India overcame sweltering conditions at the Ekana Cricket Stadium to register a commanding 170-run victory over Afghanistan in the second ODI on Wednesday, sealing the three-match series with an unassailable 2-0 lead.
With temperatures soaring into the high 30s and only a fraction of the stadium’s 50,000-seat capacity occupied, players battled both the opposition and the harsh conditions. India, however, adapted superbly, posting a formidable 402 before restricting Afghanistan to 232 for nine in reply.
The foundation of India’s massive total was laid by captain Shubman Gill and Ishan Kishan, who produced a match-defining 224-run partnership for the third wicket. Their stand not only took the game away from Afghanistan but also showcased remarkable endurance under the relentless afternoon sun.
Gill led from the front with a magnificent 154 off 110 deliveries, striking 22 fours and two sixes. The skipper once again displayed his trademark elegance, particularly through the covers, as he registered his ninth ODI century.
At the other end, Kishan delivered a breathtaking knock of 125 from just 79 balls, an innings packed with 14 boundaries and seven sixes. It was his second ODI hundred and his first in more than three-and-a-half years since his double century against Bangladesh in Chattogram. After reaching his half-century in 52 deliveries, Kishan shifted gears dramatically, racing through his next 50 runs in just 19 balls.
One of the highlights of his innings came against left-arm spinner Nangeyalia Kharote, whom he dispatched for back-to-back one-handed sixes. Attempting a third big hit, however, brought about his dismissal.
The pair reached their centuries in the same over, underlining the dominance they exerted over the Afghan bowling attack. India crossed the 300-run mark in just 35.5 overs and appeared on course to surpass its highest ODI total of 418. However, the scoring rate slowed after Kishan’s departure, with Shreyas Iyer and Washington Sundar unable to provide the finishing burst many expected.
Afghanistan’s chase never truly gathered momentum. Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Sediqullah Atal made useful contributions of 41 and 42 respectively, while Rahmat Shah top-scored with a patient 79. But the visitors struggled to maintain the required scoring rate and were further hampered by the absence of injured key players Mohammad Nabi and Azmatullah Omarzai.
India also handed a debut to Prince Yadav, while Kuldeep Yadav and Yashasvi Jaiswal returned to the side. Despite fielding only five specialist bowlers, the hosts comfortably controlled proceedings.
By the time Afghanistan’s innings wound down, the contest had long been decided, with India’s imposing total proving far beyond reach and ensuring another emphatic series triumph.
