Suryakumar Yadav sparkled like a gem with the bat during Indias electrifying showdown in the 2024 T20 World Cup against Afghanistan in Barbados on Thursday June 20. The flamboyant batter smashed a scintillating halfcentury in just 27 balls standing out as the fourth shooting star among fifties in the competition.
India opted to bat first after winning the toss. However they had a rough start losing skipper Rohit Sharma early on. To make matters worse both Rishabh Pant and Virat Kohli departed after decent beginnings.
Suryakumar came out to bat when the Men in Blue were 54/2 after seven overs. Despite the strain, the dynamic hitter had positive intent, countering the Afghanistan bowlers with ease.
In a backtoback performance he emphatically marked his second consecutive halfcentury. The adept righthanded batsman concluded his innings with a commanding 53 runs from 28 deliveries enthralling the crowd with three sixes and five fours in an engaging display.
Suryakumar Yadav exceptional skills at the crease ignited a frenzy of appreciation across various social media platforms. Lets explore a selection of the impassioned responses:
Apart from fans, various experts and former cricketers praised Suryakumar’s performance.
Suryakumar Yadav and Hardik Pandya united to craft a crucial 60run collaboration for the fourth wicket playing a pivotal role in Indias impressive tally of 181/8 in 20 overs.
“I just backed my game and my instincts” – Suryakumar Yadav Reflects on His 53-Run Innings in IND vs AFG Match
Suryakumar Yadav stated in a mid-inning interview that he was slightly concerned following Virat Kohli’s dismissal. However, he highlighted his desire to play with a good attitude at that critical point. He said:
“That’s what I have practised, I enjoy batting from (7-15 overs) that’s the most difficult phase where the opposition bowlers look to control things. I like to take charge in that phase, I enjoy it. I started chewing my gum harder when he (Kohli) got out. I just backed my game and my instincts.”
Suryakumar Yadav
He shed insight on his friendship with skipper Rohit Sharma, saying:
“I have played a lot of cricket with him (Rohit Sharma) and now under him, he understands my game. He knows my game, so he sits back and enjoys it.”
Suryakumar Yadav
Suryakumar Yadav truly shone with the bat showcasing an exceptional performance for India. In the same game Rashid Khan stood out as the standout bowler for Afghanistan displaying remarkable skill with figures of 4-0-26-3.