Sabbir Hossain :World champions India crushed Afghanistan by eight wickets in a low-scoring ODI match of the 12th Asia Cup at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Mirpur on Wednesday.Chasing Afghanistan’s fragile total of 159 off 45.2 overs, India romped home in 32.2 overs scoring 160 for the loss of two wickets. India made a solid start as Ajinkya Rahane and Shikhar Dhawan, the two openers put on together121 runs in the opening stand before Rahane was trapped leg before wicket by Mirwais Ashraf when India’s total was 121 for the loss of one wicket.After dismissal of Rahane, Dhawan’s innings was short-lived as Dhawan was cleanly bowled out by Mohammad Nabi when India’s total was 123 for the loss of two wickets.Shikhar Dhawan knocked a sparkling 66. His 78-ball innings was studded with four fours and a sixer. It was Dhawan’s seventh ODI half century.Rahane was also impressive with the willow. He hit 56 from 66 balls featuring five fours. It was Rahane’s fifth ODI half century.Dinesh Karthik and Rohit Sharma remained undefeated with 21 and 18 runs respectively.Earlier, the Afghan batsmen failed to build any notable partnership against the tight bowling attack of India.Afghanistan lost their wickets in regular intervals.Three batsmen of Afghanistan could reach double digit figures. No 8 batsman of Afghanistan Samiullah Shenwari notched up a fine 50 from 73 balls with six fours and a six. It was Shanwari’s fifth ODI half century.Besides, Noor Ali Zadran and Mohammad Shahzad added 31 and 22 runs respectively.Ravindra Jadeja played the key role in demolishing Afghanistan innings with a good support from Ravichandran Ashwin and Mohammed Shami.Jadeja harpooned four wickets instead of 30 runs, while Ravichandran Ashwin grabbed three wickets at the cost of 31 runs and Mohammed Shami bagged a pair of wickets in the space of 50 runs.Besides, Amit Mishra got one wicket for 21runs.
