Afghanistan captain Rashid Khan and Indian middle-order batsman Suryakumar Yadav had a fun banter during the Super 8 clash of the T20 World Cup 2024 in Barbados on Thursday. The friendly exchange took place after Suryakumar skillfully executed a few sweeps to neutralise the threat posed by the wrist-spinner.
SuryaKumar Yadav entered the crease at a crucial juncture for India, with Rashid Khan quickly dismissing both Virat Kohli and Rishabh Pant to put the team under pressure.
Displaying his class, the world's No. 1 T20 batsman smashed a four and a six off Rashid in the 11th over, forcing the Afghan captain to rethink his strategy. This light-hearted conversation between the two top T20 cricketers appears to have taken place soon after that eventful over.
While replays of the chat were shown, Ravi Shastri, who was present on-air, speculated what Rashid might have been saying to Suryakumar. “Stop sweeping me, he says,” Shastri says as the camera turns towards Rashid. The Indian batsman was also seen responding to Rashid and Shastri claimed that Suryakumar was saying, “It's not my fault!”
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Suryakumar Yadav played a brilliant innings under pressure and did not get fazed by the wickets falling at the other end and scored 53 runs in just 28 balls to take India to a strong score of 181/8 in 20 overs. He was well supported by Hardik Pandya (32), who batted brilliantly after Suryakumar's wicket to take India to a strong score in Barbados.
Earlier in the match, Indian captain Rohit Sharma won the toss and decided to bat.
India is undefeated in the tournament so far
Team India had a great start to the 2024 edition, winning three matches while one match in Lauderhill was washed out due to rain. India defeated Ireland by 8 wickets in their first match and then defeated arch-rivals Pakistan in dramatic fashion by defeating Babar Azam's side by six runs.
India then secured a place in the Super Eights with a stunning seven-wicket win over hosts United States, who had qualified from the group.