Afghanistan staged a determined recovery after an early collapse in the third and final ODI against India in Chennai on Saturday, reaching 178 for 5 after 34 overs thanks to fighting half-centuries from captain Hashmatullah Shahidi and Azmatullah Omarzai. However, India's young pacer Prince Yadav struck at a crucial moment to halt the visitors' momentum and leave them five wickets down.

Afghanistan found themselves in deep trouble early in their innings after being reduced to 36 for 4 by a disciplined Indian bowling attack. Fast bowler Prasidh Krishna was the chief architect of the collapse, claiming all four of the first wickets to fall. His pace and accuracy exposed the Afghan top order, putting India firmly in control during the opening stages of the contest.

With the innings in danger of unravelling completely, Shahidi and Omarzai launched a spirited counterattack. The pair rebuilt the innings through a combination of cautious accumulation and timely boundaries, frustrating India's bowlers and stabilising the score. Their partnership helped Afghanistan recover from a precarious position and provided the platform for a competitive total.

Also Read: INDvsAFG 2nd ODI: India Reach 402 Against Afghanistan; Gill And Kishan Dominate

Just as the visitors appeared to be gaining the upper hand, Prince Yadav, playing only his second One-Day International, delivered a breakthrough by removing Omarzai after the all-rounder had completed his half-century. The wicket ended a valuable stand and shifted momentum back towards India. Shahidi continued to anchor the innings and was joined by veteran all-rounder Mohammad Nabi at the crease.

The match also produced a notable fielding milestone for Indian captain Rohit Sharma. Rohit took catches to dismiss each of the first three Afghan batters, equalling a record previously held by Shikhar Dhawan and VVS Laxman for the most catches taken by a fielder off a single bowler in an ODI innings. His sharp work in the field complemented Prasidh Krishna's impressive spell with the ball.

India entered the match with the series already secured, having taken an unassailable 2-0 lead. The hosts registered a seven-wicket victory in the rain-affected opening ODI in Dharamshala before following it up with a commanding 170-run triumph in Lucknow. With the series decided, the final match offers India an opportunity to test bench strength while Afghanistan seek to avoid a clean sweep and finish the tour on a positive note.

Also Read: Gill Nears 150, Kishan Hits 125 As India Build Massive Total Against Afghanistan In 2nd ODI