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Afghanistan-India Match Ends in a Tie, First Ever in Asia Cup

Afghanistan’s National Cricket Team finished its Asia Cup match in a tie against India on Tuesday night which was the first ever in the tournament.

Mohammad Shahzad’s stunning century lit up the first innings as Afghanistan posted 252/8 in their 50 overs.

India then seemed on-track to chase that total, with Ambati Rayudu and KL Rahul stitching a 110-run opening stand. But things changed quickly. The defending champions were eventually nine wickets down and needed 7 runs off the last over to win, according to the Quint. 

Rashid Khan was to bowl the final over. After a dot ball on the first delivery, Ravindra Jadeja smashed a four on the second ball. 

He could manage just a single on the third, and that put pressure on young Khaleel Ahmed as India needed two to win and one to tie. However, the 20-year-old survived, took a single and gave Jadeja the strike.

With two balls remaining, India needed just one more run to win.

Jadeja, however, ended up scooping the ball for a regulation catch at midwicket, cutting short India's joy and sending Afghanistan players into ecstasy.

This was the first-ever tied ODI in the Asia Cup!

As for surprises earlier into the match, MS Dhoni walked out for the toss instead of skipper Rohit Sharma, who had been rested for the match along with Shikhar Dhawan, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Jasprit Bumrah and Yuzvendra Chahal. 

It happened to be the 200th time that the wicketkeeper-batsman – who relinquished his captaincy nearly two years ago – was leading India in ODIs. But that, he said, was “all destiny”.

Before this draw, India had already booked a spot in the final of the tournament after registering wins over Pakistan and Bangladesh in the Super Four stage. 

Afghanistan, on the other hand, lost all hope of making it through after losing both their matches.

The experienced Mohammad Nabi produced a handy knock, 64 off 56 balls, towards the end, ensuring a competitive total for his team.

While his opening partner Javed Ahmadi was struggling to get even a single, Shahzad thoroughly entertained the crowd with a barrage of big hits. He was ruthless against the Indian bowlers, especially against the rookie Indian pacers Khaleel Ahmed, Siddharth Kaul and debutant Chahar – replacements for the rested players.

Afghanistan has beaten Sri Lanka and Bangladesh but lost to Pakistan and Bangladesh in the group and Super Four matches respectively. Afghanistan lost the opportunity to play in the final after their two consecutive defeats.

Afghanistan-India Match Ends in a Tie, First Ever in Asia Cup

Mohammad Shahzad excelled with a century helping Afghanistan to post 252/8 in their 50 overs - a solid total that India had to chase. 

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Afghanistan’s National Cricket Team finished its Asia Cup match in a tie against India on Tuesday night which was the first ever in the tournament.

Mohammad Shahzad’s stunning century lit up the first innings as Afghanistan posted 252/8 in their 50 overs.

India then seemed on-track to chase that total, with Ambati Rayudu and KL Rahul stitching a 110-run opening stand. But things changed quickly. The defending champions were eventually nine wickets down and needed 7 runs off the last over to win, according to the Quint. 

Rashid Khan was to bowl the final over. After a dot ball on the first delivery, Ravindra Jadeja smashed a four on the second ball. 

He could manage just a single on the third, and that put pressure on young Khaleel Ahmed as India needed two to win and one to tie. However, the 20-year-old survived, took a single and gave Jadeja the strike.

With two balls remaining, India needed just one more run to win.

Jadeja, however, ended up scooping the ball for a regulation catch at midwicket, cutting short India's joy and sending Afghanistan players into ecstasy.

This was the first-ever tied ODI in the Asia Cup!

As for surprises earlier into the match, MS Dhoni walked out for the toss instead of skipper Rohit Sharma, who had been rested for the match along with Shikhar Dhawan, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Jasprit Bumrah and Yuzvendra Chahal. 

It happened to be the 200th time that the wicketkeeper-batsman – who relinquished his captaincy nearly two years ago – was leading India in ODIs. But that, he said, was “all destiny”.

Before this draw, India had already booked a spot in the final of the tournament after registering wins over Pakistan and Bangladesh in the Super Four stage. 

Afghanistan, on the other hand, lost all hope of making it through after losing both their matches.

The experienced Mohammad Nabi produced a handy knock, 64 off 56 balls, towards the end, ensuring a competitive total for his team.

While his opening partner Javed Ahmadi was struggling to get even a single, Shahzad thoroughly entertained the crowd with a barrage of big hits. He was ruthless against the Indian bowlers, especially against the rookie Indian pacers Khaleel Ahmed, Siddharth Kaul and debutant Chahar – replacements for the rested players.

Afghanistan has beaten Sri Lanka and Bangladesh but lost to Pakistan and Bangladesh in the group and Super Four matches respectively. Afghanistan lost the opportunity to play in the final after their two consecutive defeats.

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