It was a memorable day for Shubman Gill and Ishan Kishan as their big tons propelled India to a One-Day International (ODI) series win over Afghanistan. Gill smashed 154 off 110, while Kishan hit 125 off 79 in the second ODI in Lucknow to help India to a mammoth total of 402 – their eighth total of 400 or more in ODIs.
A monumental partnership
While Kishan smashed 14 fours and seven sixes, Gill scored 22 fours and a couple of maximums. This was also Gill’s first century as captain.
The duo put on 224 off just 140 for the third wicket, which gave India a superb platform from where they could go big. However, none of the batters got going with Shreyas (26) and Washington Sundar (19) doing their bit to take the total over 400. Before them, it was a quickfire 87 partnership between Gill and Rohit Sharma (48) that gave India a rollicking start.
India lost their last seven wickets for just 42 runs and did not even finish their quota of 50 overs.
Afghanistan batters let them down
Left-arm spinner Nangeyalia Kharoti picked up three wickets, while veteran spinner Rashid Khan picked up three and conceded just 48 in his eight overs.
In reply, batting Rahmat Shah (79 off 89), none of the Afghanistan batters really got going. Rahmanullah Gurbaz continued his good form, scoring 41 off 33, while Sediqullah Atal showed some fight with a 50-ball 42.It was a clinical bowling performance from India once again, with Arsheep Singh leading the way with 3/45. Gurnoor Brar also picked up three, while debutant Prince Yadav picked up two.
In the end, India completed an easy 170-run victory.
With the series already won, India will hope to complete a clean sweep when they come up against Afghanistan in the final ODI on June 20 (Saturday). The hosts won the first ODI in Dharamsala by seven wickets.
Brief scores:
India 402 in 49.5 overs (Shubman Gill 154, Ishan Kishan 125; Nangeyalia Kharoti 4/76) beat Afghanistan 232 in 44.3 overs (Rahmat Shah 79, Seqiqullah Atal 42; Arshdeep Singh 3/45) by 170 runs
Player of the Match: Shubman Gill
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