India's Bowling Dominance Limits Afghanistan to 159 in T20I Clash

In the second T20I match against Afghanistan, India's bowlers showcased exceptional skill, limiting their opponents to 159 runs. Led by Nitish Kumar Reddy's impressive three-wicket haul, the Indian team demonstrated a disciplined bowling performance. After opting to bowl first, India made early breakthroughs and maintained pressure throughout the innings. With a target of 160 runs to win, the match promises to be an exciting finish. Discover the key moments and standout performances from this thrilling encounter.

By Narendra Chaudhary Sep 16, 2026, 00:04 IST

India's Impressive Bowling Display

New Delhi, September 15: In a commanding performance, India's bowlers, led by all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy's remarkable three-wicket haul, restricted Afghanistan to a total of 159 runs for 8 wickets during the second T20I at the Arun Jaitley Stadium on Tuesday.

After winning the toss, Indian skipper Shreyas Iyer chose to field first, making a single change to the lineup. Leg-spinner Ravi Bishnoi stepped in for Varun Chakaravarthy, who was sidelined for the series due to a side strain.

India struck early when Arshdeep Singh dismissed the aggressive opener Rahmanullah Gurbaz for a duck in the second over. However, Sediqullah Atal and Ibrahim Zadran managed to stabilize the innings, guiding Afghanistan to 41 for 1 by the end of the powerplay.

Nitish Kumar Reddy made an immediate impact, taking out Afghanistan's captain Ibrahim Zadran for 37 with his very first delivery.

Ravi Bishnoi followed suit in the 10th over, sending Sediqullah Atal back to the pavilion for 12, leaving Afghanistan in a precarious position at 67 for 3. Reddy then struck again, dismissing Gulbadin Naib off the first ball of his subsequent over.

Darwish Rasooli tried to boost the innings with a couple of sixes, but Axar Patel managed to dismiss Azmatullah Omarzai in the 14th over. Arshdeep then took out Rasooli in the following over, reducing Afghanistan to 105 for 6 after 15 overs.

Mohammad Nabi and Rashid Khan mounted a late charge, scoring 48 runs off just 28 balls. Nabi contributed 20 runs off 14 deliveries, while Rashid added a quick 28 off 16 balls, bringing Afghanistan closer to the 160-run target.

Jasprit Bumrah ended Nabi's innings in the penultimate over, and Reddy wrapped up Rashid's innings, leaving Afghanistan at 159 for 8 after their 20 overs.

With this disciplined bowling and fielding performance, India now needs 160 runs to clinch the match and secure the series.

Nitish Kumar Reddy was the standout bowler for India, achieving figures of 3 wickets for 24 runs in three overs. Arshdeep Singh took 2 wickets for 35 runs, while Bumrah recorded 1 for 25, Axar Patel finished with 1 for 28, and Bishnoi concluded with 1 for 32.