Prasidh Krishna's Five-Wicket Haul Highlights Afghanistan's Struggles in ODI Against India
Prasidh Krishna Shines with Career-Best Performance
Pacer Prasidh Krishna delivered an outstanding performance, claiming a career-best 5 wickets for just 23 runs, as he dismantled Afghanistan's top order. Despite his efforts, Afghanistan managed to post a total of 218 all out, thanks to a resilient century from skipper Hashmatullah Shahidi, who scored 102 runs in the third and final ODI held on Saturday.
Choosing to bat first, Afghanistan found themselves in dire straits at 36 for four, largely due to Prasidh's exceptional bowling during his initial spell, where he took four wickets.
Shahidi, however, played a crucial role in stabilizing the innings, scoring his maiden ODI century off 131 balls. He effectively partnered with Azmatullah Omarzai, who contributed 50 runs off 56 balls, forming a vital fifth-wicket partnership of 105 runs.
The duo also added 57 runs for the sixth wicket with Mohammad Nabi, showcasing resilience against the Indian bowlers.
Prasidh's remarkable spell was characterized by his ability to hit the fuller length, enticing batters to drive, which led to catches for Rohit Sharma at first slip from Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Ibrahim Zadran, and Rahmat Shah.
Darwish Rasooli attempted a pull shot but was caught by Shreyas Iyer, marking Prasidh's fourth wicket within the first ten overs.
With this performance, Prasidh joined the ranks of elite pacers like Jasprit Bumrah, Javagal Srinath, and Mohammed Siraj.
At 36 for four, Afghanistan's innings appeared to be collapsing, but Shahidi and Omarzai fought back, often scoring at over five runs per over.
Shahidi played the anchor role effectively, utilizing late cuts and dabs to accumulate runs, reaching his fifty in 64 balls. Omarzai, on the other hand, was more aggressive, reaching his half-century in 55 balls, which included sixes off Harsh Dubey and Washington Sundar.
Unfortunately, Omarzai's innings ended with a pull shot that was caught by Prasidh.
Despite battling cramps after reaching 80 runs, Shahidi remained undeterred, achieving his first ODI century with a late cut for four off Washington.
However, as wickets began to tumble around him after Nabi's dismissal, Shahidi had to summon all his strength to guide Afghanistan past the 200-run mark.
The innings was further complicated by a five-run penalty imposed on Afghanistan after Shahidi inadvertently ran on the danger zone of the pitch during the last ball of the 39th over.