INDIA Beats Afghanistan Comprehensively in 2nd T20I
Yashasvi Jaiswal‘s brilliance and Shivam Dube‘s power-packed performance steered India to a resounding six-wicket victory against Afghanistan in the second T20I at Indore, securing an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series.
Unbeaten at Home: India’s T20I Mastery Continues
India’s dominance in bilateral T20I series at home persists, stretching their unbeaten streak to an impressive 15. The last time India faced a series defeat on home soil was back in 2019, when Australia emerged victorious with a 2-0 margin. The current series against Afghanistan not only reinforces India’s home supremacy but also showcases their depth and prowess in the shortest format.
Afghanistan’s Grit Meets Indian Resilience
Afghanistan’s innings, fueled by Gulbadin Naib’s impressive 57 off 35 balls, seemed promising. However, India’s bowlers, led by Arshdeep Singh and the crafty Axar Patel, applied the brakes effectively. Karim Janat and Mujeeb Ur Rahman’s late blitz pushed Afghanistan to a respectable 172.
Axar Patel’s Precision: A Vital Component
Axar Patel’s return to the squad after recovering from a quadriceps strain proved to be a game-changer. The left-arm spinner’s ability to vary pace and deceive batsmen was on full display. His crucial spell of 2 for 17 in four overs throttled Afghanistan’s scoring rate, underscoring his value to the Indian team.
Afghanistan’s Late Surge: Janat and Mujeeb’s Fireworks
Najibullah Zadran’s explosive assault, including two sixes and a four off Ravi Bishnoi in the 17th over, injected late momentum for Afghanistan. Karim Janat and Mujeeb added 20 runs in the penultimate over, guiding their team to a competitive 172.
Rohit and Kohli: Mixed Fortunes
Rohit Sharma’s milestone 150th T20I appearance ended with a rare first-ball duck, courtesy of a well-directed delivery by Fazalhaq Farooqi. Virat Kohli, making his T20I comeback after the 2022 T20 World Cup, showcased glimpses of his vintage self with a quickfire 29 off 16 balls before falling victim to Naveen-ul-Haq.
Virat Kohli’s Impactful Return: A Glimpse of Vintage Brilliance
Virat Kohli’s comeback to T20I cricket was nothing short of a spectacle. After missing the first game for personal reasons, the captain marked his return with an impactful cameo. Kohli’s aggressive intent was evident as he smashed Mujeeb Ur Rahman over extra cover and dispatched a similar delivery to the deep midwicket fence, accumulating five fours in just 16 balls. While his departure at mid-off off Naveen-ul-Haq might have disappointed the crowd, Kohli’s approach showcased the dynamic style that has defined his captaincy. As India looks ahead in the series, Kohli’s resurgence adds another layer of strength to the team, providing a glimpse of the vintage brilliance that has made him one of the modern greats in world cricket.
Jaiswal-Dube Duo’s Showstopper
The real spectacle unfolded during India’s chase. Yashasvi Jaiswal’s elegant 68 off 34 balls set the tone, blending classical shots with audacious strokes. On the other end, Shivam Dube unleashed a barrage of boundaries, smashing his way to an unbeaten 63 off 32 balls. The duo’s aggressive yet controlled approach left Afghanistan’s bowlers helpless.
Highlights of the Chase: Jaiswal’s Flair and Dube’s Power
Jaiswal’s innings was a masterclass in shot selection, with boundaries flowing effortlessly. His fifty came in just 27 balls, showcasing his ability to dictate the pace of the game. Dube, though starting cautiously, soon caught up with Jaiswal, launching Noor Ahmad for a colossal six before dismantling Mohammad Nabi with three consecutive sixes. Their partnership of 92 runs in seven overs left India needing a mere 19 runs off 45 balls.
Closing Thoughts: Series in the Bag for India
As Jaiswal departed after a stellar innings, the responsibility fell on Dube and Rinku Singh to guide India over the finish line. Dube’s composure and Singh’s support ensured India reached the target in just 15.4 overs, securing the series win with a game to spare.
Final Word:
In conclusion, India’s comprehensive victory against Afghanistan not only reinforces their T20I dominance at home but also highlights the depth in their batting lineup. With the series sealed, the third T20I becomes an opportunity for India to further experiment and fine-tune their strategies, setting the stage for a compelling encounter.
