Rohit Sharma was a pleased captain after Team India registered a series-clinching six-wicket victory over Afghanistan in the second T20I at Holkar Cricket Stadium, Indore on Sunday (January 14).
Opting to bowl first, the hosts restricted Afghanistan to 172/10 in 20 overs on a batting-friendly surface. Gulbadin Naib was the top scorer for the visitors with 57 off 35 balls.
Akshar Patel starred with the ball for India, returning with the figures of 2/17 in his four overs. Arshdeep Singh (3/32) and Ravi Bishnoi (2/39) shared five scalps between them.
In reply, the Men in Blue rode on swashbuckling half-centuries from Yashasvi Jaiswal (68 off 34) and Shivam Dube (63* off 32) to overhaul the target with 26 deliveries to spare.
After the win, Rohit said the players are living up to their words as the team successfully addresses all the necessary aspects leading up to the T20 World Cup 2024.
Notably, this series is India’s final T20I assignment ahead of the global tournament in the West Indies and USA.
"We have been clear with what we wanted to do, very clear message to everyone and when you see a performance like that, you can be really proud," Rohit said at the post-match presentation.
"One thing is talking about it, but to actually go there and play that way is a proud feeling. The last two games, we've ticked a lot of boxes."
The Indian skipper had special praise reserved for Jaiswal and Dube, who were involved in a 92-run partnership for the third wicket.
"They've had a great couple of years, Jaiswal has played Test cricket now and even T20I. He has shown what he is capable of. He has the talent and has a great range of shots.
"Dube is a big guy, very powerful and can take on the spinners. That is his role and he has come out and played two crucial innings for us."
In this match, Rohit Sharma became the first male cricketer in history to participate in 150 T20I.
"It is a great feeling, it has been a long journey starting way back in 2007. I've cherished every moment I have spent here," he said.
On the other hand, Afghanistan skipper Ibrahim Zadran rued the fact that they are not being able to play consistent cricket throughout the innings.
"We were quite short. We had a good start but not very good after that. Sometimes we play well in the powerplay, sometimes in the middle and sometimes at the death," Zadran said.
"We need to build the momentum throughout and not repeat mistakes to have a good T20 World Cup."
Akshar Patel, who was awarded Player-of-the-Match for his stunning spell, said he tried to vary his length and bowled a bit slower.
"Feels good, I just realised that I have got 200 T20 wickets. But what is important to keep doing well for India, honestly a few years later I won't remember how many wickets I took," Akshar stated.
"I have been trying to bowl a bit slower, vary my lengths and now I have been to gauge these things better. Now I have the confidence to bowl at all times, even in the powerplay.
"You need to be mentally prepared as a bowler in T20 cricket. Ready to concede a six because that same ball could get you a wicket on another day.
"Earlier, I used to vary my plans if a batter was hitting me, but now I stick to my plans and make the batters take the chance against me," he further remarked.
The third and final T20I between India and Afghanistan is slated to be held at Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru on Wednesday (January 17).
(With PTI Inputs)
