India vs Afghanistan LIVE: Mohammad Shami steers side clear of shock World Cup defeat
Afghanistan were close to producing one of the biggest shocks in World Cup history
Your support helps us to tell the story
My recent work focusing on Latino voters in Arizona has shown me how crucial independent journalism is in giving voice to underrepresented communities.
Your support is what allows us to tell these stories, bringing attention to the issues that are often overlooked. Without your contributions, these voices might not be heard.
Every dollar you give helps us continue to shine a light on these critical issues in the run up to the election and beyond
Eric Garcia
Washington Bureau Chief
Mohammed Shami's final-over hat-trick broke Afghanistan hearts as India sealed an 11-run World Cup win at Southampton.
Mohammad Nabi's smart 52 had Afghanistan eyeing the greatest-ever World Cup upset, only for Shami to send him packing - then clean bowl Aftab Alam and Mujeeb Ur Rahman in the next two balls.
Shami's four for 40 and Jasprit Bumrah's two for 39 delivered a bowling masterclass to allow India to defend their paltry 224 for eight from their full 50 overs.
Please allow a moment for the blog to load.
20 India 86-2 Vijay Shankar 8 Virat Kohli 44
How has the wicket-keeper and Rashid Khan not seen that inside edge, that's very poor. That's a classic case of a bowler desperately looking for a wicket in a time of struggle.
21 India 91-2 Vijay Shankar 10 Virat Kohli 47
India are rotating the strike well out there.
50 for Kohli
Virat Kohli reaches his third half-centruy in a row with a single down the ground to bring up 50.
He showed his intent right fromt the start and has battled hard to turn ones into twos and making the most of the large outfield in Southampton.
It's not the most eye-catching knock of his career, but with Rohit Sharma and KL Rahul going early, it is very important in this game.
22.1 India 102-2 Vijay Shankar 17 Virat Kohli 50
Leg-spinner Rahmat Shah comes into the action for his first over.
Shankar the wastes little time in flexing his muscles and immediately finds his first boundary and India bring up 100
23 India 105-2 Vijay Shankar 19 Virat Kohli 51
Who would have thought we'd see so much spin in England?
24.3 India 114-2 Vijay Shankar 26 Virat Kohli 53
Here he goes, Shankar eases himself into Rahmat's delivery and lifts it over cover and away for four. Lovely stuff.
25 India 115-2 Vijay Shankar 27 Virat Kohli 53
Shankar's innings is on track and he is batting like a top-class number four out there. He's growing to be more aggressive with his shots while always looking for singles to rotate the strike and keep the run-rate ticking over.
26.1 India 122-3
WICKET Vijay Shankar (29) b Rahmat Shah
LBW is given against Shankar and India take it upstairs after a lengthy wait.
No bat.
Pitching in line...wickets hitting. Umpire's call!
India keep their review but lose a wicket.
India had not lost a wicket to spin ahead of this game but now they're lost three.
26.1 India 122-3 MS Dhoni 0 Virat Kohli 58
Here's MS Dhoni. He's usually 'the finisher' and may have expected to come in a lot later in the day, but here he is.
27 India 124-3 MS Dhoni 1 Virat Kohli 59
Dhoni starts with a typical defensive jab before he and Kohli hit a single each.
Rahmat asks for a slip towards the end of his over, but Dhoni is not giving anything away behind him.
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments