In Pictures: India thrash Afghanistan by 66 runs to avoid early exit from T20 World Cup

Afghanistan's captain Mohammad Nabi (centre) listens to a question from the commentator after winning the toss as India's captain Virat Kohli (left) looks on during the Cricket Twenty20 World Cup match between India and Afghanistan in Abu Dhabi, UAE. India were put in to bat first and they sure made amends for their poor start to the tournament...

India's KL Rahul (left) and Rohit Sharma bump fists. The pair put on a a majestic opening stand of 140.

Rohit made 74 off 47 balls and Rahul 69 off 48, before Rishabh Pant and Hardik Pandya sustained the onslaught to carry India to 210-2, the highest score of the tournament.

Rahul reacts after he was hit by a delivery from Afghanistan's Gulbadin Naib.

Naib celebrates the dismissal of Sharma.

India's Rishabh Pant in action. Facing elimination if they lost a third successive game, India made a stunning statement.

Afghanistan's Hazratullah Zazai bats. Afghanistan never looked capable of chasing 211 and their ambition turned to limiting the severity of defeat to protect their superior net run-rate.

India's Mohammed Shami celebrates with his teammates after taking the wicket of Afghanistan's Mohammad Shahzad.

Shami reacts after he was hit by three consecutive boundaries by Afghanistan's Rahmanullah Gurbaz.

Kohli along with his teammates celebrate after winning the match. The margin of victory keeps India in a thrilling three-team race with Afghanistan and New Zealand for the second semi-final spot behind Group 2 leaders Pakistan.