Brief Scores, IND vs AFG: India (402-all-out in 49.5 overs). Shubman (154), Ishan (125) defeated Afghanistan (232-all out in 44.3 overs). Arshdeep Singh (3/45) lost by 170 runs in Lucknow.

In a stadium where even sitting in the sun was not possible, Shubman Gill’s India played a one-sided game of cricket for 95 overs and took an unassailable 2-0 lead against Hashmatullah Shahidi’s Afghanistan, giving the young captain his first ODI series win.

At Lucknow’s Ekana Stadium, a select few fans who had bought expensive tickets for lower seats, quickly left their places and climbed the stairs to sit on the upper floors, given the shadow of the stadium’s roof.

One of the camera crew members of the broadcast unit collapsed, unable to bear the scorching heat of Lucknow in the afternoon. That summer, Shubman Gill’s India, sent in to bat first, batted 49.5 overs and scored a mammoth total of 402 runs.

The heat was the theme of the day, as the Indian Cricket Board allowed an extra drinks break for both teams, three instead of two, and teams arrived with ice towels to cool their players.

India vs AFG, 2nd ODI Highlights | Achievement:

Sent in to bat first, captain Shubman Gill battled through cramps to hit a brilliant 154 while Ishan Kishan ended a three-year wait for an ODI century as India posted a strong total of 402 against Afghanistan in the second match here on Wednesday.

Gill and Kishan (125) made a stormy partnership of 224 runs in 141 balls for the third wicket and stunned the visiting bowlers and laid the foundation of India’s huge score after being invited to bat.

Continuing their experimentation ahead of next year’s World Cup, India brought in Yashasvi Jaiswal (4) to open with Rohit Sharma (48), with Gill slipping to No. 3.

However, the young left-hander failed to take advantage of the opportunity and was out in the very second over.

Meanwhile, Rohit looked in good form and showed glimpses of his past best performances. The former captain was timing the ball well and looked set for a big score, but Rashid Khan’s googly failed him, taking an inside edge and hitting his stumps.

After this, Gill took charge of the innings and rarely took a wrong step. The brilliant right-handed batsman blends accuracy with precision of strokeplay, making batting look effortless despite challenging conditions.

He batted smartly and was critical when the Afghan bowlers tried something new. He completed his ninth ODI century while driving fluently. This milestone was especially sweet as it was also his first ODI century as captain.

Kishan, meanwhile, provided perfect support work before changing gears dramatically after reaching his fifty. The wicketkeeper-batsman, whose confidence has grown steadily in recent months, registered his second ODI century and his first since a memorable double century against Bangladesh in December 2022.

The left-handed batsman’s innings was full of power and innovation. His pulls regularly sent the ball crashing into advertising boards, while two daring one-handed sixes highlighted his growing confidence.

Kishan completed his second half-century in just 19 balls and was eventually dismissed after a brilliant innings of 79 balls.

However, as Gill approached his century, the scorching heat began to take its toll on him. The Indian captain required treatment on his back after the 34th over and looked tired.

Even after reaching his century, Gill struggled with cramps and fatigue but carried on with the innings with remarkable determination. After taking India deep in the final overs, his excellent innings ended in the 43rd over when an uncharacteristic attempt at a reverse sweep found deep cover.

With Gill’s dismissal, the batting collapsed and India failed to bat the full 50 overs and were all out for 402 runs.

Left-arm spinner Nangeyalia Kharote (4/76) was the key destroyer, cleaning out India’s middle order, while Rashid Khan took three wickets.

The exhausted Afghans barely put up a fight.

Hashmatullah Shahidi’s decision to field in the scorching heat of Lucknow proved costly for the team. After fielding for 50 overs, a tired Afghanistan had very little energy left when they came out to bat.

Opener Rahmanullah Gurbaz scored 41 (33 balls) and then the ball went into the hands of wicketkeeper KL Rahul.

No. 3 Sediqullah Atal looked the strongest of the batsmen today, but Washington Sundar’s slider ended his stay. Seddik may feel that the umpire has punished him harshly, as the ball would have hit the leg stump on the umpire’s call.

The Afghans did not show the necessary intent to chase the target of 403 and were eventually bowled out for 232 in 44.3 overs.

The heat also affected middle-order batsman Darwish Rasooli, who suffered muscle spasms, injured his hamstring and was forced to retire hurt due to the injury.

The series now moves to Chennai where weather conditions are expected to deteriorate. However, there is a possibility of rain at the venue, potentially leading to the final game being cancelled.

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