(Credit BCCI)
India’s T20 World Cup 2024 Super Eight journey begins against Afghanistan today, June 20, at Kensington Oval in Barbados. Ahead of this crucial match, former India opener Kris Srikkanth shared valuable advice with Rohit Sharma and his team, aimed at applying pressure on Afghanistan.
India progressed to the Super Eight stage after an undefeated run in Group A, amassing seven points with victories over Ireland, Pakistan, and the USA. Their final group stage fixture against Canada was unfortunately washed out.
In contrast, Afghanistan secured their place in the Super Eight by finishing second in Group C with six points. They achieved convincing victories over Uganda, New Zealand, and Papua New Guinea, suffering their sole defeat to tournament co-hosts West Indies.
Kris Srikkanth’s advice for Indian Team
Kris Srikkanth highlighted that Afghanistan possesses a formidable bowling lineup, yet their batting appears vulnerable. In a conversation with Star Sports, he cautioned India against underestimating Afghanistan and suggested not allowing them to bat first due to their strong bowling capabilities.
“You can’t take things lightly against Afghanistan. They have a good team and a terrific bowling side. So, I was the Indian captain, if I was Rohit Sharma, I would like to bat first. Don’t let Afghanistan bat first because if that happens they will score around 160-170 and their bowlers are good enough to maybe defend the total. While Afghanistan’s bowling is very strong, their batting is very weak,” Srikkanth told Star Sports.
Srikkanth contributed significantly to India’s 1983 World Cup triumph, being a key member of the victorious squad. Over the course of his international career, he featured in 43 Test matches and 146 One Day Internationals (ODIs) for India.
Afghanistan boasts a formidable bowling attack, renowned traditionally for their spinners but currently buoyed by impressive performances from their fast bowlers. Fazalhaq Farrooqi leads with astonishing stats, claiming 12 wickets in four matches at an average of 6.66 and an economy rate of 5.58. Naveen-ul-Haq has supported him well, securing 5 wickets at an average of 11.80.
Their spin bowling remains a strength, spearheaded by captain Rashid Khan, widely regarded as one of T20 cricket’s greatest spinners. Rashid has taken 6 wickets in four matches at an average of 16.50. Noor Ahmad and Mohammad Nabi provide additional spin options for Afghanistan against India.
Conversely, India will rely on their star-studded batting lineup to deliver in this crucial match. Virat Kohli, despite not hitting peak form in the tournament so far, will be expected to lead the charge on what promises to be a more favorable batting surface.
India holds a dominant T20I record against Afghanistan, having won seven out of eight matches played between them, with one match ending in a tie that India clinched in the Super Over.
