The men in blue defeated Afghanistan by 170 runs in the second ODI at Lucknow on Wednesday to clinch the three-match series 2–0, powered by Shubman Gill’s 154 and Ishan Kishan’s 125 as India posted 402 all out and bowled out the visitors for 232.
Put in to bat at the Ekana Stadium, India recovered from early setbacks to produce a commanding batting display anchored by skipper Shubman Gill, who struck a fluent 154 despite battling intense heat and cramps. Promoted to No. 3 as part of ongoing team experimentation, Gill mixed caution with controlled aggression, bringing up his ninth ODI hundred before falling while attempting a reverse sweep.
Ishan Kishan, returning to form in emphatic style, ended a three-year wait for an ODI century with a blistering 125 off 79 deliveries. After a measured start, he accelerated brutally after reaching his fifty, punishing Afghanistan’s attack with powerful pulls and inventive strokeplay, including audacious one-handed sixes.
Also read: India A defeat Afghanistan by 101 runs
The pair added 224 runs for the third wicket, setting the platform for India’s imposing total. Earlier, Rohit Sharma contributed 48 before being dismissed by Rashid Khan, while Yashasvi Jaiswal (4), KL Rahul (0) and Shreyas Iyer (26) failed to convert starts as Afghanistan briefly fought back in the middle overs.
Afghanistan’s spinners triggered a late collapse, with Nangeyalia Kharote returning 4/76 and Rashid Khan claiming three wickets, as India lost seven wickets in the final 10 overs despite crossing the 400 mark.
In reply, Afghanistan’s chase never gained momentum as India’s pace attack struck early and consistently. Arshdeep Singh and debutant Gurnoor Brar led the bowling effort with three wickets each, breaking the backbone of the batting line-up. Prince Yadav also made an impact on debut with key contributions in the field.
Afghanistan were eventually restricted to 232 all out, with only brief resistance from the middle order, as India maintained control throughout the second innings to secure a comprehensive victory and wrap up the series.
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