Jaiswal, Dube Play a Brillient for Clinical Chase in Indore
January 14, 2024, Indore: In the second Twenty20 international at the Holkar Stadium on Sunday, India easily defeated Afghanistan by six wickets, driven by scorching half-centuries from openers Yashasvi Jaiswal and Shivam Dube.
Chasing a challenging target of 173, India got off to a flying start thanks to the aggressive Jaiswal. The 22-year-old left-hander smashed six sixes on his way to a rapid 68 off just 34 balls, setting the tone for the chase. He shared a crucial 57-run partnership with Virat Kohli, who returned to the side after missing the first T20I. Kohli, playing his first T20 international in 14 months, scored a brisk 29 before falling to Rashid Khan.
Dube assumed the mantle after the openers built the foundation. The left-handed all-rounder was still undefeated at 63 off 32 balls with five fours and four sixes to his credit. He had previously struck a half-century in the opening Twenty20 International. He and Jaiswal shared a 92-run partnership that all but ended the contest for India.
Despite losing Jaiswal and Ishan Kishan in quick succession, Dube, along with Rishabh Pant (12 not out), ensured India reached the target comfortably with 26 balls remaining. Bhuvneshwar Kumar (2-34) and Ravichandran Ashwin (2-24) were the picked of the bowlers for India, sharing four wickets between them.
Earlier, Afghanistan posted a competitive total of 172, riding on a fine knock from Gulbadin Naib. The veteran all-rounder smashed 57 off 35 balls, with four sixes, providing much-needed impetus to the Afghan innings. Najibullah Zadran (23) and Karim Janat (20) also chipped in with useful contributions.
However, the lack of significant partnerships ultimately proved costly for Afghanistan as they failed to set a truly imposing target. With the series concluded, both teams are now gearing up for the final T20I in Bengaluru on Wednesday.
Main News Highlights of Match:
*India beat Afghanistan by 6 wickets in the second T20I match at Indore.
*Yashasvi Jaiswal and Shivam Dube scored half-centuries for India.
*India took an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match T20I series.
*Gulbadin Naib was the top scorer for Afghanistan with 57.
*Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Ravichandran Ashwin shared four wickets for India.
Rohit Sharma, Indian team captain: “It was a very good performance from the team. The openers gave us a great start and Dube finished it off nicely. We need to keep this momentum going for the next game.”
Mohsin Khan, Afghanistan captain: “We didn’t bat to our potential today. We lost too many wickets and couldn’t get a big total. But we will look to come back strong in the next match.”
Looking Ahead for the Next T20 match of The Series:
The final T20I match of the T20I series will be played in Bengaluru on Wednesday, January 17. Both teams will be looking to finish the series on a high note.
