Afghanistan’s Bittersweet Start in Chennai
Is Afghanistan’s ODI debut in India a harbinger of things to come? While they did manage to scrape some respectability with Shahidi’s maiden century, their batting line-up still has a lot to prove. In their first-ever ODI in Chennai, Afghanistan folded for a disappointing 218, thanks in large part to Prasidh Krishna’s five-wicket haul.
Shahidi’s impressive 81 off 94 balls was the highlight of the Afghan innings, which began on a shaky note. Opener Ihsanullah was caught behind off Mohammed Shami’s first delivery, and from there on, it was a steady decline. Shahidi and Najibullah shared a crucial 61-run partnership, but their departure left Afghanistan reeling at 134 for 7.
Prasidh Krishna, who has been in excellent form of late, picked up his fifth wicket in the 36th over when he sent back Asghar Afghan for a duck. He finished with 5 for 55, restricting Afghanistan to a meagre 218. The visitors’ woes were compounded when they lost their last three wickets in quick succession, with Prasidh snaring the final wicket as well.
India’s Bowling Attack Proves Too Strong
The Indian bowling attack, which has been a point of concern in recent times, showed signs of improvement in the first innings. Prasidh Krishna and Mohammed Shami led the charge, while Kuldeep Yadav and Shardul Thakur chipped in with crucial wickets. The Indian spinners, in particular, looked more effective, with Kuldeep’s 2 for 34 the pick of the bunch.
India’s pace attack, which has been struggling to find consistency, also showed glimpses of their old selves. Mohammed Shami’s early breakthrough and Prasidh Krishna’s five-wicket haul will give the Indian camp a lot to think about. While the bowling unit still has a long way to go, this performance will certainly give them a fillip.
As for Afghanistan, they will have to regroup and put up a much stronger show if they hope to make a dent in the tournament. Shahidi’s maiden century was a welcome sight for the Afghan fans, but it will be hard to forget the manner in which they folded against a relatively inexperienced Indian bowling attack.