India and Afghanistan faced off in the second T20I of the three-match series on January 14, 2024, at the Holkar Stadium in Indore. Rohit Sharma won the toss and decided to field first. India made two changes, with Yashasvi Jaiswal and Virat Kohli replacing Shubman Gill and Tilak Varma.
Afghanistan lost their openers early, but Gulbadin Naib built a solid foundation with 57 off 35 balls, including 5 fours and 4 sixes. Then, thanks to cameos from Najibullah Zadran (23), Karim Janat (20), and Mujeeb Ur Rahman (21), Afghanistan's total reached 172 in 20 overs.
For India, Akshar Patel was the standout bowler with 2/17 in his 4 overs, while Arshdeep Singh took 3/32.
India, in their reply, lost Rohit Sharma for a golden duck in the first over. Then Virat Kohli (29 in 16 balls) added 57 quick runs with Jaiswal for the second wicket, who was taking on the Afghanistan bowlers. Kohli was dismissed by Naveen Ul Haq when he was looking in good touch.
But the floodgates opened when Jaiswal was joined at the crease by Shivam Dube. The duo added 92 runs in just 7 overs. Jaiswal fell for 68 in 34 balls with 5 fours and 6 sixes, while Dube remained unbeaten on 63 in just 32 balls with 5 fours and 4 sixes.
India won the game by 6 wickets in 15.4 overs and also took an unassailable 2-0 lead in the 3-T20I series. Akshar Patel was named the Player of the Match for his 2/17 in 4 overs.
During the Indian innings, Shivam Dube got stuck into Mohammad Nabi, who was hit for three humongous sixes in an over.
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On the other hand, Jaiswal continued to wow the experts and fans with his range of shots not just against the pacers, but also versus the spinners. He hit Mujeeb Ur Rahman for three exquisite fours in an over.
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Along with the three boundaries, one six that Jaiswal hit to Mohammad Nabi, that went straight down the ground and hit the wall near the sight screen, got the crowd going in the Indore stadium
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The third T20I will be played on January 17 in Bengaluru.
