Afghanistan, India Shine in T20 World Cup Thrillers

PROVIDENCE, Guyana – Afghanistan and India delivered standout performances in the T20 World Cup, with bowlers and batters alike rewriting narratives and securing historic victories. Afghanistan’s Fazalhaq Farooqi dismantled New Zealand‘s batting lineup, while India’s Jasprit Bumrah and Hardik Pandya orchestrated a dramatic final win against South Africa.

In Providence, Farooqi stunned New Zealand with a fiery spell, taking three early wickets to leave them reeling at 28 for 3 in 4.2 overs. His inswinger uprooted Finn Allen‘s leg stump on the first ball, and he later dismissed Devon Conway and Daryl Mitchell. New Zealand collapsed to 75 all out, with Farooqi finishing with 4 wickets. “Farooqi showed why Afghanistan’s pace attack deserves recognition,” said ESPNcricinfo analyst Hemant Brar.

Meanwhile, in Bridgetown, India clinched the T20 World Cup title in a nail-biting final against South Africa. Bumrah’s precision bowling in the death overs, conceding just six runs in his final two overs, turned the tide. Pandya sealed the victory by dismissing David Miller and Kagiso Rabada in the final over. “Bumrah’s genius and Pandya’s composure under pressure were the difference,” Brar noted.

Afghanistan’s Gulbadin Naib also made headlines in Kingstown, outshining Pat Cummins‘ hat-trick with a four-wicket haul against Australia. Naib’s crucial dismissals of Marcus Stoinis, Tim David, Glenn Maxwell, and Cummins propelled Afghanistan to a historic win. “Naib’s performance was a masterclass in bowling under pressure,” Brar added.

In Dunedin, New Zealand’s Finn Allen smashed a record-breaking 137 off 62 balls against Pakistan, featuring 16 sixes. His explosive innings, which included 47 runs off 14 balls against Haris Rauf, set a new benchmark for T20 batting. “Allen’s innings was pure carnage,” said Brar.

India’s Rohit Sharma also shone in Gros Islet, smashing 92 off 41 balls against Australia to secure a semi-final berth. His aggressive batting, including seven fours and eight sixes, set the stage for a 200-plus total. “Rohit’s innings was a reminder of his ability to dominate in high-stakes games,” Brar remarked.

Virat Kohli‘s anchoring role in the final, scoring 76 off 59 balls, proved pivotal for India. Despite a slow middle phase, his late acceleration helped India post 176 for 7, the highest total in a T20 World Cup final. “Kohli’s ability to adapt and deliver in crunch moments was crucial,” Brar concluded.