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The ODI World Cup 2023 has been a great spectacle, delivering thrilling cricket action that fans worldwide are relishing so far. Although the matches have been electrifying, there have also been some concerns raised about the number of empty seats at some of the games. The issue of empty seats was first brought to attention in the inaugural match of the event at Narendra Modi Stadium itself.
Concerns about empty seats in the stadiums
The opening game of CWC 2023 saw defending champions England lock horns with New Zealand but was marked by a lacklustre turnout, which became the focal point of discussions around the World. However, India’s match against Australia in Chennai later drew a substantial crowd, making it clear that fans are much more eager to watch their home team in action.
Michael Vaughan reignites the empty seats debate
Nevertheless, the issue was recently re-escalated by former England captain Michael Vaughan, sparking a heated exchange with Indian veteran spinner Harbhajan Singh.
Vaughan reignited the debate by pointing out “empty seats” during the India versus Afghanistan game in Delhi on Wednesday (October 11). He took to his official X (formerly Twitter) account and wrote, “Why so many empty seats in #Delhi for the India Game !??? #INDvsAFG.”
Harbhajan Singh’s sharp response to Michael Vaughan
Harbhajan wasted no time in responding to Vaughan’s jab, delivering a pointed reply that put the former English batter in his place. Harbhajan asked, “Are u watching the game or empty seats ??”
Are u watching the game or empty seats ?? https://t.co/4e1wgfAckn
— Harbhajan Turbanator (@harbhajan_singh) October 11, 2023
After the exchange between Vaughan and Harbhajan went viral, many Indian fans also came to the defence of the team and the management, explaining that the lower attendance during the India-Afghanistan match was due to the intense heat during the afternoon, which led many spectators to arrive at the stadium later in the evening.
Also WATCH: Delhi crowd sings ‘Maa Tujhe Salaam’ in full synchronization during IND vs AFG game
India versus Afghanistan match overview:
As far as the match between India and Afghanistan is concerned, Men in Blue kept their dominance on the home turf by pulling off their second consecutive win in the ODI World Cup 2023 by defeating the Afghan side.
Afghanistan Innings: 272/8 (50 Overs)
Afghanistan won the toss and elected to bat first. Their innings featured several noteworthy performances, with Hashmatullah Shahidi shining as he scored 80 runs off 88 balls. Azmatullah Omarzai provided strong support with 62 runs off 69 balls as well. Despite their efforts, the Indian bowlers, led by Jasprit Bumrah‘s fantastic spell of four wickets for 39 runs, managed to restrict Afghanistan to 272/8 in their allotted 50 overs.
India Innings: 273/2 (35 Overs)
In reply, the Indian batters showcased a masterclass in cricket. Rohit Sharma was the star of the show, playing a majestic innings of 131 runs off 84 balls. His dominance against the Afghan bowlers set the stage for India’s comfortable victory. Ishan Kishan and Virat Kohli contributed 47 and 55 runs, ensuring that India reached the target in just 35 overs.
