India continued their dominant run in the ODI series against Afghanistan, registering a crushing 170-run victory in the second ODI to take an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series. The win was built on a stunning 224-run partnership for the third wicket between captain Shubman Gill and wicketkeeper-batter Ishan Kishan.
Gill and Kishan's Record Stand
Gill played a masterful innings, scoring 154 off just 110 balls, including 22 fours and two sixes. He also became the fastest Indian to reach 3,000 ODI runs in terms of innings. Kishan was equally destructive, smashing 125 off 79 balls, with 14 fours and seven sixes. The partnership helped India race past the 300-run mark in only 35.5 overs, one of the fastest 300-plus totals by a team batting first in ODI cricket.
Light-Hearted Exchange in the Dressing Room
After the match, a light-hearted exchange between the two batters caught everyone's attention. In a video shared by the BCCI, Kishan jokingly blamed Gill for missing out on what could have been another double century. "Mujhe 6 chakke marwaane ke chakkar mein mere 70 runs kam kar diye (You reduced my score by 70 runs)," Kishan said with a smile while speaking to Gill in the dressing room.
The joke referred to an incident during India's innings. After Kishan smashed two consecutive sixes in the 37th over, Gill reportedly encouraged him to go for six sixes in the over. Kishan tried to continue the attack but ended up mistiming a shot and was caught in the deep on the very next delivery.
Promoted up the order, Kishan made full use of the opportunity. His 125 was his first ODI century in four years, since his famous double hundred against Bangladesh. After the match, he hinted that he had his eyes on another double century before the dismissal. Gill, however, was quick with a cheeky response. "Tujhe marna hi toh tha (You had to hit them anyway)," Gill replied with a laugh. Kishan immediately agreed, saying, "100%."
Looking Ahead
With the series already secured, India will now look for a clean sweep when they take on Afghanistan in the third and final ODI at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai on Saturday.
