Cricket World Cup 2019: Shami Hat-trick Helps India Seal Thrilling Win over Afghanistan

London:  Pacer Mohammed Shami’s first hat-trick and Jasprit Bumrah’s two major wickets helped India to seal a thrilling victory over Afghanistan in the 28th ICC Cricket World Cup match at The Rose Bowl, Southampton on Saturday.

Shami, who came in place of injured Bhuvneshwar Kumar, took the hat-trick in the final over of a dramatic match to beat Afghanistan by 11 runs.
Shami (4-38) removed Nabi, Aftab Alam and Mujeeb Ur Rahman in three balls to help India maintain its  record of winning every game so far in the Cricket World Cup.

Opting to bat first, Team India, one of the favorites to win the mega tournament, posted modest total of 224-8 from 50 overs anchored by Virat Kohli’s third-consecutive half-century (67) and Kedar Jadhav (52).

MS Dhoni scored 28 off 52 balls before he was dismissed by Rashid Khan, which put Afghanistan in control with regard to restricting India to a low total.

Afghanistan, who was at the bottom of the table with five losses, made a brave effort to chase down the target, but it was not enough to avoid the defeat.

Brief Score : India– 224/8 in 50 Overs
(Virat Kohli 67, Kedar Jadhav 52 ; Mohammad Nabi 2-33)
Afghanistan – 213 in 49.5 Overs ( Mohammad Nabi 52 ; Mohammed Shami 4-40,Yuzvendra Chahal 2-36)