India claimed a 23-run victory over Afghanistan during their opening match of the T20 World Cup this evening.

Virat Kohli and Suresh Raina contributed 50 and 33 runs respectively to help India on their way to posting a total of 159 from their 20 overs for the loss of five wickets.

Afghanistan's opening three batsmen all started well, but none was able to post a total that allowed their nation to mount a serious challenge to India.

Their top scorer was Mohammad Nabi, who was dismissed for 31 runs from 17 balls when he was caught by Rohit Sharma. Nabi's innings included two fours and two sixes.

They eventually fell 23 runs short of their target of 160.

The Afghans will now take on England on Friday afternoon.

Written by
Liam Apicella