Shubman Gill and Ishan Kishan struck brilliant centuries as India thrashed Afghanistan by 170 runs in the second One-Day International on Wednesday, securing an unassailable lead in the three-match series.
Gill smashed 154 off 110 balls while Kishan hammered 125 from just 79 deliveries to power India to a massive 402 all out in 49.5 overs after Afghanistan elected to field first in sweltering conditions in Lucknow.
The pair shared a 224-run partnership for the third wicket off only 140 balls, putting India firmly in control. It was Gill’s ninth ODI century and Kishan’s second in the format.
Afghanistan, chasing a daunting target, were bowled out for 232 in 44.3 overs despite a fighting 79 from Rahmat Shah. Left-arm pacer Arshdeep Singh claimed 3-45, while Gurnoor Brar picked up 3-60.
India had already won the rain-affected opening ODI in Dharamsala by seven wickets, ensuring the series victory with one match still to play. The third and final ODI will be held in Chennai on Saturday.
India made three changes to their lineup and opened with Yashasvi Jaiswal and Rohit Sharma. Jaiswal fell cheaply for four, but Sharma scored a brisk 48 from 39 balls and added 87 runs for the second wicket with Gill.
After Rashid Khan dismissed Sharma in the 14th over, Gill and Kishan took charge. Gill reached his half-century in 38 balls, while Kishan got to the milestone in 52 deliveries before accelerating sharply.
Kishan completed his first ODI hundred since December 2022 off 71 balls, registering his maiden century on home soil. His innings included 14 fours and seven sixes before he was caught in the 37th over.
Gill continued to dominate, bringing up his century and later crossing 150 before being dismissed in the 43rd over while struggling with cramps and dehydration. He struck 22 fours and two sixes during his innings.
Left-arm spinner Nangyal Kharoti removed both centurions and also dismissed Lokesh Rahul for a first-ball duck. Although India were well placed at 360-5, they lost their final five wickets for 42 runs.
Afghanistan began aggressively through Rahmanullah Gurbaz, who scored 41 off 33 balls and shared a 52-run opening stand with Ibrahim Zadran (21).
Gurbaz was dismissed by Brar before debutant Prince Yadav produced a diving catch at fine leg to help Arshdeep remove Zadran. Sediqullah Atal contributed 42 before falling lbw to Washington Sundar.
Afghanistan debutant Darwish Rasooli retired hurt after aggravating a hamstring injury sustained while fielding.
Rahmat Shah anchored the chase and registered his 33rd ODI half-century, but lacked sufficient support as Afghanistan fell well short of the target.