Suryakumar Yadav matched Virat Kohli’s all-time T20I record during the T20 World Cup 2024 match against Afghanistan.
India’s dynamic ‘Mr. 360’, Suryakumar Yadav, once again showcased his prowess as the world’s top-ranked T20 batter by delivering a spectacular half-century in the T20 World Cup 2024 Super 8 encounter against Afghanistan on Thursday. Coming to the crease after early departures of Rohit Sharma and Rishabh Pant, Yadav played a crucial role, forming a vital partnership with Hardik Pandya that propelled India to a total of 181 runs in 20 overs. In the process, he also matched a remarkable world record previously held by Virat Kohli.
Thanks to Suryakumar’s blistering 28-ball 53, India secured a commanding 47-run victory over Afghanistan. This performance earned Yadav his 15th Player of the Match award in T20 international cricket, equaling the record held by Kohli. Notably, Yadav achieved this milestone in almost half the innings it took Kohli.
Most Player of the Match awards in T20Is:
- Suryakumar Yadav – 15 awards (in 61 innings)
- Virat Kohli – 15 awards (in 113 innings)
Currently ranked as the world’s No. 1 T20I batter, Suryakumar displayed his trademark strokes, making sure every inch of the field was tested.
“I’ve practiced for this. I enjoy batting between the 7th and 15th overs because it’s the toughest phase where bowlers try to control the game. I love taking charge during this period,” Yadav said during the innings break.
After the early loss of Rohit, Rishabh Pant and Virat Kohli added 43 runs for the second wicket, stabilizing the Indian innings before Rashid Khan’s double strike left the team in a precarious position at 62 for 3.
“I started chewing my gum harder when he (Kohli) got out. I just backed my game and instincts,” said Yadav. “I’ve played a lot with Rohit Sharma and now under his captaincy. He understands my style of play and enjoys watching me bat.”
India entered this match with an unbeaten record, having won three group stage games, with one match against Canada abandoned due to rain. Conversely, Afghanistan was reeling from a 104-run loss to West Indies in their final group stage match and found themselves unable to overcome Rohit Sharma’s team in this encounter.
Suryakumar Yadav’s stellar performance not only helped India maintain their winning streak but also cemented his status as one of the top T20I batsmen in the world, equaling a significant record in record time.
