Shubman Gill and Ishan Kishan Demolish Afghanistan in the 2nd ODI

The Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow has witnessed an absolute batting masterclass today, June 17, 2026, as the Indian cricket team dismantled the Afghan bowling attack in the ongoing 2nd ODI. With India already leading the three-match series 1-0, Afghanistan captain Hashmatullah Shahidi won the toss and opted to bowl first, hoping to exploit the fresh pitch. Unfortunately for the visitors, that decision backfired spectacularly as India's top order unleashed a relentless wave of boundaries.

The hosts were initially sitting at 96 for 2 in the 14th over after a brisk and entertaining 48 off 39 balls from veteran opener Rohit Sharma. What followed, however, was a historic 224-run partnership between captain Shubman Gill and wicketkeeper-batter Ishan Kishan that completely snatched the game away from Afghanistan. Kishan was at his explosive best, reaching a blistering 125 off just 79 deliveries. His knock was heavily peppered with 14 fours and 7 massive sixes, entertaining the packed Lucknow crowd and pushing his ODI career aggregate past the 1,000-run mark.

Not to be outdone, captain Shubman Gill anchored the innings with breathtaking elegance and brutal efficiency. Gill stamped his authority on the match by notching up his 9th ODI century, eventually falling for a sensational 154 off 110 balls. His incredible innings featured 22 crisp boundaries and 2 sixes, serving as a masterclass in modern-day pacing and strokeplay. While Afghan spinner Nangeyalia Kharote fought back bravely to claim a 4-wicket haul, the sheer volume of runs proved overwhelming.

As the first innings nears its conclusion, India sits at a commanding 387/7 after 47 overs, with Washington Sundar currently at the crease looking to propel the total past the elusive 400-run milestone. Adding to the excitement of the day is the debut of young pacer Prince Yadav, who joins the playing XI to bolster India's bowling attack alongside Arshdeep Singh and Kuldeep Yadav. If India's bowlers can replicate even a fraction of the dominance shown by their batters, Afghanistan is staring down the barrel of a massive, series-conceding defeat.