India produced a commanding batting performance against Afghanistan in the second ODI at the Ekana Cricket Stadium on Wednesday, with Shubman Gill and Ishan Kishan leading a dominant charge that put the hosts on course for a 400-plus total. At the time of reporting, India were in complete control after a strong middle-order consolidation and sustained scoring pressure throughout the innings.

The innings began on a steady note before India suffered an early setback when captain Rohit Sharma was dismissed for 48. The breakthrough came after India had reached 96 for 2 in 13.1 overs, giving Afghanistan a brief opening in the contest. However, that advantage proved short-lived as the Indian batting line-up quickly reasserted control through a decisive partnership that shifted the momentum firmly in their favour.

Shubman Gill and Ishan Kishan then combined to construct a high-impact stand that became the defining phase of the innings. Both batters showed composure in the early part of their partnership before accelerating with confidence, taking advantage of loose deliveries and maintaining a high scoring rate. Kishan, in particular, played an assertive innings, reaching his century with fluent stroke play across the ground before going on to score 125.

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Gill, meanwhile, anchored the innings with controlled aggression, rotating the strike effectively while also punishing bad balls. He brought up his century in authoritative fashion and continued to build steadily thereafter, moving close to the 150-run mark as India strengthened their position. His ability to balance stability with acceleration ensured that India did not lose momentum even after regular bowling changes from Afghanistan.

The partnership between Gill and Kishan not only stabilised India after the early wicket but also pushed the scoring rate into overdrive. Their stand exhausted Afghanistan’s bowling attack, which struggled to find consistent breakthroughs or contain boundaries during the middle overs. The duo’s dominance allowed India to set the foundation for what looked increasingly like a 400-plus total as the innings progressed into its later stages.

Afghanistan’s bowling effort was led by Mohammad Saleem Safi and Rashid Khan, both of whom managed to pick up a wicket each. Despite their efforts, the attack lacked penetration during the crucial middle phase when the Indian batters were in full flow. The inability to break the Gill-Kishan partnership at key moments proved costly, as India continued to accumulate runs at a rapid pace. With Kishan dismissed after a brilliant 125, Shubman Gill remained at the crease and continued to guide India’s innings forward with a measured approach.

His presence ensured stability even as the batting line-up looked to capitalise on the strong platform set earlier. India’s lower middle order was expected to accelerate further in the final overs to push the total beyond the 400-run mark. As the innings approached its conclusion, India remained firmly in control of the contest, with Afghanistan facing a challenging task ahead in the chase. The visitors will now need a disciplined and aggressive batting response if they are to counter India’s imposing total and stay competitive in the second ODI.

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