Abu Dhabi, November 3
Former champions India snapped their winless streak at the T20 World Cup with a comprehensive 66-run victory over Afghanistan in a Super 12 Group II match here today.
India batted first for the third consecutive match after Afghanistan captain Mohammad Nabi won the toss and elected to field.
We wanted to get off to a good start which didn’t happen in the first two games. There was a conscious effort to lay a good platform for the other batters to express themselves later Rohit Sharma, Player of the match
We spoke in the team meeting that we have to focus on the chance we have (to qualify) and stay positive and hunt that chance down. The return of Ash (R Ashwin) was a real positive Virat Kohli, India Captain
Rohit Sharma (74) and KL Rahul (69) shared a massive 140-run opening stand to lay the foundation for India’s imposing 210/2, the highest total of the tournament.
Afghanistan managed 144/7 in reply but never threatened to reach their target after losing early wickets.
Group leaders Pakistan have booked their semifinal spot and India must win their last two games to have a chance of joining them in the last-four.
Scots can’t climb Gupt(h)ill
New Zealand opener Martin Guptill’s 56-ball 93 helped them claim a 16-run victory over a spirited Scotland and improve their chances of reaching the semifinals.
Asked to bat first, the Black Caps found themselves in a tricky position at 52/3 after the powerplay, with skipper Kane Williamson and Devon Conway falling cheaply, but Guptill and Glenn Phillips helped them reach 172/5. Guptill’s effort helped him become the second batsman after India’s Virat Kohli to cross 3,000 T20 International runs.
In response, Scotland managed 156/5 to hand their opponents, who thumped pre-tournament favourites India, their second victory of the tournament ahead of Super 12 stage matches against Namibia and Afghanistan.
Opener George Munsey (22) looked dangerous during his knock, which included two huge sixes off Ish Sodhi, and Matthew Cross (27) showed plenty of intent hitting Adam Milne for five consecutive boundaries. But frequent wickets hurt Scotland and Michael Leask (42 not out) tried to force the issue late on only to fall short. — Agencies
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