India showcased their dominance in the T20I series against Afghanistan, securing an unassailable 2-0 lead with a commanding six-wicket victory at Holkar Cricket Stadium in Indore on January 14. The explosive partnership between Yashasvi Jaiswal and Shivam Dube played a pivotal role in India’s successful chase of 173 runs, achieved in just 15.4 overs.
Despite the team’s overall strong performance, skipper Rohit Sharma faced his second consecutive duck in the series. Dinesh Karthik, the former cricketer turned commentator, downplayed concerns about Rohit’s back-to-back failures, emphasizing that the skipper’s return to the T20I format after an extended absence might contribute to the early setbacks.
“The only failure has been the skipper. Two naughts in two games but he wouldn’t be too worried about that. Back in this format after a long time. Back as captain. He was run out in the first game. Tried to hit a big one today and lost his stumps but India have done well,” remarked Dinesh Karthik during the commentary.
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Rohit Sharma, despite the recent setbacks, achieved a significant milestone during the second T20I, becoming the first male cricketer to reach 150 T20 International caps. Reflecting on his journey in the format, Rohit expressed pride in the team’s performances and highlighted the clarity of goals and achievements.
“It’s a great feeling [to get 150 T20I caps]. It’s been a long journey, starting in 2007. I think we are very clear about what we want to do and achieve. When you see performances like that, you can feel very proud of it. There’s one thing to talk about it and another to go out and do it. We’ve ticked almost every box,” said Rohit Sharma in the post-match presentation.
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In the match, Yashasvi Jaiswal and Shivam Dube unleashed a batting onslaught, dismantling the Afghan bowlers. Jaiswal’s explosive innings of 68 off 34 balls, featuring five fours and six sixes, set the tone for India’s aggressive chase. Dube, remaining unbeaten with a powerful knock of 63 off 32 balls, added to the carnage with five fours and four sixes. Axar Patel’s exceptional bowling performance, claiming 2/17 in four overs, earned him the Player of the Match accolade.
As India continues their T20I series dominance, the team’s collective efforts and standout individual performances bode well for their future campaigns.
