India Defeat Afghanistan by Seven Wickets to Seal T20I Series
Sanju Samson's explosive half-century and a disciplined bowling effort helped India take an unassailable 2-0 lead in New Delhi.
New Delhi, Sep 15: India secured the three-match T20I series against Afghanistan with a convincing seven-wicket victory in the second match at the Arun Jaitley Stadium on Tuesday.
After Afghanistan posted 159 for eight in their 20 overs, India reached 163 for three in just 14.5 overs to complete a comfortable chase. The result gave India an unassailable 2-0 advantage with one match still to play.
Sanju Samson led India’s response with an aggressive 57 from 22 balls, while Abhishek Sharma provided early momentum with 39 off 19 deliveries. Ishan Kishan then remained unbeaten on 38 to help finish the chase.
Earlier, Nitish Kumar Reddy was India’s leading bowler, taking three wickets for 24 runs. Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh, Ravi Bishnoi and Axar Patel also contributed with the ball as Afghanistan struggled to build a substantial total.
Afghanistan’s innings received some late resistance from Mohammad Nabi and Rashid Khan, but India’s bowlers kept the visitors to 159. Rashid later claimed all three Indian wickets to fall, but could not prevent India from completing the victory.
The third and final T20I is scheduled for September 17, giving Afghanistan an opportunity to avoid a series whitewash.
