Lucknow : India defeated Afghanistan by 170 runs at Ekana Stadium, Lucknow in 2nd ODI to clinch the 3 match ODI series 2-0.
India Batting first, lost opener Yashasvi Jaiswal (4) early on 9 runs. Rohit Sharma (48) played a good knock but failed to convert it to a half century.
However, the day belonged to skipper Shubman Gill (154) and Ishan Kishan (125). With a record 224 runs partnership for 3rd wicket, both smashed tons. Gill smashed his 9th in ODIs with a mammoth innings of 154 (110) including 2 sixes and 22 boundaries. Kishan on the other hand scored his 2nd ODI hundred with blistering 125 (79) comprising of 7 sixes and 14 boundaries. The pair was dismissed leaving India at a strong position of 360-4 (42.3).
Since then, India faced a collapse and lost wickets at regular intervals. As a result, they’re were bundled out but not before touching 402 (49.5).
Afghanistan bowlers Nangeyalia Kharoti (4/76) and Rashid Khan (3/48) were among multiple wicket takers.
Afghan openers Rahmanullah Gurbaz (41) and Ibrahim Zadran (21) gave a strong start with 52 runs opening stand. Sediqullah Atal (42) also added vital runs at number 3. However, they continued to lose wickets at one end while Rahmat Shah (79) kept fighting from the other end. At the end, they’re bundled out for 232, facing a heavy 170 runs defeat and ODI series loss.
Indian pacers Gurnoor Brar (3/60) and Arshdeep Singh (3/45) picked 3 – fers, while, debutant Prince Yadav (2/56) grabbed 2 wickets including that of dangerous Rahmat Shah.
Both teams will meet each other on Saturday, 20 June, at Chennai. While Afghanistan will look to end the series with pride, India would definitely eye a whitewash.
Brief Scorecard :
IND : 402 (49.5)
AFG : 232 (44.3)
Result – India won by 170 runs.
