Daijiworld Media Network - Chennai
Chennai, Jun 20: A brilliant all-round performance led by fast bowler Prasidh Krishna and opener Yashasvi Jaiswal guided India to a dominant nine-wicket victory over Afghanistan in the third ODI at the MA Chidambaram Stadium on Saturday, completing a 3-0 series sweep.
Prasidh produced a career-best spell of 5 for 23 in nine overs, dismantling Afghanistan’s batting line-up with pace, bounce and movement. Despite a fighting century from Afghanistan captain Hashmatullah Shahidi, the visitors were bowled out for 218 in 44.2 overs.
India then chased down the target with ease, reaching 224 for 1 in just 28.4 overs. Jaiswal remained unbeaten on 110 off 86 deliveries, while Rohit Sharma contributed a fluent 79 as the pair stitched together a commanding 170-run opening stand.
The victory also marked India's first ODI series triumph under captain Shubman Gill.
Prasidh Dismantles Afghanistan's Top Order
Afghanistan struggled early against Prasidh, who removed four batters during the Powerplay and consistently troubled the batters with disciplined seam bowling.
However, skipper Shahidi held one end together and scored his maiden ODI century, making 102 runs, while Azmatullah Omarzai added a valuable 50.
Despite their efforts, Afghanistan failed to build lasting partnerships and were eventually dismissed for 218.
Jaiswal and Rohit Dominate the Chase
India made a confident start as Rohit and Jaiswal negotiated the early movement comfortably, combining elegant strokeplay with smart strike rotation.
The pair raced to 42 without loss after five overs before accelerating further, with Jaiswal attacking aggressively against Fareed Ahmad.
India reached 86 without losing a wicket by the end of the Powerplay, putting Afghanistan firmly on the back foot.
Jaiswal brought up his half-century in just 38 balls in the 11th over, while Rohit reached his own fifty from 47 deliveries in the 16th over.
Afghanistan attempted to slow the scoring by introducing experienced spinners Rashid Khan and Mohammad Nabi, but India's openers continued to dominate.
Nabi Provides Brief Relief
Nabi finally broke the opening partnership in the 23rd over, dismissing Rohit for 79 after the Indian captain miscued a pull shot to deep mid-wicket.
That brought Shreyas Iyer to the crease, but with the required run rate already under control, India cruised towards victory.
Jaiswal continued his impressive innings and completed his century in 83 balls with a stylish inside-out boundary over extra cover off Nabi.
He then sealed the win in emphatic fashion by lofting the final delivery over long-on.
Brief Scores
Afghanistan: 218 all out in 44.2 overs
Hashmatullah Shahidi 102
Azmatullah Omarzai 50
Prasidh Krishna 5/23
India: 224/1 in 28.4 overs
Yashasvi Jaiswal 110*
Rohit Sharma 79
Mohammad Nabi 1/47
Result: India won by nine wickets and completed a 3-0 ODI series whitewash.