Southampton: It was supposed to be a stroll in the park for India when they faced minnows Afghanistan in the World Cup at Ageas Bowl here on Saturday. But what they got was beyond anybody's wildest expectations. Opting to bat first on a sluggish pitch, India could manage only 224-8 and it required a Herculean effort by their bowlers, including a hat-trick by Mohammed Shami off the final three delivers of the match, to registered a hard-fought 11-run win to remain unbeaten the tournament.

Though India survived by the skin of their teeth, it was a type of match they required going into the business end of the tournament. Having won their fourth match in five games, with one washout, being lucky to pocket two points from this game, India can now look forward to the remaining matches against West Indies, England, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka with fair amount of confidence to finish among the Top 4 and make it to the knockouts.