India defeated Afghanistan by 170 runs in the second one-day international on Wednesday, securing the three-match series after posting a commanding total of 402.
Chasing 403 for victory, Afghanistan were bowled out for 232 despite a fighting 79 from Rahmat Shah, who recorded his 33rd half-century in ODI cricket.
Earlier, India piled up 402 runs in 49.5 overs, powered by centuries from Shubman Gill, who scored 154 off 110 balls, and Ishan Kishan, who made 125 off 79 deliveries.
Afghanistan’s bowling attack struggled to contain the hosts. Nangyal Kharoti was the most successful bowler with 4 wickets for 76 runs, while Rashid Khan claimed 3 for 48.
The defeat followed Afghanistan’s loss in the opening match, giving India an unassailable 2-0 lead in the series with one game remaining.
Despite the result, Afghanistan reached a milestone through opener Rahmanullah Gurbaz, who became the seventh Afghan batter to score 2,000 runs in one-day internationals. Gurbaz reached the mark in just 54 innings, averaging 38.56, with nine centuries and seven half-centuries in the format.
The match was also marked by displays of sportsmanship between the two sides, with players from both teams acknowledging each other’s performances throughout the contest.
The third and final ODI is scheduled to be played on Saturday in Chennai, where Afghanistan will seek to avoid a series sweep.
