On this day in 2018: India and Afghanistan play out a thrilling tie in Asia Cup
Millions of cricket fans would have been biting their nails in tension on 25th September 2018, as India and Afghanistan played out a pulsating tie in an Asia Cup encounter exactly three years back. In this roller coaster of a match, Afghanistan batted first and posted a total of 252/8 on the board.
And, it was opener Mohammad Shahzad who scored a classy 124 at the top of the order and plundered the Indian bowlers to all parts of the ground. Shahzad struck 11 fours and 7 sixes in his knock, and his innings lasted 116 deliveries. The other willow wielder who contributed significantly to the total was Mohammad Nabi, who scored a quickfire 64.
On the bowling front, Ravindra Jadeja was the pick of the bowlers for the Indian side. In the 10 overs that he bowled, Jadeja picked up 3 wickets and gave away 46 runs. Kuldeep Yadav chipped in with a couple of wickets as well.
And that’s a tie !!!
Another amazing game of cricket. Three thrilling games in a row!
Well Played team India. #AFGvIND #INDvAFG #Asiacup2018— Afghanistan Cricket Board (@ACBofficials) September 25, 2018
In reply, openers KL Rahul and Ambati Rayudu started the Indian run chase excellently. The duo put on a partnership of 110 runs in 17.1 overs to set the tone for the Indian side. Both the openers scored half-centuries. But then, the Indian side lost a flurry of wickets after that.
Out of the rest, only Dinesh Karthik contributed a handy 44. And, none of the other Indian willow wielders could even cross the 30-run mark. The equation boiled down to 7 runs needed off the last over for India with just one wicket in hand, and Jadeja was the man on strike, facing Rashid Khan. Jadeja eased the tension in the Indian camp by scoring a boundary off the second ball of the 50th over, and the equation now read 3 off 4 balls. This further came down to 1 run needed off 2 deliveries.
And, that is when Rashid Khan struck. The Afghanistan spinner bowled a short delivery, Jadeja went for the pull and hit the cherry straight down the throat of the fielder at deep mid-wicket. India was bowled out for 252, and the match ended in a tie.
