In the second T20I of the three-match series, India defeated Afghanistan by six wickets at the Holkar Cricket Stadium in Indore.
The Men in Blue won the toss and opted to field first. The bowling unit of Team India once again showcased top quality as they scalped all 10 Afghan wickets on a batting wicket. Major credits go to Arshdeep Singh, Axar Patel, and Ravi Bishnoi, who picked the majority of the wickets while others too were economical.
Chasing 171, India lost their skipper Rohit Sharma for a golden duck. However, the home team never looked out of shape throughout the innings and cruised past all the Afghanistan bowlers to clinch the target with overs to go. Yashasvi Jaiswal (68) opted for only an aggressive approach as he got a fifty at a strike rate of 200, which included six sixes and five fours. Virat Kohli (29) also scored some quick runs but it was Shivam Dube (63), who looked fearless and smashed a well-earned fifty from just 22 balls.
For Afghanistan with the willow, Gulbadin Naib (57) was the only positive outcome from this match, as he hit a remarkable half-century. Towards the end, Karim Janat and Mujeeb Ur Rahman also struck runs at over 200 strike rates. On a batting track as such, having just 170 runs on board wasn’t sufficient.
For India with the ball, Arshdeep was at his finest yet again as he plucked three wickets. Two wickets each were also grabbed by Axar and Bishnoi. Dube had an all-round performance, as he picked up a wicket too.
While defending, Karim got two wickets in his first over. Naveen-ul-Haq and Fazalhaq Farooqi also claimed one wicket each.
Shivam Dube was adjudged Player of the Match for his outstanding all-round show. With this win, India have clinched the three-match series by 2-0, with a match to play.Â
Scorecard:
Afghanistan: 170/10, Overs 20, Gulbadin Naib 57, Arshdeep Singh 3/32
India: 173/4, Overs 15.4, Yashasvi Jaiswal 68, Karim Janat 2/13