Afghanistan and India will face off in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 Super Eight match at Kensington Oval in Barbados. Afghanistan, led by Rashid Khan, have performed well in the tournament so far, with three wins in four matches. They will now face the challenge of playing against the top-ranked T20 team, India, whose bowlers could pose a threat to Afghanistan’s middle-order batters. Despite the tough competition, Afghanistan coach Jonathan Trott remains confident that his team will approach the match like any other game and give their best performance.
Trott acknowledged that India will be the favorites to win the game, but believes that this will also put pressure on Rohit Sharma’s team. He emphasized the importance of considering the players’ overall records and not just recent form when assessing their opponents. Trott highlighted that all Indian batters are a threat and that any player can change the game on their day. However, Afghanistan will look for ways to exploit any weaknesses in the Indian lineup while remaining focused on their own strengths.
India’s head coach Rahul Dravid commended Afghanistan’s performance in the tournament so far, calling them a very dangerous team in the T20 format. He emphasized the need for flexibility in the approach to the game based on the situation and ground conditions. Dravid acknowledged the challenge posed by Afghanistan’s bowling attack, led by Fazalhaq Farooqi and Rashid Khan. He expressed confidence in India’s skills, balance, and depth to counter Afghanistan’s bowlers and perform well in the match.
The pitch condition at Kensington Oval has not favored bowlers, with only one team crossing the 200-run mark so far. Teams winning the toss have opted to field first in all previous games at the venue. The weather forecast for the match is clear, with partial cloud cover and humid conditions during the day. India holds a 7-0 head-to-head record over Afghanistan in T20 matches, with one game ending in a no result. Both teams have won three of their four matches in the tournament, with India being unbeaten and Afghanistan suffering a defeat to West Indies in their last outing.
In terms of team news, Afghanistan is expected to field the same side that faced West Indies in their last match. The squad includes key players like Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Mohammad Nabi, and Rashid Khan. On the other hand, India is likely to stick with the same playing XI from their last completed match against the USA. The squad features experienced players like Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Jasprit Bumrah. Both teams will be eager to secure a victory in this crucial Super Eight match and advance in the T20 World Cup.
