In the Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 match at Kensington Oval, Barbados, on June 20, India got off to a great start in their Super Eights campaign against Afghanistan. Ravindra Jadeja’s outstanding fielding display, which won him the best fielder medal, was the match’s high point and demonstrated the Men in Blue’s all-around talent.
The focus switched to the Indian locker room after the game for the traditional best fielder medal ceremony. Rather than giving the prize to distinguished guests, head coach Rahul Dravid gave Jadeja the medal himself. Jadeja outperformed his colleagues with three critical receptions throughout his incredible performance.
After being awarded the medal, Jadeja held up Dravid and had a playful moment with Mohammed Siraj, calling him his hero and the greatest fielder of all time.
“This medal is very important, I am very happy to get this medal today, and especially I am very inspired by Mohammed Siraj, who is the best fielder, thank you, Siraj, Cheers,” Ravindra Jadeja said in a BCCI video.
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India won 47 runs to overcome Afghanistan.
Given that the pitch appeared to be favourable to both batsmen and spinners, Rohit Sharma made the right decision to bat first after calling the toss. Both teams made lineup changes: India added Kuldeep Yadav in lieu of Mohammed Siraj, and Afghanistan swapped Karim Janat for Hazratullah Zazai.
The captain was removed early on, which gave Sharma & Co a rough start to their innings. But India managed a competitive total of 181/8 thanks to an explosive 53 off 28 balls from Suryakumar Yadav and 32 off 24 from Hardik Pandya. Afghanistan’s bowling assault presented serious difficulties all through the innings, spearheaded by captain Rashid Khan (3/26) and Fazalhaq Farooqi (3/33).
Also read: T20 World Cup 2024: IND vs AFG, Match 43 Highlights
In reply, despite initial assertiveness, the Rashid Khan-led side’s pursuit never picked up steam. The Afghan batting attack was completely destroyed by Jasprit Bumrah’s outstanding bowling (3/7 in 4 overs). With constant pressure, the Indian bowlers bowled out the Afghan side for 134 in 20 overs, with contributions from Arshdeep Singh (3/36), Kuldeep Yadav (2/32), and Jadeja (1/20).
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