IND vs AFG - Rohit Sharma gives playful 'tapli' to Mukesh Kumar, pacer gets Mohammad Nabi's wicket

In the 1st T20I clash between India and Afghanistan, Mohammad Nabi enthralled the crowd at the Punjab Cricket Association IS Bindra Stadium in Mohali with his impressive display with the bat. With three sixes and two fours to his name, the all-rounder was closing in on a half-century, posing a challenge for Team India.

In the 17th over, Mukesh Kumar was reintroduced into the attack. However, in the fifth ball, he bowled a wide, and on the subsequent re-ball, he delivered a no-ball. On the ensuing free-hit, he conceded just a single run. In a light-hearted moment, skipper Rohit Sharma was seen playfully giving him a 'tapli' (a tap on the head).

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On the next ball, when Nabi faced Mukesh Kumar, the pacer successfully dismissed him. Nabi attempted to play a fullish delivery outside off, swinging his arms at it and slicing the ball over point. Rinku Singh, positioned at a deep point, took a low catch with both hands. Nabi walked back after a commendable knock of 42 runs off 27 balls.

Social media, particularly on X (formerly known as Twitter), buzzed with discussions about the amusing 'tapli' moment and Nabi's dismissal.

As of the current writing, the 1st innings has been completed and the Afghan side posted a total of 158 runs in 20 overs while losing five wickets. The Indian team now faces the challenge of putting up a robust batting performance against the Afghan bowlers. 

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Apart from Nabi's 42, significant contributions came from Azmatullah Omarzai (29), Ibrahim Zadran (25), and Rahmanullah Gurbaz (23). Mukesh Kumar and Axar Patel claimed two wickets each for India, while Shivam Dube secured one wicket.

Teams:

India (Playing XI): Rohit Sharma(c), Shubman Gill, Tilak Varma, Shivam Dube, Jitesh Sharma(w), Rinku Singh, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, Ravi Bishnoi, Arshdeep Singh, Mukesh Kumar

Afghanistan (Playing XI): Rahmanullah Gurbaz(w), Ibrahim Zadran(c), Rahmat Shah, Azmatullah Omarzai, Mohammad Nabi, Najibullah Zadran, Karim Janat, Gulbadin Naib, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Naveen-ul-Haq, Mujeeb Ur Rahman.