New Delhi: Captain Shubman Gill overcame intense heat and cramps to score a magnificent 154, while Ishan Kishan struck a sparkling century as India thrashed Afghanistan by 170 runs in the second ODI on Wednesday to seal the three-match series.
With the victory, India took an unassailable 2-0 lead after posting a daunting 402 on the board. Afghanistan’s decision to bowl first under scorching conditions backfired spectacularly as Gill and Kishan put together a game-changing 224-run partnership for the third wicket off just 141 balls.
Gill was in sublime touch, mixing elegance with aggression to register his ninth ODI century. Despite struggling physically in the latter half of his innings and batting with an ice collar, the Indian skipper battled cramps and exhaustion to anchor the innings with remarkable determination.
Kishan, meanwhile, continued his impressive comeback, scoring his second ODI hundred and his first since his famous double century against Bangladesh in 2022. The left-hander dazzled with an array of attacking strokes, including towering pulls and audacious one-handed sixes, as he announced his return to form in style.
Earlier, India experimented with their batting order by promoting Yashasvi Jaiswal to open alongside Rohit Sharma, while Gill moved down to No. 3. Jaiswal fell cheaply, but Rohit looked in fine touch before Rashid Khan dismissed him for 48.
Chasing an imposing target, Afghanistan never looked capable of pulling off what would have been their first-ever victory over India in any format. Rahmat Shah fought valiantly with 79, but wickets at regular intervals derailed the chase as the visitors were bowled out for 232 in 44.3 overs.
Arshdeep Singh and Gurnoor Brar picked up three wickets apiece, while debutant Prince Yadav claimed his maiden ODI scalps.
India will now aim for a series sweep in the final ODI, buoyed by the superb form of Gill and Kishan despite concerns over a late batting collapse that saw them lose seven wickets in the final 10 overs.
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