India defeated Afghanistan by 11 runs to register their 50th World Cup win (AP Photo) HIGHLIGHTS India defeated Afghanistan by 11 runs in Southampton thriller With the win over Afghanistan, India registered their 50th World Cup win Mohammed Shami picked a hat-trick in last over of the game A second successive upset loomed large in the World Cup 2019 as the game between India and Afghanistan went down to wires but Mohammed Shami bowled a vintage spell with three back-to-back yorkers for a hat-trick to help India escape a defeat at the hands of Afghanistan and register their 50th World Cup victory at Hampshire Bowl in Southampton, on Saturday.
Opting to bat first, Indian batting line up was exposed to Afghanistan spinners Rashid Khan, Mujeeb Ur Rahman and Mohammed Nabi as the bookmakers' favourties slumped to 224 for 8 in 50 overs.
The match swayed both ways but Mohammed Shami dismissed Mohammad Nabi, Aftab Alam and Mujeeb-ur-Rahman off consecutive balls in the final over as India secured a thrilling win--also their 50th World Cup win.
In the 2007 World Cup, India were knocked out of the tournament in what was called a big upset created by Bangladesh.
India came back stronger in the next edition of the tournament as they went on to win the 2011 World Cup after suffering a single defeat at the hands of South Africa in the group stages.
India defeated Sri Lanka in the final to lift the World Cup trophy after 28 years at the Wankhede Stadium.
In 2015, India remained unbeaten till they faced hosts Australia in the semi-final. India were bundled out for 233 in 328 run chase by eventual title winners Australia.
In the ongoing World Cup 2019, India have so far been enjoying their journey with a 100 percent win record, however, Afghanistan came closest to break their winning momentum in Southampton.
India kicked off their World Cup campaign with a win over South Africa and defeated a strong Australia in their second game. Their third match against New Zealand got abandoned due to bad weather. India, who are also the tournament favourites defeated Pakistan in the high-octane clash for their 4th victory of the World Cup 2019.
India will next face West Indies Old Trafford Cricket Ground in their 6th World Cup 2019 game.
Also Read | World Cup 2019: Mohammed Shami hat-trick seals thrilling win for India over Afghanistan Also Read | World Cup 2019: MS Dhoni trolled again over slow knock vs Afghanistan Also See
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