The first match of Super 8 Group 1 in the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2024 pitted India against Afghanistan in a game in which Men in Blue prevailed by 47-run at the Kensington Oval with the explosive batter Suryakumar Yadav playing an instrumental role. Having set Afghanistan 182 to win in Bridgetown, India’s bowlers did a fine job to completely control the chase, with the game being long-won well before the final delivery. We take a look at some of the major takeaways from India’s victorious outing at the Kensington Oval. ICC T20 World Cup 2024: Ravindra Jadeja Secures ‘Fielder of the Match’ Medal Following Win Over Afghanistan.

India vs Afghanistan

Jasprit Bumrah Wicket Celebration with India Cricket Team (Photo Credit: Twitter/@JayShah)

After ten overs, India were 79/3, having lost Rohit Sharma, Rishabh Pant, and Virat Kohli. But Suryakumar Yadav's combination with Hardik Pandya put them back on track, resulting in a good first-innings score of 181/8. In response, Afghanistan were bowled out for 134, owing in large part to an outstanding performance from Jasprit Bumrah, who concluded with figures of 3/7.

IND vs AFG ICC T20 World Cup 2024 Stat Highlights

SKY's the limit for Suryakumar Yadav

Suryakumar Yadav (Photo Credit: Twitter/@T20WorldCup)

Suryakumar's second consecutive half-century in the ICC T20 World Cup 2024 came with a strike rate of nearly 190, which was certainly exceptional, coming in at the conclusion of the seventh over. SKY most certainly did that for India, and his courage and concentration combined to produce a powerful and impactful innings that bodes well as India seeks to advance further in the competition. 

India’s middle order 

Hardik Pandya (Photo Credit: Twitter/@BCCI)

The game against Afghanistan offered just a middle-order opportunity, particularly after Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli struggled to provide a fast start at the top of the order. Hardik Pandya's 32 was vital in rebuilding the innings while also demonstrating the ability to clear the ropes, which he'll likely need as the designated No.6. 

The brilliance of Bumrah

Jasprit Bumrah (Photo Credit: Twitter/@BCCI)

The ever-dependable, ever-impressive Jasprit Bumrah put in another brilliant performance, taking 3/7 to deny Afghanistan any hope of edging in on the mark. He had previously won POTM awards against Ireland and Pakistan. Knowing that they can call on a superb bowler in peak wicket-taking form to turn the game around is a powerful card that India have in their pocket. ICC T20 World Cup 2024: Afghanistan Captain Rashid Khan After Suffering Loss Against India, Says ‘We Thought We Could Chase 170–180’.

Rashid Khan remains reliably world-class

Rashid Khan (Photo Credit: Twitter/@T20WorldCup)

The quality of Rashid is no secret, but his performance against India is a reminder that he is one of the best spinners in T20 cricket. He was outstanding in this game, helping tie India down and dismissing three big wickets -- Virat Kohli, Rishabh Pant and Shivam Dube. His figures of 3/26 were the most economical of all of Afghanistan's six bowlers, and they don't quite capture the control he had during India's middle overs.