Mumbai Indians

India completed a whitewash against Afghanistan 3-0, winning the third ODI by nine wickets at MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai. The hosts dominated through the whole series in every department of the game. Today, Prasidh Krishna claimed his maiden five wicket haul while Jaiswal cruised to his second ODI century against Afghanistan. From the first ball to the final handshake, India stamped their authority through their campaign.  

Prasidh’s five-star show, Prasidh-Rohit combination shine early on

Right arm fast, Prasidh Krishna was brilliant with the ball right from the beginning, breathing fire into the opposition. The Afghan batters had no answer for his outstanding deliveries early on. All three wickets initially were identical. Sticking to his game plan, he first dismissed the batter in form Rahmanullah Gurbaz and then picked up Rahmat Shah and Ibrahim Zadran within no time. Rohit Sharma at first slip made no mistake, keeping a watchful eye on the ball till the last second...taking all three consecutive catches. Hitman is also placed third after VVS Laxman and Shikhar Dhawan in the elite list where a fielder has taken three catches off a bowler in an ODI for India. Afghanistan was reeling at 36/4 in 9.2 overs of power play. Eventually, Prasidh grabbed his maiden five haul in ODI’s, 5/23 in 8.2 overs with an economy of just 2.8. Indeed, a career best for the talented bowler.  

Hashmat-Azmat bring Afghan innings back on track

Just when India looked to tighten their grip, a 105 runs partnership for the fifth wicket was stitched between Hashmatullah Shahidi and Azmatullah Omarzai. The experienced duo mounted a spirited resistance, blending some smart cricketing strokes with composure. They kept finding the gaps, rotated the strike with ease and steadied the Afghan ship. Omarzai perished after a well-earned 50(56), his 9th ODI fifty.

Shahidi scores maiden ODI ton

Leading from the front, skipper Hashmatullah Shahidi produced an innings of immense character and composure, bringing up his maiden ODI century, scoring 102 in 131 balls, aced with 13 fours and one maximum. He stood tall at one end, as wickets kept tumbling at the other side. A captain’s knock in true sense.

Afghanistan finished their innings with 218 in 44.2 overs.

Rohit ignites the chase with a half-ton blitz

Rohit Sharma came up with a masterclass show… a sparkling 79 off just 69 balls, with nine fours and three sixes at Chennai. Boundaries flowed effortlessly from his bat as he dismantled the Afghan attack with his trademark pull shots, drives and lofted shots. Setting the tempo early, he showed great intent. A statement knock that gave India the added boost. Together with Yashasvi Jaiswal, they stitched a massive 170 runs opening stand.

Jaiswal stamped his authority with a brilliant century

The young opener Yashasvi Jaiswal combined patience, poise and power in equal measure. He shifted gears when it was necessary, piercing the gaps and hitting big maximums out of the park. His commanding display of shots, cornered Afghanistan very early on during India’s chase. In the end, he remained unbeaten producing a champions knock of 110 not out in 86 balls, along with 14 fours and three sixes. He finished off in style, with a huge six to help India clinch the game.

India chased down the target, 224/1 in 28.4 overs, marking the first series win for Shubman Gill as ODI skipper.

Brief Scores

Afghanistan: 218 all out in 44.2 overs (Hashmatullah Shahidi 102, Azmatullah Omarzai 50; Prasidh Krishna 5/23) lost to India: 224/1 in 28.4 overs (Yashasvi Jaiswal 110*, Rohit Sharma 79) by 9 wickets.