India crushed Afghanistan by 9 wickets in the third ODI of the three match series at Chepauk. After being asked to bat first, Afghanistan suffered early blows from Prasidh Krishna (5/23 in 8.2 overs). However, Hashmatullah Shahidi and Azmatullah Omarzai steadied the innings with a 105-run partnership for the fifth wicket.
After Prince Yadav (1/38 in 7 overs) dismissed Omarzai in the 29th over, Shahidi added another valuable 57 runs for the sixth wicket with Mohammad Nabi. Following that partnership, the Indian bowlers wrapped up the Afghanistan innings for 218 in 44.2 overs. Shahidi scored a hard-fought century, while Omarzai contributed a half-century.
In reply, Rohit Sharma and Yashasvi Jaiswal gave India a flying start, adding 170 runs for the first wicket in 22.5 overs. Mohammad Nabi (1/47 in 7.4 overs) dismissed Rohit in the 23rd over, but Afghanistan failed to slow India's progress.
Jaiswal continued his aggressive batting and guided India to victory alongside Shreyas Iyer in the 29th over. He scored an unbeaten 110 off 86 balls. With the win, India completed a 3-0 clean sweep of the series.
Prasidh Krishna Wrecks Afghanistan's Top Order
After winning the toss, Afghanistan chose to bat first. However, their innings got off to a disastrous start as India's pace attack exploited the swing and bounce available on the surface.
Prasidh Krishna struck early and repeatedly. Rahmanullah Gurbaz edged to Rohit Sharma at first slip while attempting an aggressive drive. Rahmat Shah soon followed after mistiming a flick shot. Ibrahim Zadran also fell in similar fashion, giving Rohit his third catch at slip.
Prasidh maintained excellent control throughout his spell. His figures at one stage read 5-2-6-4, highlighting his dominance. Darwish Rasooli tried to attack him but only succeeded in skying a catch that Shreyas Iyer safely collected. Afghanistan quickly slipped to 36 for 4, putting them under immense pressure.
Omarzai and Shahidi Lead Afghanistan's Fightback
With wickets falling around him, Azmatullah Omarzai launched a counterattack. He struck several boundaries and began rebuilding the innings alongside captain Hashmatullah Shahidi.
Initially, Shahidi looked uncomfortable against the short ball but gradually settled in. He started scoring freely through pull shots and ramps, helping Afghanistan recover.
India's all-rounders Nitish Kumar Reddy, Washington Sundar and Harsh Dubey shared 21 overs between them. Although they managed only one wicket, Afghanistan took advantage of this phase to improve their scoring rate. Shahidi and Omarzai both reached their half-centuries and added a valuable century partnership that revived Afghanistan's innings.
Afghanistan Collapse Again After Strong Recovery
Just when Afghanistan appeared set for a competitive total, India struck back. Prince Yadav removed Omarzai after the batter top-edged a hook shot to deep fine leg. Despite that setback, Shahidi and Mohammad Nabi added another important partnership worth 57 runs.
Shahidi continued to overcome his difficulties against short-pitched bowling and regularly found the boundary. However, Afghanistan's innings unraveled dramatically in the closing overs. Nabi was bowled by Gurnoor Brar while attempting to attack a bouncer. Soon after, Rashid Khan was caught in the deep while looking for a big shot.
Two run-outs added to Afghanistan's problems. AM Ghazanfar was run out while Shahidi tried to retain strike. Fareed Ahmad followed immediately after another mix-up, with Shubman Gill producing both run-outs. Afghanistan collapsed from 203 for 6 to 206 for 9 within a short span.
Shahidi Reaches Century Despite Lack of Support
Although wickets continued to tumble, Shahidi kept fighting. With support from Ziaur Rahman, he managed to face most of the deliveries and eventually reached his century from 128 balls.
His determined knock ended shortly afterward when he pulled a Prasidh Krishna bouncer straight to deep midwicket. Shahidi finished with 102 runs, but Afghanistan were bowled out for 218 with nearly five overs unused. Prasidh was the star performer for India, claiming his maiden ODI five-wicket haul and finishing with outstanding figures.
India Receive Flying Start Thanks to Penalty Runs
India's chase began unusually. Afghanistan were penalized five runs before a ball was bowled because Shahidi repeatedly ran on the protected area of the pitch.
The hosts therefore started their innings at 5 without loss. The opening over proved expensive for Afghanistan as Omarzai conceded boundaries, wides and no-balls. India raced to 26 runs after just one over.
Rohit and Jaiswal Dominate Afghanistan Bowlers
Afghanistan had opportunities to break through but failed to capitalize. Rohit Sharma survived twice early in his innings. A top-edged pull shot escaped danger after Rahmanullah Gurbaz failed to reach the ball and accidentally kicked it over the boundary. Later, Fareed Ahmad dropped a straightforward catch under the lights when Rohit was on just ten.
The missed chances proved costly. Rohit and Jaiswal batted with complete authority, attacking from the beginning and regularly finding boundaries. India collected 81 runs during the powerplay, with the pair hitting 11 fours and two sixes.
Jaiswal looked particularly confident through the off side and brought up his fifty in the 12th over. Rohit followed with a half-century four overs later.
Jaiswal Creates History With Stunning Century
The partnership continued to grow as Rohit attacked Rashid Khan, striking three fours and a six. India crossed the 150-run mark in only the 21st over. Rohit's excellent innings eventually ended when he found a fielder at deep midwicket while attempting another attacking shot.
By then, however, the result was virtually decided. Jaiswal carried on confidently alongside Shreyas Iyer. The young opener accelerated further near the finish and entered the nervous nineties with ease.
He reached his second ODI century in style by launching a six at the start of the final over. The century made him the first Indian batter to score two hundreds within his first six men's ODI innings. Previously, Shikhar Dhawan had managed two centuries in his first seven ODI innings.
Jaiswal then sealed the victory with another six and a boundary. India chased down the target with remarkable ease, finishing on 219 for 1 and winning by nine wickets with 128 balls remaining.
Brief Scorecard
