Gill, Kishan Star in India's Crushing ODI Series Win Over Afghanistan

Ishan Kishan and Shubman Gill (BCCI Photo)

NEW DELHI: India's dominant run in the ODI series against Afghanistan continued as Shubman Gill and Ishan Kishan starred in a crushing 170-run victory in the second ODI, helping the hosts take an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series. After winning the first ODI by seven wickets, India produced another batting masterclass, led by captain Gill and wicketkeeper-batter Kishan. The duo stitched together a stunning 224-run partnership for the third wicket and completely took the game away from Afghanistan. Gill was at his elegant best, scoring 154 off just 110 balls with 22 fours and two sixes. The India captain also became the fastest Indian to reach 3,000 ODI runs in terms of innings. At the other end, Kishan was equally destructive, smashing 125 off 79 balls, including 14 fours and seven sixes. The partnership helped India race past the 300-run mark in only 35.5 overs, one of the fastest 300-plus totals by a team batting first in ODI cricket. But after the match, it was a light-hearted exchange between the two batters that caught everyone's attention. In a video shared by the BCCI, Kishan jokingly blamed Gill for missing out on what could have been another double century. "Mujhe 6 chakke marwaane ke chakkar mein mere 70 runs kam kar diye (You reduced my score by 70 runs)," Kishan said with a smile while speaking to Gill in the dressing room. The joke referred to an incident during India's innings. After Kishan smashed two consecutive sixes in the 37th over, Gill reportedly encouraged him to go for six sixes in the over. Kishan tried to continue the attack but ended up mistiming a shot and was caught in the deep on the very next delivery. Promoted up the order, Kishan made full use of the opportunity. His 125 was his first ODI century in four years, since his famous double hundred against Bangladesh. After the match, he hinted that he had his eyes on another double century before the dismissal. Gill, however, was quick with a cheeky response. "Tujhe marna hi toh tha (You had to hit them anyway)," Gill replied with a laugh. Kishan immediately agreed. "100%."

With the series already secured, India will now look for a clean sweep when they take on Afghanistan in the third and final ODI at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai on Saturday.