ICC World Cup 2019 IND vs AFG: Best pictures of the match

It was supposed to be a cakewalk for one side, but like the twists and turns of life, it turned to be an edge-of-the-seat contest. India opted to bowl on a pitch that seemed to offer some turn for the spinners. Afghanistan cashed in as their spinners tied of a web of mystery around the Indian batsmen to restrict them to 224, much to everyone's surprise. In reply, Afghanistan, at times, threatened to pull off an improbable victory but were thwarted by the excellence of India's bowling unit led by Jasprit Bumrah. Mohammed Shami became only the second Indian after Chetan Sharma (1987 World Cup) to take a hat-trick in the World Cup.

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India's Mohammed Shami celebrates taking the wicket of Afghanistan's Aftab Alam. Photo credit: Reuters

Updated at:3rd Jan, 2019 at 6:31 PM

Afghanistan's Mohammad Nabi in action. He scored a valiant 52 to give his team a glimmer of hope. Photo credit: Reuters

Updated at:3rd Jan, 2019 at 6:31 PM

India's Virat Kohli in a discussion with umpire Richard Illingworth. Photo credit: Reuters

Updated at:3rd Jan, 2019 at 6:31 PM

India's Virat Kohli celebrates the wicket of Afghanistan's Rahmat Shah. Photo credit: Reuters

Updated at:3rd Jan, 2019 at 6:31 PM

Afghanistan's Gulbadin Naib is bowled by India's Vijay Shankar. Photo credit: Reuters

Updated at:3rd Jan, 2019 at 6:31 PM

Afghanistan's Hazrat Zazai is bowled by India's Mohammed Shami. Photo credit: Reuters

Updated at:3rd Jan, 2019 at 6:31 PM

Afghanistan's Aftab Alam and teammates celebrate the wicket of India's Hardik Pandya. Photo credit: Reuters

Updated at:3rd Jan, 2019 at 6:31 PM

Virat Kohli was the leading run scorer for India in the match with 67 off 63 balls. Photo credit: Reuters

Updated at:3rd Jan, 2019 at 6:31 PM

India's Rohit Sharma is bowled by Afghanistan's Mujeeb Ur Rahman. Photo credit: Reuters

Updated at:3rd Jan, 2019 at 6:31 PM

A fan with the India flag outside the stadium before the match. Photo credit: Reuters

Updated at:3rd Jan, 2019 at 6:31 PM

Scarves and other merchandise on sale outside the stadium before the match. Photo credit: Reuters

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Updated at:3rd Jan, 2019 at 6:31 PM