Suryakumar Yadav dazzled with the bat in India’s Super 8 match of the 2024 T20 World Cup against Afghanistan in Barbados on Thursday, June 20. The dynamic batter smashed a 27-ball half-century, marking the fourth-fastest fifty of the tournament.
India, after winning the toss, opted to bat first. However, their start was shaky as skipper Rohit Sharma fell early. The situation worsened with Rishabh Pant and Virat Kohli departing after decent starts.
Suryakumar Yadav walked in at 54/2 after seven overs. Despite the pressure, he exhibited positive intent, countering Afghanistan’s bowlers with aplomb.
He scored his second consecutive half-century, finishing with 53 off 28 deliveries, which included three sixes and five fours.
Social Media Praises Suryakumar Yadav
Suryakumar Yadav’s batting brilliance earned widespread acclaim on social media. Here are some notable reactions:
“Bagging another half-century of the tournament, you’re a true masterclass in batting! What a stellar 50, brother @surya_14kumar. Keep it up!” tweeted Suresh Raina.
“The best part of this game so far was how Suryakumar Yadav played Rashid Khan. Outstanding skill from SKY!” commented Irfan Pathan.
“Good to see SKY back near his best. He’s an important cog in the Indian batting wheel. Crucial partnership with Hardik from 90/4. 181 is a good total here, batters have done the job. India to win by 20+ runs,” chimed in Wasim Jaffer.
Suryakumar Yadav and Hardik Pandya formed a crucial 60-run partnership for the fourth wicket, helping India post an impressive score of 181/8 in 20 overs.
Suryakumar Yadav Reflects on His Knock
During a mid-inning interview, Suryakumar Yadav admitted feeling a bit anxious after Virat Kohli’s wicket fell but emphasized his commitment to playing positively. He stated:
“That’s what I have practised. I enjoy batting during (7-15 overs) – that’s the most difficult phase where the opposition bowlers look to control things. I like to take charge in that phase, I enjoy it. I started chewing my gum harder when he (Kohli) got out. I just backed my game and my instincts.”
Talking about his bond with skipper Rohit Sharma, he added:
“I have played a lot of cricket with him (Rohit Sharma) and now under him, he understands my game. He knows my game, so he sits back and enjoys it.”
Suryakumar Yadav was the standout performer with the bat for India. For Afghanistan, Rashid Khan was the pick of the bowlers, finishing with figures of 4-0-26-3.
India’s strong finish and Suryakumar Yadav’s heroics have set the stage for an exciting Super 8 phase, leaving fans eager to see if he can continue his stellar form.
