INDORE, India — Half-centuries from Yashasvi Jaiswal and Shivam Dube steered India to a commanding six-wicket victory over Afghanistan in Sunday’s second T20 International, clinching a 2-0 lead in the three-match series.
Opening batsman Jaiswal blasted six sixes in his 68 from 34 deliveries, laying the groundwork for India’s chase of Afghanistan’s 172. Dube, another left-hander, continued his impressive form with an unbeaten 63 off 32 balls, helping India reach their target with 4.2 overs remaining.
Despite Afghanistan’s struggle to form substantial partnerships, Gulbadin Naib’s robust 57 off 35 balls set a competitive total. After Naib’s dismissal by spinner Axar Patel (2-17) in the 12th over, contributions from Najibullah Zadran (23), Karim Janat (20), and Mujeeb Ur Rahman (21) kept the momentum.
Afghanistan’s innings concluded on the final ball, with Arshdeep Singh’s medium pace (3-32) claiming four wickets in the last over, including two run-outs.
India’s reply began shakily as captain Rohit Sharma fell for a golden duck to Fazalhaq Farooqi (1-28). However, Jaiswal and Virat Kohli (29) forged a 57-run stand, positioning India favorably.
Dube joined Jaiswal for a 92-run third-wicket stand. Even with the loss of two wickets to Karim Janat (2-13), including Jaiswal’s, India’s momentum remained unshaken.
The series concludes with the third and final T20I in Bengaluru on Wednesday.
