In a display of sheer batting dominance, India set a formidable total of 402 runs in 49.5 overs in the second ODI against Afghanistan at the Ekana Cricket Stadium.
Afghanistan, who elected to bowl first, now face the daunting task of chasing 403 to keep the three-match series alive.
Captain Shubman Gill led from the front with a commanding 154 off 110 balls, laced with 22 fours and 2 sixes, while Ishan Kishan provided explosive support with a blistering 125 off just 79 deliveries (14 fours and 7 sixes). Their record-breaking 224-run partnership for the third wicket turned the game into a one-sided affair after an early wobble.
India started cautiously but lost early momentum when they slipped to 96/2, with Yashasvi Jaiswal (4) and Rohit Sharma (48) back in the pavilion. That’s when Gill and Kishan took charge. Kishan, in particular, shifted gears dramatically, racing from fifty to hundred in just 19 balls. The duo dismantled Afghanistan’s bowling attack, with the pair reaching their centuries in quick succession amid roaring crowd support.
Gill also etched his name in the record books, becoming the fastest Indian to reach 3000 ODI runs in just 62 innings — surpassing the previous mark of 72 innings jointly held by Shikhar Dhawan and Shreyas Iyer.
Nangeyalia Kharoti was the most successful Afghan bowler, claiming four wickets, including the prized scalps of Kishan, Gill, and KL Rahul (who was dismissed for a golden duck). However, his efforts were not enough to stem the flow of runs as India accelerated relentlessly in the middle and death overs.
This massive total marks India’s eighth instance of crossing 400 in ODIs, equalling South Africa’s record for the most 400-plus scores in the format. With the pitch offering decent bounce and the outfield lightning-quick, Afghanistan’s bowlers were left helpless against India’s aggressive intent.
What’s Next?
The onus is now on Afghanistan’s batters to produce something extraordinary under lights. India, already 1-0 up in the series, will look to wrap things up with their varied bowling attack, led by the likes of Kuldeep Yadav, Arshdeep Singh, and Washington Sundar.
Stay tuned for the chase as Team India aims for a series-clinching victory! This high-scoring encounter has already delivered fireworks — and the second innings promises even more drama.
