Gill, Kishan Centuries Power India to 402 Against Afghanistan in Second ODI
Lucknow — Captain Shubman Gill and Ishan Kishan struck brilliant centuries as India posted a commanding 402 all out in 49.5 overs against Afghanistan in the second ODI at Ekana Cricket Stadium on Wednesday.
India chose to bat first but made a cautious start after Afghanistan opened the bowling with off-spinner AM Ghazanfar. Yashasvi Jaiswal struggled for rhythm and fell early, while Rohit Sharma looked in good touch before being dismissed for 48, just short of a half-century.
India were 80 for one inside the first powerplay before Gill and Kishan took control of the innings with a powerful counterattack. Gill played with composure and timing, while Kishan attacked aggressively, punishing loose deliveries with a series of boundaries and sixes.
The pair added 224 runs for the third wicket off just 140 balls, scoring at 9.60 runs per over. Their stand became the joint second-highest ODI partnership against Afghanistan and one of India’s fastest double-century stands.
Gill reached his ninth ODI century off 77 balls, while Kishan accelerated after a measured half-century to complete his hundred in 71 deliveries. India crossed 300 in 35.5 overs, the fourth-fastest instance of a team reaching 300 while batting first in ODI history.
Kishan was eventually dismissed for 125 off 79 balls, hitting 14 fours and seven sixes, after mistiming a pull off Nangeyalia Kharoti to deep midwicket.
Gill continued to dominate and brought up his 150 in 108 deliveries. He was dismissed for 154 off 110 balls, an innings that included 22 fours and two sixes. During the knock, Gill also became the fastest Indian to reach 3,000 ODI runs by innings.
Shreyas Iyer added a quick 26 off 24 balls as India looked on course to pass 420, but Afghanistan fought back strongly in the final overs.
Kharoti removed both Gill and Iyer and finished with figures of 4-76. Rashid Khan and Ghazanfar also tightened the scoring as India lost their final seven wickets for 80 runs while trying to accelerate.
Despite the late collapse, India’s strong top-order display had already put them in a dominant position. Gill’s captain’s knock and Kishan’s explosive innings carried India past 400 before the hosts were bowled out with one ball left.
Brief scores: India 402 all out in 49.5 overs: Shubman Gill 154, Ishan Kishan 125; Nangeyalia Kharoti 4-76, Rashid Khan 3-48 against Afghanistan. (Source: IANS)
