Afghanistan scares India in ICC T20 World-Cup

Afghanistan's bowler Shapoor Zadran

Afghanistan, bubbling with enthusiasm and energy, scared India with the ball and a almost with the bat, but on the ground 20 overs is a long time to sustain that quality and keenness. At one time it seemed that they would restrict India at 79 for 5, but dropping Virat Kohli and Suresh Raina in just eight deliveries proved fatal and the only for the two added total of 53 further runs. 16 extras also facilitated India's recovery to 159 runs, but Mohammad Shahzad, Nawroz Mangal and Mohammad Nabi tried their best to chase with gusto, with 43 runs remaining in four overs, but R Ashwin dismissed Nabi when he had 31 runs for 17 balls.Two sides turned up at the R Premadasa Stadium, the underdogs who were clearly enjoying their day on the world stage, and the fancied team who seemed to have the weight of the world on their shoulders. Bigger tests await in the tournament, but the night we are discussing was about Afghanistan putting up the first show for a minnow in this tournament. Bravo Afghanistan for this enthusiastic effort.