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk):

• Wicketkeeper-Batter: Rahmanullah Gurbaz provides solidity as a wicketkeeper-batters at the top of the order. His aggressive batting style and ability to score quick runs give Afghanistan momentum in the powerplay overs.
• Fielding Skills: Gurbaz’s role behind the stumps ensures the team maintains high standards in fielding. His agility and quick reflexes contribute to crucial dismissals and prevent extra runs.

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India’s probable playing XI for the Super 8 game against Afghanistan:

1. Rohit Sharma (C)
2. Virat Kohli
3. Rishabh Pant (wk)
4. Suryakumar Yadav
5. Shivam Dubey
6. Hardik Pandya
7. Ravindra Jadeja
8. Axar Patel
9. Arshdeep Singh
10. Jasprit Bumrah
11. Kuldeep Yadav

Key players to watch out for India:

1. Rohit Sharma :

• Opening Batting Power: Rohit Sharma’s role as the captain and opening batters is crucial. Known for his ability to score big runs and set the tone for the innings, his batting at the top provides stability and aggressive starts to India’s innings.
• Leadership: As the captain, Rohit Sharma provides strategic direction and marshals resources effectively. His experience in leading teams in high-pressure situations adds depth to India’s on-field strategy.

2. Virat Kohli:

• Middle-order Backbone: Virat Kohli is the linchpin of India’s batting lineup, anchoring the middle order. His consistency in scoring runs across all formats of the game makes him a vital cog in India’s batting strategy.
• Fielding and Leadership: Kohli’s athleticism in the field and vocal presence on the field boost team morale and set high standards for fielding. His tactical acumen and decision-making under pressure enhance India’s overall performance.

3. Jasprit Bumrah:

• Death Bowling Specialist: Jasprit Bumrah is India’s premier fast bowler known for his ability to bowl yorkers and slower balls effectively in the death overs. His accuracy and variations make him a potent wicket-taking option in crucial phases of the match.
• New Ball Impact: Bumrah’s skill with the new ball provides early breakthroughs and puts pressure on the opposition’s top order. His ability to swing the ball and generate bounce adds potency to India’s bowling attack.

Also READ: Keshav Maharaj predicts his 4 semifinalists of the T20 World Cup 2??024

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