Prasidh Krishna's Five-Wicket Haul Leads India to Victory Over Afghanistan in ODI

India Dominates Afghanistan in Final ODI

In a remarkable performance, Prasidh Krishna secured a five-wicket haul as Afghanistan was dismissed for 218 runs during the third and final ODI of the series held in Chennai on Saturday. Despite a commendable century from captain Hashmatullah Shahidi and a solid fifty from Azmatullah Omarzai, Afghanistan struggled to build momentum. Shahidi scored 102 runs off 131 balls, hitting 13 fours and a six, marking his first ODI century. Omarzai contributed with 50 runs from 56 balls, forming a crucial 105-run partnership for the fifth wicket after Afghanistan found themselves in a precarious position at 36 runs for four wickets.

Krishna's bowling was exceptional, finishing with figures of 5 for 23, making it a memorable outing for him.

Krishna's Early Strikes Shake Afghanistan

Choosing to bat first proved detrimental for Afghanistan as Prasidh Krishna quickly made his mark, dismissing Rahmanullah Gurbaz for just four runs in the second over, leaving Afghanistan at 5 for 1.

Ibrahim Zadran and Rahmat Shah attempted to stabilize the innings, but Krishna struck again, sending Rahmat back for a mere 5 runs off 15 balls. Afghanistan's score stood at 26 for 2 after six overs.

Rohit Sharma's presence in the slips was pivotal, as he caught Ibrahim Zadran (11 runs off 18 balls) off Krishna's bowling, leaving Afghanistan at 28 for 3.

Krishna continued his onslaught, claiming his third wicket by dismissing Darwish Rasooli for just one run, reducing Afghanistan to 36 for 4.

Shahidi and Omarzai Forge a Recovery

At 37 for 4 after 10 overs, Azmatullah Omarzai (0*) and Hashmatullah Shahidi (4*) began to rebuild. They managed to score some boundaries, helping Afghanistan reach 50 runs in 12.4 overs, with Omarzai showcasing a stylish pull shot against Prince Yadav.

The partnership flourished, with the duo reaching a 50-run stand in 54 balls and pushing Afghanistan past the 100-run mark in 19.2 overs.

As they gained momentum, Afghanistan reached 130 for 4 in 25 overs, with Omarzai on 45* and Shahidi on 49*. Shahidi eventually reached his half-century in 64 balls, hitting six fours and a six.

The pair's 100-run partnership came off 108 balls, marking Afghanistan's third ODI century partnership, all involving Shahidi. Omarzai also achieved his half-century in 55 balls before being dismissed for 50 runs, leaving Afghanistan at 141 for 5.

India Concludes Afghanistan's Innings

Shahidi continued to dominate, leading Afghanistan to 150 runs in 30.3 overs. Gurnoor Brar finally broke through, dismissing Mohammed Nabi for 23 runs, ending their 57-run partnership.

Afghanistan crossed the 200-run mark shortly after, but lost Rashid Khan (5) to Harsh Dubey, followed by quick dismissals of Allah Ghazanfar (1) and Fareed Ahmad (0), leaving them at 206 for 9.

Shahidi completed his maiden ODI century in 128 balls, but fell to Krishna, concluding Afghanistan's innings at 218 runs in 44.2 overs. Krishna's outstanding bowling performance was complemented by contributions from Prince, Harsh, and Gurnoor, each taking a wicket.