India captain Shubman Gill continued his outstanding ODI form with another composed half-century in the second ODI against Afghanistan at the Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow on June 17. The stylish right-hander once again showcased his class at the top of the order, leading India’s batting charge in a crucial match of the three-game series.
Gill reached his fifty in emphatic fashion on the very first ball of the 17th over. Afghanistan spinner Nangeyalia Kharote delivered a short-of-a-length ball outside off stump at 90 kph, but Gill was quick to read the slower pace. The Indian skipper calmly pulled the delivery from knee height and sent it sailing over wide long-on for a maximum, bringing up his half-century in just 38 deliveries.
The milestone marked Gill’s 19th ODI fifty in only his 63rd appearance in the format. The 25-year-old has already established himself as one of the premier batters in world cricket, with eight ODI centuries and a career-best score of 208 to his name.
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India’s innings began on a disappointing note when Yashasvi Jaiswal was dismissed for just four runs in the second over. However, Gill joined forces with Rohit Sharma to steady the innings and quickly put Afghanistan’s bowlers under pressure. The experienced duo added 87 runs for the second wicket from just 67 deliveries, helping India race to 80/1 at the end of the powerplay.
#ShubmanGill brings up his fifty in style, hammering it over mid-wicket for a six! 🔥
He’s leading from the front and looks unstoppable today 💪#INDvAFG | 2nd ODI | LIVE NOW 👉https://t.co/YiwP9pOAPC pic.twitter.com/uHweYXleDu
— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) June 17, 2026
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Rohit looked set for a half-century before falling for an entertaining 48 off 39 balls. His aggressive knock included six boundaries and two sixes before Rashid Khan provided Afghanistan with a much-needed breakthrough in the 14th over.
After Rohit’s departure, Ishan Kishan partnered with Gill and ensured India maintained the momentum. The pair rotated the strike effectively while capitalising on loose deliveries, keeping the scoreboard moving at a healthy rate.
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Gill’s innings eventually turned into a commanding century as he dominated the Afghanistan attack. At the time of writing, India were firmly in control at 307/2 after 36 overs, with Gill unbeaten on 134 from 93 balls and Ishan Kishan cruising on 113 off 76 deliveries. A victory would give India an unassailable 2-0 lead in the ODI series after their convincing seven-wicket win in the opening match at Dharamsala.
