IND vs AFG: India beat Afghanistan by 11 runs

India beat Afghanistan by 11 runs with Mohammad Shami’s hattrick sealing the fate of its Asian neighbours.

Despite losing wickets at quick intervals, Afghanistan seemed focussed on winning the game with a fine and stable beginning. However, the better side won the day.

India has set an easy target of 225 runs for the neighbours. The Afghanistan bowling has clearly stood out with skipper Gulbadin Naib and Mohammad Nabi picking up two wickets each. Four other bowlers picked one each.

India lost eight of its wickets while putting up a score of 224 runs in 50 overs. Virat Kohli and Kedar Jadhav scored half centuries, helping India steer past 200 runs in the first innings.

India had won the toss and chose to bat first against Afghanistan as the two teams play at Ageas Bowl, Southampton.

India stood strong with no losses yet in this edition of the ICC World Cup and the clash against Afghanistan was expected to add another couple of points to the Men in Blue’s account.

This clash against one of the World Cup favourites is extremely crucial for Afghanistan, who are yet to win their first World Cup match. It’s going to be a ‘do-or-die’ match for Afghanistan, for whom winning this match is the only way to keep their semi final dream alive.