NEW DELHI: Wicketkeeper-batter Ishan Kishan seized his opportunity with a magnificent innings, playing a crucial supporting role alongside captain Shubman Gill as India strengthened their hold on the second One-Day International against Afghanistan at the Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow on Wednesday.
Coming in after the dismissal of Rohit Sharma, Kishan settled quickly and forged an unbeaten partnership with Gill, keeping India's innings on course following an aggressive start from the senior opener.
Partnership Anchors India
India were reduced to 96 for 2 when Rashid Khan removed Rohit for a brisk 48 off 39 balls. With the hosts needing stability in the middle overs, Kishan joined forces with Gill, and the duo ensured there were no further setbacks as India crossed 180 inside 27 overs at a healthy run rate.
Kishan's Dazzling Knock Ends
Kishan's sublime innings came to an end in the 37th over when Nangeyalia Kharoti finally broke the mammoth 224-run partnership. Attempting to continue his assault, the left-hander went on the back foot to pull a short delivery, but the ball stayed slightly low, and he failed to get the desired timing. The mistimed shot ballooned towards deep midwicket, where substitute fielder Ikram Alikhil ran in and completed a fine reverse-cup catch.
Kishan departed after a scintillating 125 off 79 balls, studded with 14 fours and seven sixes, with India's score standing at 320 and more than 10 overs left to play in the innings.
Kishan Joins Elite List
With this knock, the left-hander reached 1,000 ODI runs in 26 innings, placing him alongside some of India's elite ODI batters. The fewest innings to 1,000 ODI runs for India include 19 by Shubman Gill, 24 by Virat Kohli and Shikhar Dhawan, 25 by Navjot Sidhu and Shreyas Iyer, and 26 by Ishan Kishan.
Match Context
Earlier, Afghanistan captain Hashmatullah Shahidi won the toss and opted to bowl first, citing assistance for spinners on a fresh surface. India made three changes to their playing XI, with pacer Prince Yadav handed his international debut, while Kuldeep Yadav and Yashasvi Jaiswal returned to the side. Having won the series opener by seven wickets, India entered the contest with a 1-0 lead in the three-match series.
