Aoba Tanaka 
In a scintillating display of batting prowess, Yashasvi Jaiswal and Shivam Dube orchestrated a breathtaking chase, propelling India to a convincing series-clinching victory against Afghanistan in the second T20I. Afghanistan, having posted their highest total against India at 172, witnessed the blazing blades of Jaiswal and Dube as they guided India to victory in just 15.4 overs.
Dynamic Duo’s Dominance
Yashasvi Jaiswal’s explosive innings of 68 runs off 34 balls, adorned with five fours and six sixes, set the tone for India’s formidable chase. Shivam Dube joined the party with an unbeaten 63 off 32 balls, featuring five fours and four sixes. The dynamic duo engaged in a captivating batting display, leaving Afghanistan struggling to contain the onslaught. Their partnership of 92 runs off 42 balls proved to be the backbone of India’s comprehensive victory.
Afghanistan’s Early Positivity and Spin Strikes
Afghanistan, batting first, displayed early positivity with Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Gulbadin Naib contributing to a challenging total of 172. However, India’s spinners, including Axar Patel and Ravi Bishnoi, struck at crucial junctures to keep Afghanistan in check. Despite Gulbadin Naib’s resilient fifty, Axar Patel’s excellent figures of 2-17 and Bishnoi’s crucial wickets restricted Afghanistan’s momentum.
India’s Commanding Response and Series Seal
In response, India’s opening pair, Yashasvi Jaiswal and Virat Kohli, laid a solid foundation with confident boundaries, setting the stage for a commanding chase. Although Kohli fell against the run of play, Jaiswal continued to dominate. The introduction of Shivam Dube ignited a spectacular batting display, including a hat-trick of sixes, leading India to a series-sealing victory.
Late Afghan Resistance, but India Prevails
Afghanistan attempted a comeback with Karim Janat’s twin strikes, but the required rate was well within India’s control. Shivam Dube and Rinku Singh ensured there was no implosion in the Indian batting order, sealing a comprehensive victory. Despite Najibullah Zadran’s late fireworks, India emerged victorious, underlining their dominance in the series.
Brief Scores and Series Outcome
Afghanistan: 172 in 20 overs (Gulbadin Naib 57; Arshdeep Singh 3-32, Axar Patel 2-17)
India: 173/4 in 15.4 overs (Yashasvi Jaiswal 68, Shivam Dube 63*; Karim Janat 2-13)
India’s victory by 6 wickets in the second T20I not only showcased their batting brilliance but also sealed the series triumph with one game remaining. The stage is set for an exciting conclusion to the series as India looks to maintain their dominance against Afghanistan.
