India seal ODI series as Shubman Gill and Ishan Kishan crush Afghanistan in Lucknow

Shubman Gill and Ishan Kishan India captain Shubman Gill overcame intense heat and cramps to score 154 while Ishan Kishan hit his second ODI century as India beat Afghanistan by 170 runs to wrap up the three-match series 2-0 in the second ODI in Lucknow on Wednesday.After Afghanistan opted to bat first in difficult afternoon conditions, India piled up 402 all out, powered by a 224-run partnership between Gill and Kishan for the third wicket. The stand came from just 141 deliveries and allowed India to take complete control of the contest.The weather played a major role during the match, with several players struggling physically. Gill needed treatment on the field and was sporting an ice collar around his neck. The India captain did not return to the field after his dismissal.Chasing 403, Afghanistan needed their most successful run in ODIs and their first ever win over India in any format. However, they were bowled out for 232 in 44.3 overs despite Rahmat Shah’s 79.Afghanistan never built the momentum needed for such a huge chase. Openers Rahmanullah Gurbaz (41) and Ibrahim Zadran (21) started but failed to provide the quick start their team needed.Gurbaz was given a reprieve when debutant Prince Yadav had him caught at mid-on, only for the wicket to be overturned on a no-ball. However, the opener failed to make the most of the chance and was dismissed 11 deliveries later by Gurnoor Brar.Afghanistan suffered another setback when Darwish Rasooli, who had been stretched earlier in India’s innings, came out to bat but later retired hurt with a hamstring injury.Prince eventually claimed his first ODI wicket off the bowling of Nangeyalia Kharote before ending the match with the wicket of Rahmat Shah. Arshdeep Singh finished with 3/45 while Brar also took 3/60. Prince returned numbers 2/56. Kuldeep Yadav was wicketless.Earlier, India continued its experimentation ahead of the upcoming FIFA World Cup. Yashasvi Jaiswal opened alongside Rohit Sharma while Gill moved to No. 3. Jaiswal only managed 4 before being dismissed in the second over.Rohit looked comfortable and scored 48 before being removed by Rashid Khan with a googly.Gill then took over to lead off the innings. Mixing caution with attack, he brought up his ninth ODI century. Kishan provided strong support before stepping up after reaching his fifty. The wicketkeeper completed his second ODI hundred and his first since his double century against Bangladesh in December 2022.Gill continued despite the cramps and fatigue, but his release triggered a collapse. Left-arm spinner Nangeyalia Kharote took 4/76 while Rashid took three wickets. India lost seven wickets in the last 10 overs but had already done enough to secure a comfortable win and clinch the series.