Chennai (Tamil Nadu) [India], June 20 (ANI): A five-wicket haul from Prasidh Krishna was the highlight as Afghanistan were bowled out for 218 runs despite a fine century by captain Hashmatullah Shahidi and a fifty from all-rounder Azmatullah Omarzai in the third and final ODI of the series at Chennai on Saturday.
Shahidi (102 off 131 balls, with 13 fours and a six) scored his maiden ODI century, while Omarzai (50 off 56 balls, with five fours and two sixes) added a well-compiled 105-run stand for the fifth wicket with his captain after Afghanistan were reduced to 36 for 4. Krishna (5/23) was the standout bowler for India, securing a five-wicket haul.
Early Wickets by Krishna
Opting to bat first, Afghanistan regretted their decision as pacer Prasidh Krishna struck early. He had Rahmanullah Gurbaz caught by Rohit Sharma in the slips for just four in the second over, leaving Afghanistan at 5 for 1 in 1.1 overs.
Ibrahim Zadran and Rahmat Shah attempted to build a partnership, with Zadran hitting some boundaries. However, another edge flew to Rohit off Krishna's bowling, dismissing Rahmat for a 15-ball 5. Afghanistan were 26 for 2 in six overs.
Rohit at slips was a magnetic presence as edges off Krishna kept flying to him, removing Ibrahim Zadran (11 off 18 balls, with two fours) in the eighth over. Afghanistan were 28 for 3 in 7.2 overs.
In the 10th over, Darwish Rasooli became Krishna's third wicket, giving an easy catch to Shreyas Iyer who ran from mid-off, dismissed for just one run. Afghanistan were 36 for 4 in 9.2 overs. At the end of 10 overs, Afghanistan were 37 for 4, with Azmatullah Omarzai (0*) and Hashmatullah Shahidi (4*) unbeaten.
Shahidi and Omarzai's Recovery
Omarzai and Shahidi managed a few boundaries against pace, helping Afghanistan reach the 50-run mark in 12.4 overs, with Omarzai playing a classy pull against Prince Yadav. The partnership between Omarzai and Shahidi kept building as they reached their 50-run stand in 54 balls. Afghanistan reached the 100-run mark in 19.2 overs.
The duo slowly gathered speed as Afghanistan reached 130 for 4 in 25 overs, with Omarzai (45*) and Shahidi (49*) unbeaten. Shahidi reached a well-made half-century in 64 balls, with six fours and a six. The duo reached the 100-run stand in 108 balls, which was Afghanistan's third ODI century partnership, all involving captain Shahidi. Omarzai also reached a fine half-century in 55 balls, with five fours and two sixes.
Breakthrough and Shahidi's Ton
However, Prince broke the 105-run stand, removing Omarzai for a 56-ball 50, with five fours and two sixes, as an uncontrolled pull shot landed in the hands of Krishna, who could not be kept out of action. Afghanistan were 141 for 5 in 28.2 overs.
Shahidi continued to assert his authority against Indian pacers, bringing Afghanistan to the 150-run mark in 30.3 overs. Gurnoor Brar, who had toiled hard for a wicket all day, got the fruits of his perseverance as he ended the 57-run stand between Shahidi and Mohammed Nabi, removing the latter for 21-ball 23, with a four and six. Afghanistan were 198 for 6 in 37.1 overs. On the next ball, Afghanistan touched the 200-run mark.
Rashid Khan (5) fell to Harsh Dubey, while Allah Ghazanfar (1) and Fareed Ahmad (0) were run out, reducing Afghanistan to 206 for 9 in 41.1 overs. Shahidi completed his first ODI century in 128 balls, with 13 fours and a six. However, he was Prasidh's fifth victim, ending Afghanistan's innings at 218 in 44.2 overs. Shahidi made 102 off 131 balls, with 13 fours and a six.
Bowling Figures
Krishna (5/23) was the top wicket-taker for India, with Prince, Harsh, and Gurnoor getting a wicket each.
