Prasidh Krishna's 5-wicket haul puts India in commanding position against Afghanistan

Prasidh Krishna (AP Photo)

Prasidh Krishna on Saturday produced a sensational spell with the ball to put Afghanistan under massive pressure in the third and final ODI against India in Chennai. The pacer claimed a career-best 5 for 23, becoming the first Indian bowler to register a five-wicket haul in an ODI at the venue. His figures are also the best by any bowler in ODIs in Chennai, surpassing West Indies pacer Ravi Rampaul's 5 for 51 against India in 2011. Afghanistan chose to bat first but were rocked early as Prasidh removed four batters inside the first 10 overs. Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Ibrahim Zadran and Rahmat Shah all fell while attempting drives outside off stump, while Darwish Rasooli was caught after trying to pull the Karnataka pacer. At 36 for four, Afghanistan appeared headed for a complete collapse. Captain Hashmatullah Shahidi then steadied the innings with a determined knock. The left-hander stitched together a 105-run partnership with Azmatullah Omarzai, who scored a brisk 50, before adding another crucial stand with Mohammad Nabi. Shahidi played the anchor's role perfectly and brought up his maiden ODI century off 128 balls. Despite suffering cramps after crossing 80, he continued battling and eventually finished with 102 off 131 deliveries. Omarzai's attacking approach also helped Afghanistan recover from their disastrous start.

India restrict Afghanistan to 218

After Nabi's dismissal, wickets began falling regularly and Afghanistan were eventually bowled out for 218. Shahidi's effort helped the visitors cross the 200-run mark, but they were also handed a five-run penalty after the skipper stepped into the danger area of the pitch late in the innings. Despite Afghanistan's spirited fightback, the day belonged to Prasidh, whose memorable performance earned him a place alongside Indian pace greats such as Jasprit Bumrah, Javagal Srinath and Mohammed Siraj.