June 22 2019. India vs. Afghanistan.
Just like most people even I had thought it would be an easy win for India. Moreover, the team we were playing against was one of our friends around the globe. The clock struck at 3 and this time I didn’t tune into any sports channel. Just a few minutes had passed and I received a message on my WhatsApp, “Rohit is out. 1 run in 10 balls. India 7 for 1.” This message alone was enough to let the world know that this match will not be just a match.
With India displaying a batsman and bowler ranked world number 1 and as well as a wicket-keeper who at times outplays the speed of light, it had a tough, in fact a very tough time against the Afghans. Each ball was important, every moment was stressful. It won’t be an exaggeration if I say that this match was the most interesting match that India had played this World Cup. A team which kept the Indian and Afghan fans stuck to their seats and left the rest of the world in awe till the very last ball of the 100th over.
https://twitter.com/Hosasofy/status/1142420638625411072
For a team who have lost all matches, no one might have even considered for a second that Afghanistan would give India a tough fight. On the other hand, India, for whom winning had been an easy task till now, had a hard time fighting against them. This shows that one should never underestimate their opponents and avoid being overconfident.
When life gives you a chance, grab it like Mohammed Shami. He got his chance to play after four matches and guess what! He became the very first bowler to have a hat trick this World Cup.
For a team who have lost all matches, no one might have even considered for a second that Afghanistan would give India a tough fight. On the other hand, India, for whom winning had been an easy task till now, had a hard time fighting against them. This shows that one should never underestimate their opponents and avoid being overconfident.
#SpiritOfCricket 🇮🇳 🇦🇫 pic.twitter.com/7A8vcRiz2Q
— ICC Cricket World Cup (@cricketworldcup) June 22, 2019
India definitely won the match but Afghanistan won the heart of every cricket viewer. It made cricket proud. A nation with so many internal tensions, yet their spirit was untouched. They made it tough for our batsmen to score runs and made us keep our fingers crossed the whole time. It wasn’t just a match, it was a treat for the eyes, mind and soul. It made us realize that everything is possible if we have a spirit to fight.
Dearest Afghanistan, keep your heads high because you showed us that you will no longer be far away in the race of being the best. Though you lost the match, you have gained respect and interest. The whole world will be waiting to see when India faces Afghanistan next.