The hosts delivered a masterful performance, showcasing their superior skills and outclassing their Afghan counterparts in every facet of the game. From stellar batting displays to impeccable bowling and fielding, India’s comprehensive domination left no room for doubt about their supremacy on the cricketing stage. With an unassailable lead in the series, India stands on the brink of a series sweep, further solidifying their reputation as a powerhouse of shortest format of the game.
Afghanistan’s resilient batting display
The Men in Blue’s decision to bowl first after winning the toss proved effective as Afghanistan faced an early challenge from the bowlers. Arshdeep Singh and Mukesh Kumar struggled in the initial overs, conceding runs, but the introduction of Ravi Bishnoi in the third over brought immediate success with the dismissal of Rahmanullah Gurbaz. Axar Patel added to the guests’ woes by claiming Ibrahim Zadran‘s wicket in the last powerplay.
Despite losing wickets at regular intervals, Gulbadin Naib played a sensational innings, scoring a career-best 57 off 35 balls and showcasing aggressive intent. Mohammad Nabi, who got a lifeline from a dropped catch, struggled to find a rhythm and was caught in the deep by Rinku Singh off Bishnoi. Najibullah Zadran, Karim Janat and Mujeeb Ur Rahman contributed with quick runs, propelling the guests to 172 in their allotted 20 overs.
Yashasvi Jaiswal and Shivam Dube star in India’s run chase
India’s chase started horribly as Fazalhaq Farooqi dismissed the skipper Rohit Sharma for a duck in the opening over. However, Yashasvi Jaiswal quickly turned the tide, announcing his comeback emphatically with a blistering innings. The left-handed batter’s 34-ball 68 included an impressive five fours and six sixes, marking his fourth T20I half-century. He formed crucial partnerships, first with the returning Virat Kohli, who showcased his aggressive intent with five boundaries in a quick 16-ball 29 before falling to Naveen-ul-Haq in the final over of the Powerplay.
Shivam Dube, coming in at number 4, smashed five fours and four sixes, including three consecutive maximums off Nabi. With an unbeaten 63 off 32 balls, Dube achieved his career-best T20I score and secured his side’s commanding victory.
Also READ – IND vs AFG: Axar Patel, Shivam Dube weave magic in Indore by dismissing Afghan batters with exquisite deliveries
Here is how Twitter reacted:
India wins second #T20
Dube and Jaiswal the batting heroes#INDvsAFG #Jaiswal #ShivamDube
— Cricket_crazzzyy(@shrish_xoxo) January 14, 2024
Up, Up and Away!
Three consecutive monstrous SIXES from Shivam Dube
— BCCI (@BCCI) January 14, 2024
#RohitSharma appreciated #ShivamDube after a fantastic performance.#RohitSharma𓃵 #Shivam #INDvAFG #INDvsAFG #AFGvIND #AFGvsIND #ViratKohli #ViratKohli𓃵 #King #KingKohli #PAKvsNZ #PradaFW24 #amici23 #BiggBossSeason7 #BabarAzam #BitcoinEFT #Gaza #Israel #Yemen #HanuMania #hot pic.twitter.com/YKWa9hjJnS
— Mr_X(@_AskRO) January 14, 2024
High quality hitting by Dube. Very Yuvraj like. #INDvsAFG
— Chaitanya Prabhu(@ChaaiP) January 14, 2024
Back to back half-centuries for Shivam Dube
What a fine half-century this of just 22 deliveries. #INDvAFG_2ndT20 #INDvsAFG @IDFCFIRSTBank pic.twitter.com/EOgdlfx3gc
— officialKL_Rahul_ (@KumarRahul58896) January 14, 2024
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