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
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.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.
30 India 130-3 MS Dhoni 3 Virat Kohli 66
The gaps in the field always look a lot bigger when Kohli is at the crease and right now he is taking full advantage of the large outfield with another two to begin the over.
India, no matter who is at the crease, always do a superb job at keeping him on strike, and that is no different today.
30 India 130-3 MS Dhoni 3 Virat Kohli 66
What kind of innings can Dhoni put together?
India 135-4
WICKET! Kohli (67) c Rahmat Shah b Mohammad Nabi
It's the big one and the ground is stunned into silence!
Well, who saw that coming?
Kohli was set for a big innings and all of a sudden he is slicing the ball straight to Rahmat at third man. It seems he mis-read the bounce on the pitch and goodness is he angry with himself.
31.1 India 136-4 MS Dhoni 4 Kedar Jadhav 1
Woah, that's some delivery from Rahmat, who gets it to turn about a foot to the left from where it bounced.
33 India 143-4 MS Dhoni 5 Kedar Jadhav 6
Afghanistan need to try and make Dhoni do something a little different here otherwise he will be prepped and ready to unleash everything he has in the final few overs.
You do however sense that Afghanistan are in control here and India may struggled to get 300.
35 India 151-4 MS Dhoni 8 Kedar Jadhav 11
The match has fallen into something of a lull after Virat Kohi's shock exit. You feel that India are just biding their time before they unleash havoc in the final overs, they still have a decent tail to come.
36 India 151-4 MS Dhoni 8 Kedar Jadhav 11
Mujeeb, who is the only World Cup player born after 2000, is carrying himself so well out there, this is some performance as he goes for one from his eighth over. India's run-rate 4.22 after just 16 runs from the last five overs.
That last ball skips past Dhoni and caught behind. Afghanistan are interested but can't review the umpire's not out decision after they wasted their review earlier.
DRINKS!
37 India 156-4 MS Dhoni 8 Kedar Jadhav 16
Rashid Khan begins his sixth over with four dot balls and Jadhav as seen enough as he sweeps one through mid-wicket for four.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments