ICC T20 World Cup

India scored a comprehensive seven-wicket win against debutants Afghanistan in their opening ICC World T20 match at Gros Islet (St Lucia).

Chasing a modest total of 116, the champions of the 2007 T20 WC reached home with more than 5 overs to spare.

A 55-run third wicket stand between Murali Vijay (48) and Yuvraj Singh (23 not out) ensured the Indian team went about their business in a clinical manner.

Vijay's 46-ball knock included two 4s & 3 6s. He went down trying to hit another one to boundary. Yuvraj remained unbeaten on an almost run-a-ball knock.


When Vijay was dismissed by Hamid Hassan, India needed just 15 more runs. In came captain MS Dhoni (15*) and he ensured an early end, smashing successive sixes off his Afghanistan counterpart Nowroz Mangal.

Earlier, a calculated half century by Noor Ali Zadran helped Afghanistan to a respectable total of 115.

Noor Ali's 48-ball 50, inclusive of four hits to the fence, was the most signnificant contribution in the Afghan innings with the batsman playing the sheet anchor's role to perfection. His 68-run partnership for the fourth wicket with Asghar Stanikzai (30) was the highlight of the innings. Stanikzai's 33-ball innings included 3 sixes.

Ashish Nehra was the most successful bowler for India with figures of three for 19. He was named Man of the match for his performance. The left-armer gave India a perfect start when he had Karim Sadiq (0) caught by MS Dhoni in the second over of innings.

Afghanistan's measured and technically correct approach earned them accolades from Indian captain. Mahendra Singh Dhoni was full of praise for Afghanistan, who put up an impressive performance in their maiden World Twenty20 match.

“I am happy to see this side. They are a good team. After losing wickets early, they played well. Their middle order batting looks strong.”

“They were not letting anything go. I am sure they will improve from here,” Dhoni said.