India produced a commanding all round display to defeat Afghanistan by 170 runs in the second ODI, securing the three match series with one game still remaining. Outstanding centuries from Shubman Gill and Ishan Kishan laid the foundation for a huge total before the bowlers completed a comfortable victory.
After losing Yashasvi Jaiswal early, India quickly regained control through Rohit Sharma and Gill. Rohit looked in fine touch during his entertaining 48 before Rashid Khan ended his stay. However, Afghanistan’s brief success only opened the door for a remarkable partnership between Gill and Kishan.
The pair transformed the contest with an explosive third wicket stand worth 224 runs from just 141 deliveries. Gill combined elegance with aggression throughout his innings, reaching his hundred in only 77 balls. Kishan began cautiously but shifted gears dramatically after his half century. The left hander reached three figures in spectacular fashion, requiring only 19 deliveries for his second fifty.
As the partnership flourished, India appeared set to threaten the 450 mark. Gill continued his superb knock and eventually reached 150 from 109 balls, while Kishan’s aggressive approach kept the scoring rate soaring. India were cruising before Afghanistan fought back impressively during the closing stages. Nangeyalia Kharote led the recovery with figures of 4 for 76, while Rashid Khan collected three wickets. The late collapse saw India lose seven wickets for 62 runs, eventually finishing on 402 in 49.5 overs.
Facing a daunting chase, Afghanistan never seriously challenged the target. Rahmanullah Gurbaz made 41 and Rahmat Shah battled hard for 79, but partnerships lacked urgency as the required rate continued to rise.
India’s bowlers maintained constant pressure. Arshdeep Singh struck key blows and finished with 3 for 45, while Gurnoor Brar claimed 3 for 60. Debutant Prince Yadav also impressed, taking two wickets and earning his maiden ODI scalp.
Afghanistan reached 62 for 1 after ten overs but struggled to build momentum. Ibrahim Zadran, Sediqullah Atal, Hashmatullah Shahidi and Rashid Khan all departed without making significant contributions. Debutant Darwish Rasooli, who had earlier left the field injured, briefly returned before retiring hurt again.
Eventually, Afghanistan were dismissed for 232. The statistics highlighted the gulf between the sides. India struck 45 fours and 12 sixes while Afghanistan managed 29 boundaries and only two maximums. With a dominant batting effort backed by disciplined bowling, India sealed the series in emphatic fashion.
