[VWAllstar]

There is something about Afghanistan and their players, that we wish they win. Having followed cricket since 1992, this Afghanistan Team looks like the erstwhile Srilankan Team which will have a big impact too soon.

Edit: That six by Karim Jannat, heavenly!!

[Shumi_21]

Felt like we could have picked Prasidh Krishna or Arshdeep Singh instead of Shardul Thakur. Seems like our death bowling strategy continues to be a returning-from-a-back-injury Bumrah or bust.

Maybe Surya could have been moved to the stand-byes and an extra spinner like Bishnoi or even Ashwin picked instead. Axar would take Surya's place as the reserve middle order batter.

Batting is a big concern. Rohit & Virat past their best. Gill's form being on a downward trajectory post the IPL. Shreyas & KL coming off long injury layoffs. Ishan being new to batting 5 & Surya being unable to the crack the ODI tempo makes this batting line-up one of the weakest we've fielded in recent memory.

We do have 2 genuine all rounders in Pandya and Jadeja.

I'm torn at the moment. Logic dictates that because of the above reasons we're in for a hard time, but the heart says the game is much more than logic and somehow these 15 players will find a way to win the World Cup.

[AtheK]

What a performance from Afghanistan, they might not have qualified, but they have won hearts everywhere. If only rashid was on strike on last Over!!

[jkrishnakj]

Was disappointing to see them lose. It all came down to one ball/hit that could have given a different result. Well instead Afghanistan

[kavensri]

Worst part was, AFG did not know that they could have qualified by scoring 295 in 37.4 overs. No 11 player could have taken single and allowed Rashid to swing!

[Aakash118]

I think ICC should clarify every scenario to players before the start of innings. If that would be the case, even their no. 10 wasn’t really required to go for the slog of the first ball. He could take the single & give Rashid three balls to hit a 6. Really heartbreaking game this for Afg.

[deathwalkr]

Nice match yesterday. Sad to see the Afghans lose having come so close. But horrible commentary!!!

[PPS]

Originally Posted by VWAllstar

this Afghanistan Team looks like the erstwhile Srilankan Team which will have a big impact too soon.

Afghanistan have a very strong lower order, unlike India! Rashid Khan coming in to bat at no.9 !

[VWAllstar]

Originally Posted by PPS

Afghanistan have a very strong lower order, unlike India! Rashid Khan coming in to bat at no.9 !

I feel they need a good coach or a tactician. Rashid playing at 9 is a bane than a boon. He should be playing at 7 or as per situation. Immense respect for them, the way they play truely shows their passion and hardwork. I wish they had got into the super 4 and probably won their too, to lose to India in the Final.

[Fx14]

Originally Posted by PPS

Afghanistan have a very strong lower order, unlike India! Rashid Khan coming in to bat at no.9 !

True. Mujeeb coming at 10 yesterday also has a half century against his name in international cricket.

Most of them are proven T20 franchise representatives around the world, but they do seem to have to mature more in terms of the longer format ODI yet. The lack of communication on the options to qualify for the super 4s yesterday beyond 37.1 overs is a case.

[VWAllstar]

I guess for a change I am going to agree to what Sanjay Manjrekar said. Having waited for a player for long to be fit, plays one match for 20 odd runs and then has back spasm in the 2nd match is dreadful. He did not imply what he wanted to say with words but with his disappointed face.

[Eddy]

A "niggle" is also a wiggle.

The team management uses this word often to wiggle out of giving a proper explanation for a team change.

[ValarMorghulis]

OK, incredible performance but I'm a bit greedy.
Shouldn't two centuries together warrant a much better strike rate and a higher total?
The Aussies scored 392 yesterday and had two centurions as well.

I know, it's asking too much, but still...

[rx100]

Originally Posted by ValarMorghulis

OK, incredible performance but I'm a bit greedy.
Shouldn't two centuries together warrant a much better strike rate and a higher total?
The Aussies scored 392 yesterday and had two centurions as well.

I know, it's asking too much, but still...

It is also about the momentum. Half the overs played yesterday and the break affect the momentum.

[VWAllstar]

Originally Posted by ValarMorghulis

I know, it's asking too much, but still...

Even I was asking for the same. They slowed down from 37 overs, little more intent was required. KL especially was slow. Kuldeep is going to be some bowler if he keeps bowling with such big heart. Dravid & Sharma should have more confidence on the top 6 to let Shami, Siraj & Bhumrah play together.

It will be difficult and challenging for the Indian team to come out and play again within a gap of 12 hours.

My playing XI for Ind vs SL

R Sharma
S Gill
I Kishan (wk)
KL Rahul / S Iyer / SKY
H Pandya
R Jadeja
S Thakur
K Yadav
M Shami
P Krishna
M Siraj

Let Kohli & Bhumrah rest and if Shreyas Iyer is fit then even KL Rahul can be rested.