Senior all-rounder Hardik Pandya is celebrating his 30th birthday on October 11 (Wednesday). Meanwhile, team India is facing Afghanistan in their second match of the World Cup in Delhi. Before the match started, the likes of Gautam Gambhir, Jatin Sapru who are also part of the broadcast team of the WC celebrated Pandya’s special day by cutting a cake.
Afghanistan opted to bat first in Delhi
Earlier in the day, Afghanistan won the toss and opted to have a bat first on a green track at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi. Hardik Pandya who did not had much of a say in the World Cup opener against Australia, will want to have good outing against Afghanistan. Meanwhile, the Indian side made one change to their playing XI with Ravichandran Ashwin sitting out and pace all-rounder Shardul Thakur replacing him. The Indian batting order is expected to remain unchanged.
“We were looking to bowl first actually. We know that this is a good pitch for batting. We had a practice session yesterday as well. Last night there was plenty of dew. But I don’t think it will change much. But still, it is a batting pitch, and we have to bowl really well. And then bat well,” said Indian skipper Rohit Sharma.
We were under pressure against Australia with early wickets. KL and Virat batted well. They were magnificent, and we take a lot of pride in our performance. It was a good game for us, and hopefully, we can replicate the same today as well,” he added,