India pocket ODI series against Afghanistan with massive win in Lucknow
Team India made absolute merry in Lucknow as they blew away Afghanistan in ruthless fashion to pocket the ODI series with a game to spare. An all-round dominant performance from Shubman Gill and company left the visitors frazzled right from the outset. Despite intermittent shards of resistance, India’s overwhelming superiority was more than enough to raze through Afghanistan.
Winning the toss, Afghanistan opted to bowl first. India handed a third debut in the ongoing series as Prince Yadav was included in the playing XI. India had an early stutter as Yashasvi Jaiswal (4) was sent packing by Mohammad Saleem.
Despite India’s stutter up front they quickly dispelled fears with an incoming Shubman Gill who joined forces with Rohit Sharma. Sharma breezed to 48 off just 39 balls before Rashid Khan dismissed him. The two added 87 runs for the second wicket from just 67 balls.
However, India’s true assault began after Ishan Kishan walked in. Kishan and Shubman Gill started hammering their way through and the Afghan bowlers could only watch in utter horror. Gill clobbered 154 from just 110 balls, hitting 22 fours and two sixes while Ishan Kishan smashed 125 from just 79 balls, hammering 14 fours and seven sixes.
The two added 224 runs for the third wicket from just 141 balls, sending the visitors retreating for shelter. By the time Kharote claimed Kishan's wicket, India were already motoring away. Another solid partnership was forged between Shubman Gill and Shreyas Iyer (26) and the hosts looked set for a possible 450-plus total.
Much to their woes, the fall of Shubman Gill sparked an unexpected collapse and India was bundled out for 402. They lost their last seven wickets for a span of 52 runs. Kharote claimed four wickets to lead the Afghan charge while Rashid Khan claimed three from his spell.
Afghanistan got off to a strong start as Rahmanullah Gurbaz (41) and Ibrahim Zadran (21) added 52 runs for the opening stand. Eventually Gurnoor Brar provided the first breakthrough, removing Gurbaz. Arshdeep Singh struck in quick succession to see the back of Ibrahim Zadran (21).
However, undaunted by the two wickets in a short span, Afghanistan fought back, riding high on the shoulders of Sediqullah Atal (42) and Rahmat Shah (79). The two looked in good control and played in their own rhythm, not too fazed by the growing pressure of the required rate.
After the two added 57 runs for the third wicket, India managed to rattle the partnership as Washington Sundar got hold of Atal. From thereon, India started working clinically and kept chipping away at the wickets. Rahmat Shah fought till the very end until Prince Yadav put an end to his resistance.
Despite Shah’s battle, the rest of the Afghan batters couldn’t really get the wheels in motion consistently as India managed to restrict them to 232. Gurnoor Brar had another excellent outing claiming six wickets while Arshdeep Singh registered three scalps too. India secured the ODI series with a game to spare, winning by 170 runs. Shubman Gill walked away with the Player of the Match award for his incredible ton in the first innings.
