There’s a reason why Suryakumar Yadav is ranked the world’s best T20 batter. If anyone wasn’t sure why, they were provided a timely reminder on a slowish surface at the Kensington Oval here on Thursday. Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, the openers, struggled to come to grips with the track and Afghanistan’s versatile bowling in the opening Super 8 match for both sides, and while Rishabh Pant did threaten to cut loose, his cameo was ended by Rashid Khan on the reverse sweep.

It was left to Suryakumar to provide both the substance and the style, though he needed an ally in that endeavour. Fortunately for the Indians, Hardik Pandya came to the party with an excellent hand; the 60-run partnership for the fifth wicket between the two right-handers was primarily responsible for India stacking up 181 for eight after opting to bat, a total that was built with progressive momentum as the innings progressed.