KL Rahul-led Team India defeated Afghanistan by 101 runs in their last Super 4 game of the Asia Cup 2022 in Dubai on Thursday, September 8. Both teams were already out of the race to the final, with Pakistan and Sri Lanka sealing the two spots with successive wins in the Super 4 stage.
After being asked to bat first, Virat Kohli's majestic century (122 off 61 balls) helped Team India post a massive first innings total of 212/2 on the board.
Rahul (62 off 41 balls) provided him with able support by notching up a brilliant half-century. Fazalhaq Farooqi (0/51) and Fareed Ahmad (2/57) endured forgettable outings with the ball.
In the steep run-chase, the Afghan batters surrendered meekly. Veteran Indian pacer Bhuvneshwar Kumar (5/4) made the batters' lives miserable at the crease during his four-over opening spell. He registered his second five-wicket haul in T20I cricket.
Ibrahim Zadran (64* off 59 balls) hit a fifty, but he did not receive any support from other batters. They eventually reached 111/8 in 20 overs and lost the match by a massive margin of 101 runs.
Speaking at the post-match presentation, Bhuvneshwar reflected on his phenomenal spell and said:
"I was just bowling in the right areas. I think it was my day, I was getting a wicket wherever I was bowling. Surprisingly it did (swing). If you look at the white ball it doesn't swing (that long) for 4-5 overs but it did today."
He added:
"Wherever I was bowling I was getting wickets. If you look at the two matches against Pakistan and Sri Lanka, there wasn't much swing and bounce as well. This wicket had more in it."
On India's journey in Asia Cup, he added:
"It's been a good tournament but when it comes to the team, we weren't in a good position. The matches against Pakistan and Sri Lanka were nail-biters. It's good ahead of the World Cup when you play the strong Asian teams. It's good to have such close matches."
Asia Cup 2022: India vs Afghanistan memes
Fans on social media enjoyed the encounter between Team India and Afghanistan. They expressed their reactions by posting some engaging memes on social media.
Here is a collection of the best memes related to the game:
Pakistan will face off against Sri Lanka in the last Super 4 match on Friday, September 9, in Dubai. They will then again clash in the final on Sunday, September 11, at the same venue.
Follow IPL Auction 2025 Live Updates, News & Biddings at Sportskeeda. Get the fastest updates on Mega-Auction and cricket news