India vs Afghanistan, World Cup 2023 Highlights: Rohit's ton, Kohli fifty helps IND take AFG to the cleaners

India vs Afghanistan Live Score, World Cup 2023: Afghanistan are 63/2 in 13 overs with drinks being taken. Afghanistan won the toss and chose to bat. Ibrahim Zadran and Rahmanullah Garbaz put up a 32-run opening stand before the former fell to Jasprit Bumrah in the seventh over. Gurbaz then had a dangerous-looking 31-run stand with Rahmat Shah for the second wicket which came in just 37 balls. That ended with Gurbaz falling to Pandya thanks to a brilliant catch from Thakur at the boundary.

India vs Afghanistan Live Score, World Cup 2023: Pandya strikes and Rahmanullah Gurbaz has to say goodbye. Bouncer from Pandya that looks to pull over deep fine leg. Thakur is there, he takes the catch, then flicks it in the air as his momentum takes him over the boundary and then completes the catch strolling back in. Thakur made that look ridiculously easy. The umpires went upstairs and the replays only confirmed the brilliance of that catch.

Gurbaz c Thakur b Pandya 21 (28), Afghanistan 63/2 in 12.4 overs

India vs Afghanistan Live Score, World Cup 2023: Of the 12 deliveries Shardul Thakur has bowled so far, 9 have been dot balls. The two he has pitched short have been put away with disdain. Here he drops another one and Rahman spanks it for a FOUR. Shardul bowls the perfect revenge ball – a bouncer but one that is signalled a wide. However, he does well to bowl a low full toss to limit the free hit to a single. Afghanistan 58/1 after 12 overs.

India vs Afghanistan Live Score, World Cup 2023: Hardik Pandya is really bending his back. His speeds in that last over were 141, 139, 140, 140, 139, 141. How about that for some speed? This is proper pace-bowling, and it managed to keep the Afghanistan batters quiet in the last over with three singles. You can sense that he is really pushing for a wicket. 11 overs gone, Afghanistan 51/1

India vs Afghanistan Live Score, World Cup 2023: The fourth pace is now on for India, Shardul Thakur but after bowling tidy three bowls, sends down a short ball. Gurbaz rocked on to the backfoot and nailed a full-blooded pull shot over cow corner for a maximum. Five dots and a SIX! Afghanistan looking more confident with each over, now at 48/1 after 10 overs.

India vs Afghanistan Live Score, World Cup 2023: But he starts with a warm-up delivery as Rahmanullah Gurbaz picks up his third boundary. The India all-rounder gets his act together though, giving away just a single and a leg-bye to make it a 5-run over. Afghanistan 42/1 after 9. Not a bad start but India would have expected at least a couple more down in that wickets column.

India vs Afghanistan Live Score, World Cup 2023: A brilliant over spoiled by a weak last ball. Siraj had Rahmat Gurbaz on his toes but bowled a hall-volley to gift the batter his first boundary. Outside off, in the zone and driven confidently. India won't mind that though. A wicket has just gone down and looking for that edge early on isn't that bad a thought.

India vs Afghanistan Live Score, World Cup 2023: OUT! Edged and taken. Bumrah with the first strike for India. Afghanistan lose Ibrahim Zadran for 32 and their first wicket for 32. He was looking so good. Began the over by slashing Bumrah outside off for a boundary that beat a diving third-man fielder, but being the master of comebacks that he is, hits that perfect length with a hint of outswing. Ibrahim has to play at it but all he manages is a nick straight into the hands of KL Rahul.

India vs Afghanistan Live Score, World Cup 2023: Glorious cover drive from Ibrahim, just leans into that one and caresses it for four. Siraj has that expression on his face again – miffed with that effort. Three balls later, Ibrahim gets a four through the same area, but this time the stroke it a lot more authoritative. Bludgeoned it and the ball sped through the off-side for a FOUR. Afghanistan going strong at 28/0 after 6 overs.

India vs Afghanistan Live Score, World Cup 2023: How do you get him away? Jasprit Bumrah just keeps finding that perfect line and length. Not much movement but BOOM's accuracy is enough to stifle the Afghanistan openers on this batting belter. Just 1 off the over. His 3 overs have resulted in just 5 runs. TOP-NOTCH bowling this! Afghanistan 19/0 after 5 overs.

India vs Afghanistan Live Score, World Cup 2023: Huge appeal from Siraj and the whole of Indian team goes up. Michael Gough doesn't agree and Rohit goes up for the DRS. Pitches in line, impact's in line, no nick, but the movement after pitching is just enough for the ball to miss leg-stump. CLOSE, but Afghanistan and Ibrahim survive. Afghanistan 18/0 after 4 overs.

India vs Afghanistan Live Score, World Cup 2023: Siraj starts his second over by straying the ball on Ibrahim Zadran's pads. Swing or no swing. That is bread and butter for any top order batter. Zadran clips it off his legs to pick up his second boundary. Two balls later, Siraj pulls up his length but the line remains the same, allowing Ibrahim to flick for four again.

India vs Afghanistan Live Score, World Cup 2023: Hardik gave away a four in the previous over but makes up for that blip by saving a certain boundary. Zazai drilled the ball through the covers, a shot that had four written all over it but ends up being just a single as Pandya puts in a terrific drive. Just 3 off Bumrah's second; Afghanistan 9/0 after three overs

India vs Afghanistan Live Score, World Cup 2023: Siraj starts with a couple of balls outside off stump. Adjusts the line slightly but the length was full, allowing Ibrahim Zadran to drive the ball down the wicket. Didn't have enough legs on it, and it looked like Hardik Pandya would stop it. But he puts in a dive unable to stop the ball. First boundary for Afghanistan as they reach 6/0 after 2 overs.

India vs Afghanistan Live Score, World Cup 2023: Jasprit Bumrah once again with a neat and tidy first over. Just testing Rahmanullah Gurbaz in and around that off-stump line. Misses his line to give away a wide but responds straight away with a ball that shoots back in after pitching. Beautiful seam position. Gurbaz shoulders arms but the movement off the pitch makes the ball narrowly miss the stumps. Afghanistan 1/0 after the first over.

India vs Afghanistan Live Score, World Cup 2023: Before the customary national anthems, the India and Afghanistan squads along with those present at the Arun Jaitley Stadium observe a minute of silence in the memory of those impacted by the recent earthquake in Afghanistan. The anthems follow and we are set to go. Right then! Afghanistan… how much can they get? More importantly, how much can India restrict them to? Indian in a huddle, receive a peptalk from their captain. The crowd gets into this and the DDCA president rings the bell. Here we go! Jasprit Bumrah has the ball.

India vs Afghanistan Live Score, World Cup 2023: "I don't know what is going through the mind of the management," exclaims the legendary Sunil Gavaskar after being informed about India's Playing XI. The Little Master is wondering how everytime it's Ashwin who has to make way for someone else. And we can't help but wonder the same. Ashwin's recent performance against Australia was exceptional, and while it's reasonable to acknowledge that today's pitch may not assist the spinners as the Chepauk deck did, it does appear somewhat harsh to see Ashwin not included, wouldn't you agree?

India vs Afghanistan Live Score, World Cup 2023: Hardik Pandya, who celebrates his birthday today, survived an injury scare on Sunday against Australia, when the ball hit the tip of his fingers while stopping a full-blooded drive from Steve Smith. Pandya looked in discomfort and couldn't complete his quota of 10 overs. Thankfully, his finger is holding up just fine. Hardik admitted that although the finger took a blow and subsequently bled leading to a clot, but not severe enough to requite stitched. He is good to go!

India vs Afghanistan Live Score, World Cup 2023: Rohit Sharma (Captain), Ishan Kishan, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul (WK), Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, Shardul Thakur, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj

India vs Afghanistan Live Score, World Cup 2023: There you have it. As expected, the winning captain Hashmatullah Zazai opts to bat first on this belter of a pitch in Delhi. The coin went for a toss, quite literally, and stops on the pitch next to the one in which the game is being played. Rohit says he would have wanted to bowl. One change for India: Shardul Thakur comes in, Ravichandran Ashwin goes out.

India vs Afghanistan Live Score, World Cup 2023: Afghanistan's spin trifecta of Rashid Khan, Mohammad Nabi and Mujeeb-Ur-Rahman has been a huge reason behind their success, but did you know that since 2021, their performance has gotten even better? Rashid has picked 39 wickets at an economy of 4.4, Nabi has grabbed 24 at 4.3 and Mujeeb has scalped 30 at 4.5. Had this been a Chennai surface, India might have had to look out for this threat, but Delhi's belter of a pitch today may just allow the Indian batters to negate the Afghan spinners.

India vs Afghanistan Live Score, World Cup 2023: While there may be several frontrunners for a spot in the tournament's semifinals, ultimately, it will all come down to the points table to determine the top four teams. Currently, New Zealand hold the top position with 4 points, courtesy of consecutive wins. Pakistan is a close second, trailing the Kiwis solely on Net Run Rate (NRR). South Africa occupies the third spot, with India following at fourth. A victory for India today will undoubtedly push them ahead of South Africa, and a substantial margin of victory could propel them to the top of the standings.

India vs Afghanistan Live Score, World Cup 2023: Sachin Tendulkar, with 300 runs from 8 matches is the leading run-scorer at the Arun Jaitley Stadium, with a highest of 137 against Sri Lanka at the 1996 World Cup. Also, it was at this very venue in 2005 that Tendulkar created history by overtaking Sunil Gavaskar's record of 34 Tests century with a 35th. Among bowlers, Ravindra Jadeja has the most wickets with 9 scalps form 6 matches with a best of 3/44.

India vs Afghanistan Live Score, World Cup 2023: In the previous five ODIs played by India in Delhi from 2013 to 2022, the team batting first emerged victorious in four of the matches. Recipe for success is simple: Win the toss and BAT FIRST!

India vs Afghanistan Live Score, World Cup 2023: Ishan Kishan's form at the nets did not appear to be at its most fluent. It's less than ideal that he has been experiencing variations in his batting position in recent matches. Nevertheless, the pitch conditions, as observed in the inaugural game between South Africa and Sri Lanka at this venue, seem favourable for high run-scoring. While he is a naturally suited opener in white-ball cricket, Kishan's preparations leading up to the World Cup might have been focused on slotting into the middle order. But the Indian team management does not view this adjustment as a significant obstacle for the youngster.

India vs Afghanistan Live Score, World Cup 2023: Rohit Sharma stands on the cusp of a batting landmark he can be mighty proud of. With 978 runs at an average of 61.12, including six centuries and three fifties, Rohit needs just 22 more runs to become the fourth Indian to complete 1000 runs in the World Cup. Only Sachin Tendulkar (2278), Virat Kohli (1115) and Sourav Ganguly (1006) have scored 1000-plus runs in cricket's biggest extravaganza and what an addition it would be to have Rohit, the only ODI batter with three double-centuries, join the list.

India vs Afghanistan Live Score, World Cup 2023: Like his namesake and coach Rahul Dravid, KL Rahul is quickly turning out to be the rock for India in the middle order. Similar to Dravid, he is also keeping wicket for India and batting at No. 5, a position where Rahul finally seems to have found his calling. Against Australia, in Virat Kohli's chasing territory, Rahul established himself as a more authoritative figure that his former captain. Rahul dished out a batting masterclass, and even though Kohli's innings was equally crucial and game-changing, in terms of quality, cleanliness and control, it lacked the precision of Rahul's batting. Is he the new boss in the Chasemeister's yard? READ our special piece.

India vs Afghanistan Live Score, World Cup 2023: During India's practice session last evening, a compelling incident unfolded. Rohit Sharma, the captain of the Indian team, who had been dismissed for a duck against Australia, was bowled out by a left-arm rookie in the nets, resulting in his off-stump being sent cartwheeling. However, what followed was even more intriguing. Rohit took a moment to assess the situation, approached the stump, and drilled it back into the ground with a deliberate, methodical approach. He then engaged in a discussion with the bowler before continuing his batting practice. Although Afghanistan does not have a left-arm quick in their lineup, Hashmatullah Shahidi's pacers may find motivation for a strong start against the Indian openers with the new ball.

India vs Afghanistan Live Score, World Cup 2023: The Indian team arrived in Delhi on Monday, but to the surprise of many, Virat Kohli was conspicuously absent during the squad's lone practice session in the capital on the previous evening. Rohit Sharma took to the batting crease, Ishan Kishan honed his skills in the nets, and Suryakumar Yadav participated in various drills. Shardul Thakur also delivered an impressive bowling spell, while Shreyas Iyer assumed his place in one of the practice nets. The Indian preparation was in full swing and this demonstrated that there is no hint of them underestimating Afghanistan.

India vs Afghanistan Live Score, World Cup 2023: Afghanistan's cricketing back is no match to India's rich legacy but there is one thing the Afghans have done lately than the Indians is beat Bangladesh on their soil. For the last two series, India have failed to register a bilateral ODI series win in Bangladesh – 2015 and 2022 – but Afghanistan did exactly that earlier this year, picking up a 2-1 win. While it may not directly influence today's game, Afghanistan, currently amid a five-match losing streak, can reflect on this earlier achievement from the year and seek a potential morale boost.

India vs Afghanistan Live Score, World Cup 2023: India were always considered the "big brothers" to Afghanistan but has the rivalry between the two nations intensified after the Naveen-Kohli clash? Will it will impact Afghanistan pacer Naveen's performance when bowling to Kohli? Afghanistan captain, Hashmatullah Shahidi, feels 'not really'. In fact, he vouched for a more peaceful solution going forward, giving examples of the legendary Rahul Dravid and Sachin Tendulkar and called India their 'home'. Read the full story here

India vs Afghanistan Live Score, World Cup 2023: The RCB vs LSG IPL 2023 game took an unprecedented turn when Virat Kohli and Naveen-ul-Haq engaged in an ugly spat. It all started when Kohli exchanged words with Naveen while he was at the crease. The situation escalated after the game, nearly resulting in a physical confrontation between the two. The situation became so intense that it drew the involvement of Gautam Gambhir, the LSG mentor, marking the IPL season's most significant controversy.

Subsequently, a protracted social media feud ensued, with Naveen's cryptic mango references and Kohli sharing inspirational and preachy thoughts. Kohli's involvement in such conflicts was uncharacteristic, especially after relinquishing RCB and India's captaincy. Since that evening in Bengaluru, fans have eagerly awaited a showdown between these two, and the wait ends today.

India vs Afghanistan Live Score, World Cup 2023: Kohli returns to the Arun Jaitley Stadium after 4 years for an ODI. This may be his home ground but the former India captain's record here isn't exactly the most flamboyant. With 222 runs in 7 matches, Kohli has an average of 44.40 at the venue, with a best of 112 out against England in 2011. His other scores here read 12, 7, 62, 9 and 20.

India vs Afghanistan Live Score, World Cup 2023: Delhi is experiencing the early stages of winter, with a noticeable October chill in the air. The city has enjoyed clear and sunny weather for a while, and there is no risk of rain today. Despite some minor haze, the India vs Afghanistan match promises to proceed without any interruptions.

India vs Afghanistan Live Score, World Cup 2023: India fielded a formidable squad in their World Cup opener against Australia in Chennai, featuring a star-studded batting lineup, two all-rounders, three spinners, and two frontline pacers. However, Delhi's deck is expected to be nothing like the Chepauk. If anything, it is might be the complete opposite, having the potential to dish out another run-fest.

The last game played at the Arun Jaitley Stadium witnessed a total of 700 runs being scored, and today's tie could see a similar high-scorer unfold. While the pitch might not be identical to the one used last week, it is certain that the re-laid tracks at this venue will have the batsmen eagerly anticipating their turn at the crease. Therefore, considering this, India might be inclined to make one change, resting Ravichandran Ashwin and affording Shardul Thakur an opportunity. Shardul is known for his ability to break partnerships and can also contribute with the bat.

The India-Afghanistan rivalry is relatively recent, and it's not surprising that the two teams have faced each other only three times. While India emerged victorious in all three encounters, the significance lies in the margin of these wins. One of the matches ended in a tie during the 2018 Asia Cup, and the other provided an edge-of-the-seat thriller at the 2019 World Cup, with India narrowly defeating Afghanistan by 11 runs. Here's a recap of how the two teams have fared against each other in ODIs thus far.

India vs Afghanistan Live Score, World Cup 2023: Rashid Khan's remarkable wicket-taking ability and his versatility as a cricketer, excelling both as a bowler and a batsman while bringing a joyful spirit to the game, are truly noteworthy. However, despite his impressive international cricket career, characterized by remarkable statistics in Tests and ODIs, it is important to underline that most of his wickets have come against lower-ranked teams. Consequently, facing stronger opponents, such as India in today's game, presents Rashid with a formidable challenge.

In this World Cup, Rashid's primary objective would be to formulate strategies to outperform some of the finest batters in the world – recall how Eoin Morgan took him to the cleaners in Manchester during the 2019 World Cup. Despite his relatively young age, the team captain and his colleagues have unwavering confidence in his ability to rise to the occasion and lead Afghanistan's spin attack. There's no better stage than the World Cup for Rashid to break Afghanistan's string of underwhelming performances in major international tournaments. CLICK HERE to read our special piece on Rashid Khan.

India vs Afghanistan Live Score, World Cup 2023: Down with dengue, Shubman Gill is set to miss India's match against Afghanistan today, as disclosed by the BCCI on Monday. The 24-year-old opener's untimely illness necessitated hospitalization on Monday at Chennai's Kauvery Hospital due to a concerning drop in his platelet count. Fortunately, he was discharged on Wednesday, instilling hopes of a return. However, regardless of the pace of his recovery, Gill is unlikely to feature in Saturday's game against Pakistan.

As the adage goes, one man's misfortune can present an opportunity for another, and today, Ishan Kishan has a golden chance to prove himself. Although he was dismissed for a golden duck the other night against Australia, Ishan can spend some quality time spent in the middle against Afghanistan to gain valuable match experience before the high-stakes clash with Pakistan. Ishan is no stranger to the opening position, boasting an impressive record of over 400 runs with an average in the 70s, which includes a record-breaking double century achieved last year.

India vs Afghanistan Live Score, World Cup 2023: For the first time since the Border-Gavaskar Trophy earlier this year, Virat Kohli will play an international match on his home ground – Delhi's Arun Jaitley Stadium. It is a venue where he grew up playing most of his cricket. Kohli knows this ground and its conditions inside out. He has seen this stadium – which used to be called the iconic Feroz Shah Kotla – rechristened to the Arun Jaitley Stadium and witness some of the most iconic cricket matches of all time. But this return promises to be a little 'awkward' for Kohli by his own admission, as he will be playing in front of a stand and pavilion named after him. Not one for over-the-top gestures, a modest Kohli couldn't help but reflect on how, if there ever was a perfect illustration of "life coming full circle," this would be it.

This will be Kohli's second World Cup match at this venue. In 2011, when India played the Netherlands at this venue, Kohli couldn't leave much of an impact as he was dismissed for 12 off 20 balls. But that was 12 years ago, when Kohli was just three years into his career and still finding his feet in international cricket. Today, he stands as a cricketing legend, and the fervent fans in Delhi hold high hopes for nothing less than a legendary performance from their beloved icon.

India vs Afghanistan Live Score, World Cup 2023: India may have the edge over Afghanistan with an unblemished record against them, some of the recent contests between the two teams have injected a potent dose of excitement. Like another Asian neighbours Bangladesh, Afghanistan too made their Test debut against India, and although the game lasted only two days, the Afghans emerged from the experience fortified and seasoned. Surprisingly, just a month later, Afghanistan nearly dealt a stunning blow to India during their Asia Cup clash, which culminated in a thrilling tie. In this Super 4 bout, there was no Super-Over to determine a victor, yet Afghanistan parlayed this momentum into the following year's World Cup, where once more, India found themselves on the edge.

Under Mohammad Nabi, Afghanistan appeared poised to topple India until the eleventh-hour heroics of Mohammed Shami, who claimed a last-over hat-trick, came to the rescue of his team. Following that game in Southampton, India versus Afghanistan encounters have witnessed a remarkable resurgence. Even though India has, on subsequent occasions, convincingly dispatched their sub-continental neighbors, the outcome has never been taken for granted.