Suryakumar, Bumrah shine for India

Suryakumar Yadav smashed a fine half-century before India’s bowlers slammed the brakes on Afghanistan’s flamboyant shot-makers to romp to a 47-run win in the T20 World Cup.

Suryakumar’s 53 was his 19th fifty in the format and helped India post a challenging 181-8 in their second-round Super Eights opener.

Experienced fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah then combined with spin trio Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, and Ravindra Jadeja to strangle Afghanistan, seen by many as dark horses for the title, who were dismissed for 134 off the last ball.

“We adapted well and got 180, which was a great effort from the batters,” said India captain Rohit Sharma.

“We had class bowlers who defended it perfectly. Everyone came in and did their job.”