Indian batters dominate Afghanistan to seal decisive series lead
Indian cricketers secured an unassailable two-zero lead in the three-match bilateral series after crushing Afghanistan by 170 runs at the Ekana Stadium on Wednesday. Powered by explosive centuries from newly appointed captain Shubman Gill and wicketkeeper-batsman Ishan Kishan, the hosts posted a mammoth total of 402 runs before bowling out the visitors for 232.
Choosing to bat first, India lost Yashasvi Jaiswal early, but Rohit Sharma provided quick momentum with 48 runs. Gill then partnered with Kishan to tear apart the touring bowling attack, putting together a spectacular 224-run partnership for the third wicket. Gill celebrated his first century as official ODI skipper, eventually anchoring the innings with a brilliant 154 runs off 110 deliveries. Kishan played an equally destructive knock, smashing 125 runs off just 79 balls, which included fourteen boundaries and seven sixes. Late contributions helped push the final score past the four-hundred mark. This dominant batting performance highlights how India has consistently developed flat-track masterclass strategies at modern venue facilities across the country.
Bowling Unit Seals Victory
Defending a steep target, Indian bowlers maintained intense pressure despite a quick fifty-run opening stand by Ibrahim Zadran and Rahmatullah Gurbaz. Gurnoor Brar earned the initial breakthrough by dismissing Gurbaz for 41. Debutant Prince Yadav overcame an early disallowed wicket due to a no-ball to claim his maiden international scalp later in the game. Rahmat Shah fought valiantly for the visitors, scoring a resilient 79 runs off 89 balls, but found little support from the other end. Brar and Arshdeep Singh dismantled the lineup by taking three wickets each, while Yadav wrapped up the innings in the 45th over by dismissing Shah. Both teams will now travel south for the final match scheduled at Chennai on Saturday.
With Inputs from Agency Threads and Image Courtesy: ANI
