India’s dominance continues as they clinch yet another series, 2-0 with a game remaining versus Afghanistan at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi. Player of the Match Nitish Kumar Reddy picked a three-wicket haul and then sensational Sanju Samason’s 57 ensured India won by seven wickets.

Boom’s maiden first over, India picks six wickets inside 15 overs

Bumrah doing Bumrah things! A maiden over to start off the proceedings, with a hint of movement generated from the pitch. Openers Ibrahim Zadran and Rahmanullah Gurbaz were unable to read the line and length and struggled to get going early on. JB ended with 1/25 in his four overs.   

Eventually, Gurbaz got out for a duck, as Arshdeep Singh grabbed his wicket. His good bowling was rewarded with a second scalp, dismissing the dangerous Darwish Rasooli 26(15). Nitish Kumar Reddy ably supported Arshdeep at the other end, sending Gulbadin Naib and Afghan skipper Zadran 37(33) back to the pavilion. The hosts Afghanistan were reduced to 100/6 in 14.1 overs.

Tilak’s triple impact while fielding

TV made the difference, pulling off three sharp catches in the field. Safe hands, great reflexes and terrific awareness ensured he held onto everything that came his way. Always having the hunger to contribute in every department. Eyes on the ball till the very last second, keeping his calm composure intact, he ensured Sediquallah Atal, Darwish Rasooli and Azmat Omarzai did not go berserk.

Experienced Afghan pro’s Nabi-Rashid’s valuable 48 runs partnership

Afghanistan’s two stars, Mohammad Nabi and Rashid Khan put their hands up when the team needed them the most. They took on the Indian bowlers with a lot of confidence ensuring they added as many runs as possible. En route they stitched a crucial 48 runs stand amongst themselves. In the end Nabi contributed 20(14) while Rashid added a quickfire 16-balls 28. Afghanistan ended with 159/8 in 20 overs.

Sanju slams his fastest T20I half-ton, Abhishek-Sanju apply pressure

Sanju Samson and Abhishek Sharma started off with a bang, ensuring the Indian side stayed ahead of the net run rate at all times. Before one knew, India was 82/0 in the powerplay. Together they stitched 88 runs opening stand, making the job easier for the batters to follow. Abhishek perished on 39(19) going for a big hit. By then, the damage had already been done. Sanju at the other end made his bat do all the talking, notching up his seventh half ton, his fastest T20I fifty. He was finally caught by Nabi off a Rashid Khan delivery on 57.

Ishan’s cameo knock takes India home

Ishan Kishan made sure he remained unbeaten till the end, ensuring he pierced the gaps well, and smashed two big hits out of the park. He hit the winning runs with a boundary to take India home. The visitors ended with 163/3 in 14.5 overs.  

Brief Scores

Afghanistan: 159/8 in 20 overs (Ibrahim Zadran 37; Nitish Reddy 3/24) lost to India: 163/3 in 14.5 overs (Sanju Samson 57, Abhishek Sharma 39, Ishan Kishan 38*; Rashid Khan 3/36) by seven wickets.