India started well in chase of a modest total of 272 in 50 overs against the spin-loaded attack of Afghanistan. In the first half of the powerplay, India scored 37 runs without losing any wickets. Mujeeb Ur Rehman was introduced for three overs but soon the captain realized that the wicket has nothing for spinners. So, Naveen replaced Mujeeb very quickly who is the go-to bowler for captains in the powerplay. Rohit Sharma got his fifty in the first powerplay.
In the first powerplay, India went at 9.4 runs per over to make 94 without losing any wickets. Rohit has scored 78 in 45 balls with a strike rate of 173 plus. He dented the Afghan bowling attack with 4 maximums and 9 fours. Kishan is quiet during this period. He scored only 12 runs in 12 balls with the help of 2 boundaries.
