NEW DELHI (AP) — In a dominant display of power hitting, Sanju Samson led India to a seven‑wicket win over Afghanistan, sealing the three‑match T20 series with a match still remaining. Samson’s 57 runs came off just 22 balls, featuring four sixes and seven fours, marking his first half‑century since the T20 World Cup final where he earned player‑of‑the‑tournament honors.
Opening partnership sets the tone
Opening partner Abhishek Sharma contributed 39 runs off 19 balls, also striking four sixes. Together the pair amassed 88 runs in just 38 balls, propelling India to a rapid 163‑3 in 14.5 overs. The aggressive start left Afghanistan struggling to keep pace.
Afghanistan’s chase falters
After winning the toss and electing to field, India restricted Afghanistan to 159‑8 in their full 20 overs. All‑rounder Nitish Reddy claimed three wickets for 24 runs in three overs, helping keep the hosts well below the target.
Afghanistan’s innings began poorly when opening batsman Rahmanullah Gurbaz was dismissed for a second consecutive duck, falling to Arshdeep Singh. Captain Ibrahim Zadran managed 37 runs off 33 balls, providing some resistance, but the team slid from 59‑2 to 100‑6 in the middle overs. A late‑stage partnership of 48 runs between Rashid Khan and Mohammad Nabi offered a brief revival, yet it was insufficient.
Key wickets and finishing touches
Rashid Khan broke through in the seventh over, taking the wicket of Sharma, who was caught at deep mid‑wicket. He added a second wicket in the same over, dismissing Samson when the latter was caught at long off. Despite the loss, India surged to 100 runs in just 7.1 overs.
Captain Shreyas Iyer fell to Khan’s third wicket, caught at slip. The lower order then saw Ishan Kishan finish unbeaten on 38 and Tilak Varma add 15 not out, guiding India to the winning total.
Series context
This victory follows India’s earlier seven‑wicket win at the same venue on Sunday, giving the side a 2‑0 lead with one match remaining on Thursday. The series, hosted by Afghanistan in a unique arrangement, has highlighted India’s batting depth and effective bowling strategies.
Samson’s performance, his seventh T20 half‑century in just 20 balls, underscores his rising form and importance to the Indian side as they look ahead to upcoming international commitments.
Original reporting: Alexandria, VA News – WTOP News — read the source article.
