New Delhi, 18 June: India secured a dominant 170-run victory over Afghanistan in the second ODI, taking an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series. Stellar centuries from captain Shubman Gill and wicketkeeper-batter Ishan Kishan helped the hosts post a massive total before the bowlers completed a comprehensive win.
After being asked to bat first, India piled up an imposing 402 runs, with Gill and Kishan producing a match-defining partnership of 224 runs for the third wicket. Their remarkable stand laid the foundation for one of India’s highest ODI totals against Afghanistan.
Leading from the front, Gill played a captain’s knock, scoring 154 runs off 110 deliveries. His innings was highlighted by elegant strokeplay and consistent boundary-hitting as he registered his ninth ODI century. Kishan complemented him brilliantly with an explosive 125 off just 79 balls, smashing boundaries and sixes at regular intervals to put the Afghan bowlers under immense pressure.
The duo reached their centuries in the same over, underlining the dominance they displayed throughout the middle phase of the innings. Kishan, in particular, accelerated dramatically after reaching his half-century, turning the contest heavily in India’s favor.
Although India’s scoring rate slowed slightly in the closing overs, the team still crossed the 400-run mark, finishing with a daunting total of 402.
Chasing a challenging target, Afghanistan showed brief moments of resistance through Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Sediqullah Atal, and Rahmat Shah. However, the visitors struggled to maintain the required run rate and failed to build substantial partnerships.
Rahmat Shah top-scored for Afghanistan with 79 runs, while Gurbaz and Atal contributed valuable starts. Injuries to key players further hampered Afghanistan’s chances as they were eventually bowled out for 232.
The match also saw India hand opportunities to several players, including debutant Prince Yadav, as the team continued to test its bench strength ahead of upcoming international assignments.
With a commanding victory and the series already secured, India will head into the final ODI looking for a clean sweep and another strong all-round performance.
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