Afghanistan pulled off a dramatic tie with India in what was their third successive last-over thriller in the ongoing Asia Cup 2018.
All-rounder Ravindra Jadeja hoped to guide India home in the chase of 253 for victory in Dubai, as they required 17 from the last three overs, 13 from two and seven from the last – but with only one wicket in hand.
Jadeja hit five from the first three balls of Rashid Khan’s final over before young Khaleel Ahmed managed a single, to leave scores level and Jadeja on strike with two balls left. When he mistimed a pull to mid-wicket to be caught for 25, Afghanistan celebrated as if it was a famous victory. There’s no doubt they had won a few hearts.
Earlier, Mohammad Shahzad slammed his maiden ODI hundred against India to help Afghanistan post a challenging total on the board. Mohammad Nabi then struck 64 off 56 deliveries to ensure the team was past the 250-run mark. Jadeja (3/46) and Kuldeep Yadav (2/38) shared five wickets between each other.
KL Rahul (60) and Ambati Rayudu (57) gave India a brilliant start with a 110-run stand for the opening wicket. However, India lost three wickets quickly with MS Dhoni becoming victim of umpire’s poor decision. Kedar Jadhav and Dinesh Karthik added 38 runs for the 5th wicket to bring India closer to victory but eventually, the trick target proved too much for India as the Men in Blue managed to do just enough to avoid a defeat.
Here’s how Twitter reacted to India vs Afghanistan ODI ending in a tie:
Wow ! That was an unbelievable match. A tie to remember. Afghanistan have won more than hearts. A proud moment in their Cricketing history #AsiaCup2018
— Virender Sehwag (@virendersehwag) September 25, 2018
Such a great game of cricket 🏏 !! An outstanding performance by team Afghanistan 🇦🇫 @ACBofficials against the world class indian team !! @MShahzad077 a well deserved 💯 !! https://t.co/CEIZ1MHJuz
— Shahid Afridi (@SAfridiOfficial) September 25, 2018
Afghanistan deserved this. A tie but in all fairness they have played unbelievably well and are a force to reckon with. Afghanistan must be very proud , they have some real winners #IndvAfg
— Mohammad Kaif (@MohammadKaif) September 25, 2018
This must be a special day for @ACBofficials . Securing a tie against Team India is a monumental achievement and every Afghanistan player can be very proud of their grit and fight. There is something special in this Afghanistan team, have been most impressivein Asia Cup #INDvAFG
— VVS Laxman (@VVSLaxman281) September 25, 2018
Couldn't have asked for a better match. Jadeja takes India as close as possible but in all fairness, Afghanistan deserved that tie
— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) September 25, 2018
Once again @ACBofficials prove they are a force to be reckoned with, could’ve easily won 3 #AsiaCup matches. Can’t wait to see how many teams they roll in the #WorldCup next year! #IndvAfg
— Tom Moody (@TomMoodyCricket) September 25, 2018
For once, Cricket is indeed the real winner ! #IndvAfg Result is a tie but Afghanistan won all the big moments under intense pressure!
— Jatin Sapru (@jatinsapru) September 25, 2018
It’s rather unfortunate that the second best side in the tournament won’t be playing the finals….काबुली चने वालों ने लोहे के चने चबवा दिए सभी को…. #Afghanistan #AsiaCup
— Aakash Chopra (@cricketaakash) September 25, 2018
WHAT-AAY-GAME!!
Both sides ROCKED!!
Well Done Team #India & Well Done Team #Afghanistan….
What love & brotherhood!!
“Pehle Aap, Pehle Aap karte karte TIE Ho Gaya!!”😂💖🇮🇳🇦🇫😍👏👏#INDvAFG— Adnan Sami (@AdnanSamiLive) September 25, 2018
I'm convinced, to be an Afghanistan cricket fan, you've got to have nerves of steel. Another humdinger but the day belongs to my dear friend @MShahzad077 , well played and keep entertaining buddy #INDvAFG #AsiaCup2018
— Deep Dasgupta (@DeepDasgupta7) September 25, 2018
And that's a tie !!!
Another amazing game of cricket. Three thrilling games in a row!
Well Played team India. #AFGvIND #INDvAFG #Asiacup2018— Afghanistan Cricket Board (@ACBofficials) September 25, 2018
Wow ! That was an unbelievable match. A tie to remember. #AFGvIND #INDvAFG #AsiaCup2018 #Cricket #TheCricketTimes pic.twitter.com/81mBjZVBQQ
— CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) September 25, 2018
Oh Afghanistan – what a team!
Involved in the third last-over finish in #AsiaCup2018 in the Super 4
By far the most exciting team in the competition. @ACBofficials have won hearts with their passion
8th tie India have been involved in ODIs
Incredible stuff#INDvAFG— Sarang Bhalerao (@bhaleraosarang) September 25, 2018
A TIE at least. Nonsense umpire
— Nikhil 🏏 (@CricCrazyNIKS) September 25, 2018
FACT!
Ravindra Jadeja has batted in the 50th over when chasing twice in his ODI career and both times the match ended as TIE!
v NZ, Auckland 2014 & v Afg today.
Just @SirJadeja things! #IndvAfg #AsiaCup
— Bharath Seervi (@SeerviBharath) September 25, 2018
It ended in a tie!! An amazing game of cricket which kept swinging till the very end. Happy to see @ACBofficials doing so well right throughout the #AsiaCup2018. The 🇦🇫 team will go back home with their heads held high & having earned the respect of everyone.🙌🏻#INDvAFG pic.twitter.com/ARnWMJV0nO
— Surya Kumar Yadav (@surya_14kumar) September 26, 2018
Afghanistan,all heart! Take a bow #IndvAfg
— zainab abbas (@ZAbbasOfficial) September 25, 2018
Afghanistan captain Asghar Afghan "When you tie a match against a team like India, it means you won" #INDvAFG #Asiacup2018
— Saj Sadiq (@SajSadiqCricket) September 25, 2018
I wrote
"Upset of The Year- Afghanistan beat India"But DELETE
I wrote "India Survive biggest defeat of their Cricket History'
Have to DELETE
Because its a TIE!
Cricket at its very Best.#INDvAFG #AsiaCup2018
— Abdul Ghaffar 🇵🇰 (@GhaffarDawnNews) September 25, 2018
KL Rahul was seen dejected after India's tied match against Afghanistan #AsiaCup2018 #INDvAFG #AFGvIND #Cricket #TheCricketTimes pic.twitter.com/hD8yy2yFgU
— CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) September 26, 2018
https://twitter.com/JagratiShukla29/status/1044674586388746240
Indian-Afghani Bhai Bhai 🇮🇳🇦🇫
Both teams played well, Best wishes to team India for the finals. Jai Hind! #INDvAFG
— Salman Nizami (@SalmanNizami_) September 25, 2018