NEW DELHI, SEPT 16: Sanju Samson’s blistering half-century and Nitish Kumar Reddy’s impressive bowling performance powered India to a comfortable seven-wicket victory over Afghanistan in the second T20I on Tuesday.
The win gave India an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series.
Reddy was the pick of the Indian bowlers, claiming 3 wickets for 24 runs, while Arshdeep Singh took two wickets as India restricted Afghanistan to 159 for 8 in their 20 overs.
Afghanistan made a promising start but lost wickets regularly in the middle overs. Captain Ibrahim Zadran top-scored with 37, while Rashid Khan and Mohammad Nabi provided late resistance with a 48-run partnership.
Chasing 160, India got off to a flying start. Samson and Abhishek Sharma tore into the Afghan bowling attack, putting together 82 runs in the powerplay.
Samson was particularly aggressive, smashing 57 off just 22 deliveries, including seven fours and four sixes. He reached his fastest T20I half-century in only 20 balls.
Abhishek Sharma contributed a quick 39, continuing his strong form at the top of the order. Although Rashid Khan dismissed both Abhishek and Samson, India remained firmly in control.
Ishan Kishan then steadied the chase with an unbeaten 38 off 23 balls, while captain Shreyas Iyer chipped in with 11.
India reached 163 for 3 in 14.5 overs, completing the chase with 31 balls to spare.
Earlier, Afghanistan were reduced to 59 for three after Nitish Kumar Reddy and Ravi Bishnoi struck in the middle overs. Nabi and Rashid’s late partnership helped Afghanistan reach 159.
For India, Arshdeep Singh finished with 2/35, while Axar Patel and Ravi Bishnoi also contributed with the ball.
Brief Scores:
Afghanistan: 159/8 in 20 overs (Ibrahim Zadran 37, Rashid Khan 28; Nitish Kumar Reddy 3/24, Arshdeep Singh 2/35)
India: 163/3 in 14.5 overs (Sanju Samson 57, Abhishek Sharma 39, Ishan Kishan 38*; Rashid Khan 3/36)
India will now look to complete a clean sweep in the third and final T20I.
