(Image source from: zeenews.india.com)

Team India was named as the favorite of the T20 World Cup that is happening in Abu Dhabi. With two back-to-back defeats, India had lean hopes on making it to the semi-finals from Group B. The crucial match between Afghanistan and New Zealand took place yesterday and Team India's fate of making it to the semi-finals completely depended on the result. New Zealand reported 8-wicket win over Afghanistan which lost hopes for Team India in the semi-finals. New Zealand climbed to the top of the table with the victory against Afghanistan. Team India will play their last league match with Namibia today and this would be the last match for Virat Kohli as the captain of Team India. He will continue to play for Team India but will not lead the team in the coming days.

Afghanistan won the toss in the last match against New Zealand and elected to bat first. They could not withstand before the pace of the Kiwis bowlers and they reported 124/8 in their 20 overs. New Zealand completed the chase in 18.1 overs after they lost two wickets. Trent Boult is named as the Player of the Match. Pakistan and New Zealand officially entered the semi-finals and the rest of the teams will have to pack their bags. Team India left the Indian fans depressed with their poor performance in the first two matches. Though India reported remarkable victories on Afghanistan and Scotland, they make no difference for the semi-final berth.

By Siva Kumar