During the Super 8 clash of the T20 World Cup 2024 in Barbados on Thursday, a light-hearted exchange occurred between Afghanistan captain Rashid Khan and Indian middle-order batter Suryakumar Yadav. The banter ensued after Suryakumar skillfully swept Rashid for a four and a six, neutralizing the threat posed by the ace wrist-spinner.
Suryakumar came to the crease at a critical juncture for India, with Rashid Khan having quickly dismissed both Virat Kohli and Rishabh Pant, putting the team under pressure.
Demonstrating his class, the world no.1 T20I batter struck a four and a six off Rashid in the 11th over, prompting the Afghan captain to rethink his strategy. The playful interaction between the two elite T20 cricketers seemed to take place immediately after that eventful over. Commentator Ravi Shastri, on-air as the replays of the chat were shown, speculated about their conversation.
“Stop sweeping me, he says,”
Shastri remarked as the camera focused on Rashid.
The Indian batter seemed to be responding, and Shastri suggested Suryakumar was saying,
“It’s not my fault!”
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Suryakumar Yadav played an exemplary innings under pressure, undeterred by the fall of wickets at the other end. He scored a crucial 53 off just 28 deliveries, helping India reach a strong total of 181/8 in 20 overs. Hardik Pandya (32) supported him well, adding late fireworks to boost India’s score in Barbados.
Earlier in the game, Indian captain Rohit Sharma won the toss and opted to bat.
India unbeaten in tournament so far
Team India has had a stellar start to the 2024 edition, with victories in three matches and one washout in Lauderhill. They defeated Ireland by 8 wickets in their opener and triumphed over arch-rivals Pakistan in a dramatic finish, winning by six runs. India then secured a place in the Super Eight with an emphatic seven-wicket victory over hosts United States, who also qualified from the group.
