Xplorich
India captain Shubman Gill overcame intense heat and cramps to score 154, while Ishan Kishan struck his second ODI century as India beat Afghanistan by 170 runs in the second ODI in Lucknow on Wednesday and sealed the three-match series 2-0.After Afghanistan chose to bowl first in difficult afternoon conditions, India piled up 402 all out, powered by a 224-run partnership between Gill and Kishan for the third wicket. The stand came off just 141 deliveries and put India in complete control of the contest.The weather played a major role throughout the match, with several players struggling physically. Gill needed treatment on the field and batted with an ice collar around his neck. The India captain did not return to the field after being dismissed.Chasing 403, Afghanistan needed their highest successful ODI chase and a first-ever win over India in any format. However, they were bowled out for 232 in 44.3 overs despite Rahmat Shah’s 79.Afghanistan never built the momentum required for such a huge chase. Openers Rahmanullah Gurbaz (41) and Ibrahim Zadran (21) made starts but could not provide the rapid beginning their side needed.Gurbaz received a reprieve when debutant Prince Yadav had him caught at mid-on, only for the wicket to be overturned because of a no-ball. However, the opener could not make the most of the chance and was dismissed 11 deliveries later by Gurnoor Brar.Afghanistan suffered another setback when Darwish Rasooli, who had earlier been stretchered off during India’s innings, came out to bat but later retired hurt due to a hamstring injury.Prince eventually claimed his maiden ODI wicket by bowling Nangeyalia Kharote before ending the match with the wicket of Rahmat Shah. Arshdeep Singh finished with 3/45, while Brar also took 3/60. Prince returned figures of 2/56. Kuldeep Yadav went wicketless.Earlier, India continued their experimentation ahead of next year’s World Cup. Yashasvi Jaiswal opened alongside Rohit Sharma, while Gill moved down to No. 3. Jaiswal managed only 4 before being dismissed in the second over.Rohit looked comfortable and scored 48 before Rashid Khan removed him with a googly.Gill then took charge of the innings. He mixed caution with attack and brought up his ninth ODI century. Kishan provided strong support before accelerating after reaching his fifty. The wicketkeeper-batter completed his second ODI hundred and his first since his double century against Bangladesh in December 2022.Gill continued despite cramps and fatigue, but his dismissal sparked a collapse. Left-arm spinner Nangeyalia Kharote claimed 4/76, while Rashid took three wickets. India lost seven wickets in the final 10 overs but had already done enough to set up a comfortable victory and secure the series.
