Wasim Akram Hugs Suryakumar Yadav | Source: X.com
India clinched a thumping 43-run victory over Afghanistan in their opening Super Eight match of the ICC T20 World Cup 2024 on June 20 at Barbados.
Suryakumar Yadav, ranked number one worldwide, clinched the Player of the Match award. This is the first time in the ongoing tournament when any Indian batter has won this award.
The legendary Pakistan fast bowler Wasim Akram presented the Player of the Match award to Suryakumar Yadav.
In an emotional moment, Wasim Akram, who considers Yadav one of the best T20 players, hugged him after the presentation.
Suryakumar Yadav Credits Indian Bowlers
Here’s what Suryakumar Yadav said in the post match conference:
“There is a lot of hard work and practice going behind this. I will say this again. There is a lot of routines that goes behind this. I don’t mind giving this award to the bowler. But first batter to win this award and hopefully, the first of many. It is very difficult to pick him (Rashid Khan).”
“I remember, when Hardik came in to bat, I told him that we will keep batting with the same intent. The wicket may get slower and the ball may reverse a bit. So, it’s better to keep batting with the same intent,” said Suryakumar Yadav after receiving player of the match award.
India batted first and posted a strong total of 181-8 in 20 overs. Suryakumar Yadav was the standout performer, hitting his second fifty of the tournament in his signature aggressive style, with an explosive 53 off 28 balls, including five boundaries and three sixes.
In the bowling attack, Jasprit Bumrah was the standout performer, taking 3 wickets for just 7 runs in his 4 overs, severely restricting Afghanistan’s chase. Arshdeep Singh also shone, maintaining his form in the T20 World Cup with 3 crucial wickets.
