/mazaplay/media/agency_attachments/EqX62rkwonI9tRKyXUEH.png)
Follow Us/mazaplay/media/media_files/XjJ3YN1GxggvuRAL8f4P.png)
Afghanistan Cricket (Source - Twitter)
India is currently hosting Afghanistan for a 3-match T20I series. The Men in Blue won the first match by six wickets, with an all-round show from Shivam Dube. Dube scored 60 off 40 balls and picked one wicket, giving out nine runs in the two overs he bowled. The visitors scored 158/5 in their 20 overs and played slowly under pressure. Ibrahim Zadran's side played an aggressive brand in the ODI World Cup 2023.
Ahead of the 2nd T20I, former opener Aakash Chopra has questioned Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Ibrahim Zadran's approach in the first T20I and has suggested they bat more aggressively in the second T20I against India in Indore on Sunday, January 14. The Afghans scored only 33 runs in the powerplay overs, even though they did not lose a wicket. While Zadran scored 25 runs off 22 deliveries, Gurbaz was even slower, scoring 28 balls for his 23 runs.
Chopra believes the team that wins the toss might want to bowl first in Indore as the ground is expected to be slightly dewy in the second innings. Virat Kohli, who missed the first match due to a family emergency, has been back with the side for the 2nd T20I and might feature as well.
If you have so much batting...: Aakash Chopra
The former opener said, "Afghanistan, what are you doing? If you have so much batting, why are your strike rates so low? Rahmanullah Gurbaz is a fantastic striker but in the last match, it seemed like both he and Ibrahim Zadran were playing at a run-a-ball. It seemed like neither of them wanted to take a chance."
"You associate fearless, carefree, explosive and destructive cricket with Afghanistan. However, if they play timid cricket and look a little meek, it's not enjoyable. Gulbadin Naib didn't even get to bat. If you have so much batting, play wholeheartedly and a little aggressive brand of cricket, or else play a bowler and drop a batter. If Gulbadin Naib is not going to get to bat, Noor Ahmad is sitting out, so play him. You have Fareed Ahmad also in bowling."