Asia Cup 2018: Rashid, Shahzad help Afghanistan stun India with a tie

More than the result, Afghanistan’s performance was reiteration that they are ready to take on any team in shorter formats of the game

                             Afghanistan cricket Team. Photo: @ICC

Afghanistan’s unheralded bunch made the biggest impact in their nascent international careers by pulling off a thrilling tie which in fact was a moral victory against India in one of the most memorable encounters in the history of Asia Cup.

Twenty20 cricket’s global superstar Rashid Khan showed a big heart as he defended only seven runs that a second string India required in order to chase down a target of 253 in the final Super Four encounter on Wednesday.

With the dangerous Ravindra Jadeja almost clinching the victory with a boundary and then No 11 Khaleel Ahmed scampering home for his life to tie the scores, only a single was all that was required off two deliveries.| Asia Cup 2018

If inexperience cost them dearly in the two games against Sri Lanka and Bangladesh, the rub of the green went their way as Rashid bowled a rank half-tracker, a delivery that Jadeja would have dispatched in the Dubai International Stadium gallery.

But to the Indian team’s horror, he didn’t get the timing right and the resultant catch was taken by Najibullah Zadran, who covered some distance to take a fine running catch at deep mid-wicket region.

More (Sports) than the result, Afghanistan’s performance was reiteration that they are ready to take on any team in shorter formats of the game.

India’s support was vociferous but the bravehearts from the war-torn nation became sentimental favourites as the tournament progressed as they won hearts with their raw talent and cent per cent commitment.

Opener Mohammad Shahzad had set up the game for Afghanistan with a whirlwind 124 off 116, the most significant hundred of his career, to take his team to 252 for eight.

The 253-run target was a tricky one for India. India, who have already qualified for the final on Friday, remained unbeaten in the competition though they were left disappointed with the tie. Afghanistan players, on the other hand, can go back home with their heads held high, having competed hard in the tournament.

India made as many as five changes in the eleven to give an opportunity to the reserves and rest key players including captain Rohit Sharma, Shikhar Dhawan, Jasprit Bumrah, Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Yuzvendra Chahal.

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