IND vs AFG 3rd ODI: Prasidh Krishna's First ODI Fifer Dismisses Afghanistan For 218

India delivered a commanding bowling performance to dismiss Afghanistan for 218 in 44.2 overs in the third and final ODI at Chennai on Saturday, with Prasidh Krishna producing a career-best five-wicket haul that dismantled the visitors’ top order and set the tone for a dominant display. Despite resistance from Afghanistan captain Hashmatullah Shahidi, who scored a composed century, India remained in control throughout the innings.

Afghanistan’s batting began on a disastrous note as they were reduced to 36 for 4 inside the opening spell. Prasidh Krishna was the chief architect of the collapse, striking repeatedly in his early overs and removing each of the first four batters. His ability to extract pace and bounce from the Chennai surface left the Afghan top order struggling for answers, as India quickly tightened their grip on the contest. Just when it appeared Afghanistan might be bowled out cheaply, Shahidi anchored a crucial recovery effort.

The skipper played a disciplined and measured innings, registering his maiden ODI century with 102 runs. He focused on rebuilding the innings under pressure, rotating strike and punishing loose deliveries while ensuring Afghanistan did not lose further ground during the middle overs. He found a valuable partner in Azmatullah Omarzai, who contributed a well-paced 50. Together, the pair stitched a fighting partnership that temporarily shifted momentum away from India.

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Their stand helped Afghanistan recover from the early collapse and push the total beyond 200, giving their bowlers something to defend. However, India’s bowling unit continued to chip away at key moments. Support bowlers Prince Yadav, Gurnoor Brar, and Harsh Dubey each picked up a wicket, ensuring that Afghanistan never fully broke free in the death overs. Their disciplined lines complemented Prasidh’s early burst and prevented any late acceleration from the lower order.

Fielding also played a decisive role in India’s dominance. Shubman Gill effected two sharp run-outs in quick succession, further derailing Afghanistan’s momentum during the middle phase of the innings. Meanwhile, captain Rohit Sharma was outstanding in the field, taking three catches off Prasidh Krishna’s bowling. This feat equalled a notable ODI record held jointly with Shikhar Dhawan and VVS Laxman for most catches by a fielder off a single bowler in an innings.

India entered the match with the series already sealed at 2-0, having registered comprehensive wins in the previous fixtures in Dharamshala and Lucknow. The final ODI therefore provided an opportunity for India to test squad depth while maintaining momentum, and the bowlers ensured the team remained in complete control.

Afghanistan, despite Shahidi’s century and Omarzai’s resistance, were unable to fully recover from the early collapse. The innings ultimately reflected India’s superior execution with both ball and in the field, as they restricted the opposition to a below-par total and set themselves up comfortably for the chase in the final match of the series.

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