Varun Chakaravarthy’s Sharp Delivery Dismisses Darwish Rasooli in Afghanistan‑India Opening T20I

India and Afghanistan clash in the series opener T20I, each eager to start on a winning note. After being put in to bat, Afghanistan suffered an early blow as India’s bowlers exerted relentless pressure in the powerplay. Despite the hosts’ difficulties, the Indian attack kept troubling the Afghan batsmen, highlighted by a standout effort from Varun Chakaravarthy.

Varun Chakaravarthy’s Precision Delivery Sends Darwish Rasooli Packing

Chakaravarthy produced a moment of brilliance in Afghanistan’s innings during the opening T20I versus India, sending down a sharp, skidding ball that bowled Darwish Rasooli on the last delivery of the seventh over. The mystery spinner’s cunning variation completely foxed the Afghan batsman, who could not react as the ball crashed into his leg stump.

The wicket arrived at a pivotal moment, with Afghanistan already reeling after losing half their lineup within the first seven overs. Chakaravarthy’s shot skidded onto the batsman at sharp angle, leaving Rasooli little time to react. As he swung, the ball beat the inside edge and crashed into the leg stump.

Watch the Delivery

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Azmatullah Omarzai Steadies Afghanistan After India’s Bowling Onslaught

This dismissal added to an impressive Indian bowling effort after captain Shreyas Iyer chose to field first post‑toss. Arshdeep Singh spearheaded the new‑ball assault, tearing through Afghanistan’s top order with a potent spell that yielded 3/19 from his four overs, stifling any early momentum for the hosts.

Returning spearhead Jasprit Bumrah also chipped in with a wicket, conceding only 26 runs. Varun Chakaravarthy complemented the pace duo with deceptive variations, leaving Afghan batters guessing. After seven overs, Afghanistan slumped to 43/5, heading toward a modest total.

When Afghanistan seemed headed for a rout, Azmatullah Omarzai and Mohammad Nabi launched a vital counter‑attack. Nabi anchored the middle order with a steady 33 off 27 balls, while Omarzai played an aggressive role at the other end, putting pressure back on the Indian bowlers. After Nabi’s departure, Omarzai stayed composed and kept attacking, finishing unbeaten on 64 from 44 deliveries with four fours and four sixes. His late surge lifted Afghanistan to 156/8 after 20 overs, giving the side a competitive total despite India’s bowlers having dominated the majority of the innings.

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