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AFG vs IND
India vs Afghanistan Highlights, 2nd T20I: Samson, Abhishek help India seal series win
New Delhi,UPDATED: Sep 15, 2026 22:56 IST
India (IND) vs Afghanistan (AFG) Live Score: Sanju Samson's sensational 57 and Abhishek Sharma's blitz helped India secure a 7-wicket win and seal the series in Delhi in convincing fashion. Afghanistan struggled with the bat and couldn't control the onslaught in the powerplay yet again.
Afghanistan vs India, 2nd T20I Live Score and Updates. (Image: PTI)
Hello and welcome to the live coverage of the 2nd T20I between Afghanistan and India at the Arun Jaitley stadium in New Delhi.
22:56 IST:
On to the last one - Two games done. Two very dominant wins for India as they take the series home, leading 2-0. Afghanistan, to be very fair, haven't given a strong account of the tough, fighting team that they are so far. They have a lot to address before the series concludes with the 3rd and final T20I. It will be played at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi on Thursday, 17th September, and the first ball is scheduled to be bowled at 2 pm GMT (7.30 pm IST). As usual, our buildup begins well in advance. So do join us for that as well. For now, you can switch tabs and follow all the action from the first T20I between England and Sri Lanka at Southampton. England have been asked to bat first, and the game is about to start in a few minutes. From here, though, we sign off. CIAO!22:48 IST:
The victorious Indian skipper - Shreyas Iyer says that, looking at the last game, they were demanding a comprehensive win from themselves, and today was the right example of that. He admits it was a tough pill to swallow at the start of his captaincy journey, but says he has to maintain his equilibrium and not think too much about the past. Iyer adds that the more you embrace the situation, the better it gets. Asked if we can expect any changes in the next game, he says they want everyone to get used to the conditions and have some game time.22:57 IST:
The captain of Afghanistan - Ibrahim Zadran admits that they struggled with the bat once again. Also accepts that they didn't do well in the Powerplay, both with the bat and the ball. Credits the Indian bowlers for putting them under a lot of pressure from the beginning. He goes on to reveal the substance of the conversations within the camp following the first game, centred on turning totals in the 150-160 range into scores upward of 200. The message, he says, is about bringing greater intent as a batting unit, something he feels has been missing in the series. For a side with ambitions of beating the best in the world, he stresses, that intent has to become non-negotiable. Adds that this is only Afghanistan's second game of the new era, and with so little cricket under their belt, he remains confident that more game time will bring the improvement they are after.22:44 IST:
PLAYER OF THE MATCH - Nitish Kumar Reddy takes home the award for his exceptional bowling display. He ended up with his best bowling figures in T20Is, recording 3/24 in 3 overs. Reddy says his body feels good and he is back at a great level physically. He credits the hard work put in at the Centre of Excellence and the recovery process for helping him get back to this level. Nitish says he has always wanted to become a genuine all-rounder and wanted to develop his pace bowling as part of that. He acknowledges there are pros and cons to bowling pace, but says he is working on his fitness and recovery to ensure he does not get injured frequently. Reddy says it is all about believing in yourself. He adds that cricket is a funny game, and anything can change at any moment.22:38 IST:
... The post-match Presentation ...22:48 IST:
Deja vu batting blues - Afghanistan found themselves in familiar territory, slumping to 67/4 as the top order crumbled once again, with Gurbaz failing to trouble the scorers for a second straight game. Ibrahim and Rasooli showed some fight but couldn't turn their starts into something substantial, and with Omarzai unable to steady the ship this time, it was left to Nabi and Rashid Khan to salvage some respectability. Their late cameos hauled Afghanistan to 159. India's bowlers once again shared the load, though leaking 54 runs at the death will need addressing. Bumrah was the pick of the bunch for economy, while Nitish Kumar Reddy bounced back in style with a three-wicket haul after an expensive outing in the series opener. Bishnoi, stepping in for the injured Chakaravarthy, chipped in with a wicket in a tidy first outing as well. The sixth-bowler puzzle remains unsolved, though, with Dube again proving costly.22:40 IST:
Got there with ease - Barring Rashid, who accounted for all three Indian wickets, none of the other bowlers offered much support, failing to even manufacture half-chances along the way. Afghanistan had actually frontloaded their bowling with spin, but neither Mujeeb nor Nabi could conjure early wickets, and Farooqi was introduced far too late, by which point the job was already done. Due to the onslaught from the openers, the required run rate was never really a worry for India, as Ishan Kishan and Tilak Varma got together to get the job done with no further hiccups. Kishan, who is in his purple patch, entertained with a few lusty blows, and that was more than enough.22:36 IST:
Stormed through the gates - It wasn't a daunting target for India to chase down, echoing the same story from the first T20I, where they had cruised home chasing 157 in under 14 overs. The only subplot worth watching was Samson, who badly needed a big score to break the string of low scores. He answered emphatically with a 20-ball half-century. Starting watchfully, Sanju soon cut loose, and India stormed to 82/0 by the end of the Powerplay. There was a mix of dexterity and brutality to Samson's innings, one that ended up stealing the spotlight even from Abhishek's blazing knock at the other end.22:33 IST:
4.55 pm GMT (10.25 pm IST) - This is dominance at its very best from the Men in Blue as they win the series 2-0 with a game to go. And Sanjay Manjrekar on air informs that India haven't lost a single bilateral T20I series since 2019 at home, which further stamps how commanding they have been in front of their home crowd. Afghanistan, on the other hand, yet again failed to post enough runs on the board and were absolutely outdone by the batting mayhem that the Indian top order unleashed at them.22:24 IST:
14.5: Rashid Khan to Ishan Kishan, FOUR! A bit of a mishit, but that is enough to seal the deal. India win by 7 wickets and take an unassailable 2-0 lead in this three-match series. Serves the googly, does Rashid, and it is bowled from well behind the stumps, full and on off. Kishan presses forward and has a swing at it. The ball spins away, and Kishan ends up slicing it off the outer half. He clears the man at extra cover, and the ball trickles into the fence.22:27 IST:
A bit of a chat between Rashid and Tilak as Afghanistan reviewed it for LBW. But it ends up in a hearty laugh from both.22:23 IST:
14.4: Rashid Khan to Tilak Varma, Scores are now level! Tossed up, turning in, on middle. Varma lunges and reaches the pitch of the ball to flick it through mid-wicket. Half a shout for LBW from Rashid Khan, but it is turned down. The bat and the front leg seemed to be close to each other and Rashid feels that the ball hit the pad/toe first. Ibrahim Zadran takes a chance with the review. The third umpire does not even need UltraEdge, as the front-on replay shows that the front leg was away from the line of the ball, and the ball came right off the blade.22:21 IST:
14.3: Rashid Khan to Tilak Varma, Lovely bowling! Rashid switches to around the wicket and dishes out the googly, around off. Varma stays back to a full ball. He looks to defend but is squared up by the turn and is beaten past the outside edge.22:20 IST:
14.2: Rashid Khan to Ishan Kishan, Short and wide on off. Kishan frees his arms and slaps it to backward point, where the fielder gets low to make the stop but he fumbles and concedes a single. Rashid is not happy one bit.22:20 IST:
14.1: Rashid Khan to Tilak Varma, Full and on the pads. Tilak helps it wide of short fine leg and hurries to the other end.Score 156/3
BatsmanIshan Kishan 33(21b 2*4 2*6)
BowlerMujeeb Ur Rahman 3-0-37-0
22:19 IST:
13.6: Mujeeb Ur Rahman to Ishan Kishan, FOUR! Power followed by finesse! Mujeeb drags the length back, around off. Ishan waits for it on the back foot and cuts it late to thread the gap between short third and backward point for a boundary. 17 runs off the over. India need 4 more runs.22:18 IST:
13.5: Mujeeb Ur Rahman to Ishan Kishan, SIX! Sensational hit from Ishan! Sliding into the batter, full in length, Kishan skips down the track and sails it cleanly over long on for a huge six.22:18 IST:
13.4: Mujeeb Ur Rahman to Ishan Kishan, FOUR! Finds the gap! Very full from Mujeeb on this occasion, on middle and leg. Ishan sits down on a knee and powerfully sweeps it to the left of deep square leg for a cracking boundary.22:17 IST:
13.3: Mujeeb Ur Rahman to Tilak Varma, Slows it up, on a fullish length, at 91 kph, on off. Tilak knocks it to long on for a run.22:17 IST:
13.2: Mujeeb Ur Rahman to Ishan Kishan, Short and quick, at 103 kph and outside off, Ishan backs away and hammers it to long off for a single.22:17 IST:
13.1: Mujeeb Ur Rahman to Tilak Varma, Off-break, a touch full on off, Tilak plays off the back foot and steers it to deep square leg for a single.Score 139/3
BatsmanIshan Kishan 18(17b 0*4 1*6)
BowlerFazalhaq Farooqi 1-0-6-0
22:16 IST:
12.6: Fazalhaq Farooqi to Ishan Kishan, Takes pace off and deceives Ishan completely. Short and jagging in off the pitch. Kishan swings to pull but he is early on the shot and gets beaten on the inside edge. The ball strikes him around his ribs and he winces in a bit of pain.22:15 IST:
12.5: Fazalhaq Farooqi to Tilak Varma, Short of a length, on top of off. Tilak hops on the toes and tucks it to deep mid-wicket for an easy single.22:14 IST:
12.5: Fazalhaq Farooqi to Tilak Varma, WIDE! Reload! Digs in a slower bumper, but it nips down the leg stump. Varma gets inside the line but misses to connect the pull shot. The ball bounces behind to Gurbaz.22:13 IST:
12.4: Fazalhaq Farooqi to Tilak Varma, Nagging length, outside off, Varma hangs back and punches it to the fielder at cover.22:13 IST:
12.3: Fazalhaq Farooqi to Tilak Varma, At pace now, 133 kph, on a good length, on the leg stump. This is nudged off the back foot by Tilak and with soft hands, through mid-wicket. The fielder dashes in off the ropes and the batters pick up two quick runs. India need 25 runs to win!22:12 IST:
12.2: Fazalhaq Farooqi to Ishan Kishan, Slower one again, into the pitch, on top of off. Ishan controls the pull shot along the ground towards deep backward square leg for one more.22:12 IST:
12.1: Fazalhaq Farooqi to Tilak Varma, Farooqi is now introduced into the attack! Starts off with a pace off length ball, on off, Tilak pulls it off the back foot to deep square leg for a single.Score 133/3
BatsmanTilak Varma 7(5b 1*4 0*6)
BowlerMujeeb Ur Rahman 2-0-20-0
22:11 IST:
11.6: Mujeeb Ur Rahman to Tilak Varma, Bowls it full on the pads, Tilak lunges and clips it wide of deep mid-wicket for a single. India need just 27 runs from 48 balls.22:10 IST:
11.5: Mujeeb Ur Rahman to Tilak Varma, FOUR! Skilfully played by Varma! Mujeeb shortens the length, around the off stump, Tilak Varma picks the googly, transfers his weight onto the back foot and cuts it marvellously through backward point for a boundary.22:09 IST:
11.4: Mujeeb Ur Rahman to Tilak Varma, Beaten! Spins away very sharply, short and outside off. Tilak is hurried by the pace and is beaten on the cut shot.22:09 IST:
11.3: Mujeeb Ur Rahman to Ishan Kishan, Drags the length back, does Mujeeb, on off. Ishan tucks it across and down to long on for one more.22:09 IST:
11.2: Mujeeb Ur Rahman to Tilak Varma, Pushed through, full on middle and leg, Tilak leans on and works it to long on for a single.22:08 IST:
11.1: Mujeeb Ur Rahman to Ishan Kishan, Flatter and fuller on the leg stump, sliding in. Ishan stands tall and clips it to deep mid-wicket for a single.22:08 IST:
Still no Fazalhaq Farooqi. Mujeeb Ur Rahman comes back. He went for 12 runs in his only over so far.Score 125/3
BatsmanIshan Kishan 15(13b 0*4 1*6)
BowlerRashid Khan 3-0-29-3
22:06 IST:
10.6: Rashid Khan to Ishan Kishan, Spins in from around the stump, Ishan cuts the length ball wide of point for a single.22:06 IST:
10.5: Rashid Khan to Tilak Varma, Short on the pads, tickled to the leg side for a single.22:05 IST:
Tilak Varma is in at number 5.22:04 IST:
10.4: Rashid Khan to Shreyas Iyer, OUT! EDGED AND GONE! Fantastic reflexes from the Afghan skipper and Rashid has three wickets to his name. He dishes out a full ball, on the off stump line and gets a good bit of purchase off the track. The ball also shoots low off the surface as Shreyas shapes up to play the late cut, but only manages a thick outside edge. The ball goes low to the right of Ibrahim Zadran at first slip. Ibrahim is a bit late to react to take the catch around his right shin, and almost shells the catch, with the ball threatening to bobble out of his hands, but dives to his left and takes it on the second attempt. India are 123/3, needing 37 runs from 56 balls.22:03 IST:
10.3: Rashid Khan to Shreyas Iyer, Bowls it full and flat, on a length, Iyer knocks it hard to covers.22:03 IST:
10.2: Rashid Khan to Shreyas Iyer, SIX! Glorious hit! Serves a friendly half-volley, around the off stump, does Rashid. Shreyas takes a step forward and effortlessly hoists it over deep extra cover for a six. Rashid, too, admires that shot from the Indian captain.22:02 IST:
10.1: Rashid Khan to Shreyas Iyer, Floats it full and on middle, Iyer leans on and drives it inside out to short cover.22:07 IST:
Drinks Break! No boundaries in the last couple of overs for India. It was non-stop action from the first over, though, with Samson and Abhishek taking the Afghan bowlers to the cleaners. But Rashid, with a double whammy, sending both Indian openers packing, has slowed things down a bit. However, the asking rate is just 4.3 as they need 43 runs from 60 balls and they have eight wickets in the tank. If Afghanistan are to turn this one around from here, they will have to mount a miraculous comeback with a string of wickets, as India bat very deep.Score 117/2
BatsmanIshan Kishan 14(12b 0*4 1*6)
BowlerNoor Ahmad 2-0-14-0
21:59 IST:
9.6: Noor Ahmad to Ishan Kishan, Good effort in the field! Fractionally short, on middle. Kishan uses his feet and whips it away towards long on. Mohammad Nabi is quick to his left and dives to prevent the boundary, saving a couple of runs for his side.
22:04 IST:
Alan John says
AFG vs IND: Samson, Abhishek show class
One of the eye-catching parts about the innings from both Samson and Abhishek was how they were able to solve a couple of their issues with calmness. Abhishek was troubled by off-spinners during the T20 World Cup and tonight he just waited for the bad balls to come to him rather than trying to manufacture shots.
For Samson, it was all about getting his flow right and the moment he got the timing right, it was game over for Afghanistan. They did their job for the night.
21:58 IST:
9.5: Noor Ahmad to Shreyas Iyer, Googly now, on the shorter side, on middle. Shreyas waits back and nurdles it square on the leg side for another single.21:58 IST:
9.4: Noor Ahmad to Ishan Kishan, Dropped short again, around leg. Kishan rocks back and pulls it to deep backward square leg for a single.21:58 IST:
9.3: Noor Ahmad to Ishan Kishan, Missed out! Dragged down, around leg. Kishan goes hard on the pull but gets it off the gloves and it rolls to short fine leg.21:57 IST:
9.2: Noor Ahmad to Ishan Kishan, More air given, full and on off. Kishan hammers it back to the bowler. Noor makes a half-stop in his follow-through. It is parried to his left, where the mid-wicket fielder tidies up.21:57 IST:
9.1: Noor Ahmad to Shreyas Iyer, Looped up, on the pads. Iyer turns it to deep square leg for a single.Score 112/2
BatsmanShreyas Iyer 3(5b 0*4 0*6)
BowlerRashid Khan 2-0-21-2
21:56 IST:
8.6: Rashid Khan to Shreyas Iyer, Serves the googly, not all that short to go on the back foot but Iyer does so. He just about gets his bat in line with the ball. Ekes out an inside edge behind square leg for a single. First over in this innings in which Afghanistan did not concede a boundary.21:56 IST:
8.5: Rashid Khan to Ishan Kishan, Just out of reach! On a good length, turning back, on middle. Kishan charges down the track but is not to the pitch of the ball. Chips it down the deck, where Rashid dives to his left and opts to go for the catch with his right hand rather than the left. The ball stays out of his reach and dribbles down to long on. They cross.21:55 IST:
8.4: Rashid Khan to Ishan Kishan, Nearly ran past the ball, did Kishan! At 97 kph, it is the googly, spinning away, outside off, on a nagging length. Kishan gives the bowler the premeditated charge. He does not get to the pitch of the ball and ends up padding it away.21:54 IST:
8.3: Rashid Khan to Shreyas Iyer, Attacking the front pad at 97 kph, on a length. Iyer brings his bat out in front and eases it to long on for one more run.21:54 IST:
8.2: Rashid Khan to Ishan Kishan, On off, stays full, Kishan drives it to long off and turns the strike over.21:53 IST:
8.1: Rashid Khan to Ishan Kishan, Very full, on the off stump. Kishan drills it back to the bowler. Rashid feels the sting in his right palm after catching the ball.Score 108/2
BatsmanShreyas Iyer 1(3b 0*4 0*6)
BowlerNoor Ahmad 1-0-9-0
21:53 IST:
7.6: Noor Ahmad to Shreyas Iyer, Across off, on a good length. Iyer plays the late dab but can't get it past short third.21:52 IST:
7.5: Noor Ahmad to Ishan Kishan, Dishes out a full ball, a googly at 93 kph. Ishan Kishan flicks it to deep mid-wicket for a single as the fielder in the deep slides to his left and throws it back to the keeper. But Shreyas has already charged for the second run, and is sent back on a sharp call. He slips and the bat drops down as well but he is quick enough to skate in before the keeper whips the bails off.21:50 IST:
7.4: Noor Ahmad to Ishan Kishan, SIX! Such a beautiful shot! Noor serves it under the bat and around the off stump. Ishan comes charges down the track and pumps it over the long on fence for an 80-meter six.21:50 IST:
7.3: Noor Ahmad to Shreyas Iyer, Dropped short, on the off stump, another wrong' un. Iyer rocks back and pulls it off the toe end, but the ball lands safely in front of deep mid-wicket for a single.21:49 IST:
7.2: Noor Ahmad to Shreyas Iyer, Slides the ball outside off through a googly, on a length. Iyer hangs back and slashes hard, but finds the backward point fielder en route.21:48 IST:
7.1: Noor Ahmad to Ishan Kishan, Starts with a full ball, on the leg stump, Ishan works it through mid-wicket for a single. The 100 is up for India in 7.1 overs.21:49 IST:
Quite an eventful over, this one. 17 runs and a couple of wickets. Skipper Shreyas Iyer is in at number 4, with India needing 61 runs from 78 balls. Noor Ahmad is introduced into the attack.Score 99/2
BatsmanSanju Samson 57(22b 7*4 4*6)
BowlerRashid Khan 1-0-17-2
21:47 IST:
6.6: Rashid Khan to Sanju Samson, OUT! CAUGHT! End of the entertainment from Sanju Samson. Floated up by Rashid, on off. Samson presses forward and puts his head down. He swings through the line but the bat turns in his hand and he slices it towards long off, where Mohammad Nabi moves to his left and gets his body behind the ball. Nabi gets his hands high over his head and stays balanced on the fence to take the catch. Khan checks with Nabi, and the 'President' raises his finger to signal that his effort was clean. The umpires are happy with the effort and do not feel the need to send it upstairs. Samson trudges off to a standing ovation.21:47 IST:
6.5: Rashid Khan to Sanju Samson, SIX! Just enough bat on it. This is dropped short by Khan, it is the googly, on middle. Samson goes on the back foot quickly for the pull. The deep mid-wicket fielder steadies himself just in front of the boundary cushions and gets his hands to take the catch but it clips his fingertips and drops beyond the fence.21:45 IST:
6.4: Rashid Khan to Sanju Samson, FOUR! Off the edge, but that takes Sanju Samson to his 7th T20I FIFTY. This knock could not have come at a better time for him after a string of low scores. This is quicker through the air, on a length, on off. Samson pushes at the ball. Gets an outside edge that goes low and beats Gulbadin Naib at slip to his right and races away.21:45 IST:
6.3: Rashid Khan to Ishan Kishan, Tossed up, on middle. Kishan drives it down to long on for a single.21:45 IST:
Rashid roars back in style. You hardly see him being taken to the cleaners. Ishan Kishan is in at number 3.21:43 IST:
6.2: Rashid Khan to Abhishek Sharma, OUT! CAUGHT! Rashid Khan answers right back. Sediqullah Atal slams the ball into the turf in anger. The length is pulled back and it is quicker through the air, on middle and leg. Sharma goes on the back foot to unleash the pull but the ball spins back to cramp the left-hander for room and he is hurried as well. Gets it high on the bat and it goes straight down the throat of deep mid-wicket, where Atal makes no mistake.21:42 IST:
6.1: Rashid Khan to Abhishek Sharma, SIX! That has gone back many a mile. Flighted up, turning back in, on middle and leg. Sharma skips down the track and reaches the pitch of the ball. He clubs it way over deep mid-wicket for a biggie.21:43 IST:
End of the Powerplay. 82 in the first match, and 82 again in the second T20I for India in the first six overs. But this time, India haven't lost a wicket and, more importantly, Samson is off to a blazing start this time around, nearly overshadowing Abhishek's own blitz. Rashid Khan is into the attack. Can he stop the flow of runs with a wicket?Score 82/0
BatsmanSanju Samson 47(19b 6*4 3*6)
BowlerMohammad Nabi 3-0-44-0
21:40 IST:
5.6: Mohammad Nabi to Sanju Samson, SIX! All the way. Nabi switches to around the wicket and pushes it across the right-hander. This is dropped short as well. Samson uses the depth of the crease and dumps it beyond the long off fence for a maximum. 27 runs off the final over of the Powerplay. After 6 overs, India are 82/0.21:40 IST:
5.5: Mohammad Nabi to Sanju Samson, FOUR! Easily done. Not the best of balls by Nabi, full and outside off. Samson extends his hands and gets under the ball to launch it over cover for a boundary. 21 runs off the over so far.21:39 IST:
5.4: Mohammad Nabi to Sanju Samson, FOUR! Pumped down the ground. Just a bit short, on off. Samson picks up the length quickly and rocks on the back foot to slam it back over the bowler's head. The mid off fielder stands no chance. Sanju moves to 37 and according to the on-air commentators, this is now his highest score since the T20 World Cup final.21:39 IST:
5.3: Mohammad Nabi to Sanju Samson, SIX! High and long enough. Noor Ahmad was in business for a moment there. Floated up, on the pads, Samson gets down on one knee and sweeps it aerially, looking to clear the deep square leg fence. Noor leaps on the fence and sticks out his right hand but the ball stays out of his reach.21:38 IST:
5.2: Mohammad Nabi to Abhishek Sharma, Fuller now, on middle. Abhishek hits it in front of mid off and hurries to the other end. There is a direct hit at the bowling end but Sharma is well in.21:38 IST:
5.1: Mohammad Nabi to Abhishek Sharma, SIX! Into the stands! Nabi darts it in on the shorter side, on middle and leg. Sharma waits for the ball to arrive on the back foot and dispatches it by standing tall. Clears the wide long on fence with ease, does Abhishek.21:39 IST:
Sanju Samson has asked for a fresh pair of gloves. Mohammad Nabi to bowl the third over in a row and will wrap up the Powerplay.Score 55/0
BatsmanSanju Samson 27(15b 4*4 1*6)
BowlerAzmatullah Omarzai 2-0-25-0
21:36 IST:
4.6: Azmatullah Omarzai to Sanju Samson, FOUR! A weird kind of boundary. Omarzai lands it full on the stumps, Sanju stays leg side of the ball and smears it gun-barrel straight down the ground. It is hit so straight that the ball crashes into the stumps at the non-striker's end. Now, the ball deflects wide of mid on. Rashid, by the looks of it, moves to his left as an initial charge and finds the ball race away to his right. He still gives it a chase, but the ball wins the race. 20 runs from this over and India are flying high.21:35 IST:
4.5: Azmatullah Omarzai to Abhishek Sharma, Short of a length, pitching outside leg. Sharma backs away to make room and punches it on the bounce and to the left of Rashid at mid off for a single.21:34 IST:
4.4: Azmatullah Omarzai to Sanju Samson, Overpitched by Azmat, on off, Sanju carves it down the ground. The mid on fielder, Rashid, dives and makes a half-stop, and recovers by putting in a second dive to stop the ball. One run taken.21:33 IST:
4.3: Azmatullah Omarzai to Sanju Samson, FOUR! Up and over. Omarzai under pressure. Full and outside the off stump. Sanju extends his arms and gloriously lifts it over cover-point for a gorgeous-looking boundary.21:33 IST:
4.2: Azmatullah Omarzai to Sanju Samson, SIX! Easy pickings! Angled on the leg stump, short in length. Sanju just uses the pace and helps it behind to deep fine leg for a six.21:32 IST:
4.1: Azmatullah Omarzai to Sanju Samson, FOUR! Straight as an arrow! Half-volley, at 139 kph, on middle. Sanju smashes it down the ground, beating mid on to his left for a boundary.Score 35/0
BatsmanAbhishek Sharma 25(14b 2*4 2*6)
BowlerMohammad Nabi 2-0-17-0
21:31 IST:
3.6: Mohammad Nabi to Abhishek Sharma, Leading edge, but falls safely! Nabi is not happy. Good length, 91 kph, and it grips and turns sharply away to finish outside off, catching Abhishek off guard. He pokes at it and mistimes it off the leading edge but gets away with it as the ball drops behind cover. The cover fielder, in fact, slipped while backtracking, and the cover-point fielder could not get to it either. Two runs taken.21:30 IST:
3.5: Mohammad Nabi to Abhishek Sharma, Similar line and length and Abhishek once again finds Omarzai at cover.21:30 IST:
3.4: Mohammad Nabi to Abhishek Sharma, Wide outside off and flat, Sharma punches the short ball to the fielder at cover.21:30 IST:
3.3: Mohammad Nabi to Abhishek Sharma, SIX! The margin of error is so little against Abhishek. Drops it fractionally short, and slows it up as well, outside off. Abhishek transfers his weight onto the back foot and hammers it down the ground for a cracking six.21:29 IST:
3.2: Mohammad Nabi to Abhishek Sharma, Outside off again, in-between length, Sharma cuts it to the cover-point fielder.21:29 IST:
3.1: Mohammad Nabi to Abhishek Sharma, With mid off and mid on in the circle, Nabi lands it on a length, outside off. Sharma chops it to cover, where Omarzai makes a diving stop to his left.21:29 IST:
Sanju Samson is receiving medical attention from the physio. Not quite sure what the issue is. Anyway, Samson is now ready to resume. Mohammad Nabi to continue...Score 27/0
BatsmanSanju Samson 8(10b 1*4 0*6)
BowlerAzmatullah Omarzai 1-0-5-0
21:27 IST:
2.6: Azmatullah Omarzai to Sanju Samson, Full and outside off, Samson drives it away but cannot pierce the gap at cover.21:30 IST:
Alan John says
AFG vs IND: Samson being conservative
All eyes are on Sanju Samson and he is actually playing a waiting game here. He isn't trying to force the issue and is letting Abhishek Sharma do the hitting for now. He gets a good shot away for a boundary but it has been smart cricket from the wicketkeeper so far.
21:26 IST:
2.5: Azmatullah Omarzai to Sanju Samson, FOUR! That will make him feel a lot better! Short but slow and into the pads. Samson swivels and rolls his wrists to keep it along the ground and pulls it to deep backward square leg for a boundary.21:26 IST:
2.4: Azmatullah Omarzai to Sanju Samson, Fuller with a little away shape, outside off. Samson crisply drives it off the front foot, but finds the fielder at cover.21:25 IST:
2.3: Azmatullah Omarzai to Abhishek Sharma, Short at pace, on top of the leg stump. Abhishek controls the pull shot, hitting it along the ground to deep backward square leg for a single.21:24 IST:
2.2: Azmatullah Omarzai to Sanju Samson, Slower delivery, short on the bodyline. Samson is deceived by the lack of pace and misses the pull off the back foot. The ball hits his body, and rolls to the leg side, behind square, and they dash through for a leg bye.21:24 IST:
2.1: Azmatullah Omarzai to Sanju Samson, Omarzai is into the attack! Starts with a full delivery, 131 kph, outside off, Samson watchfully stabs it to the left of the bowler.Score 21/0
BatsmanAbhishek Sharma 16(7b 2*4 1*6)
BowlerMohammad Nabi 1-0-9-0
21:24 IST:
1.6: Mohammad Nabi to Abhishek Sharma, SIX! All the way! On a length, drifting in a touch. Abhishek Sharma picks the length in a trice and sends it flying over long on for a six. It was turning out to be a fine over from Nabi, but Abhishek spoils it.21:22 IST:
1.5: Mohammad Nabi to Abhishek Sharma, Short and outside off, Abhishek does not move his feet at all and tries to smash it past point, but the ball spins away to beat his outside edge.21:22 IST:
1.4: Mohammad Nabi to Sanju Samson, Back to over the stump. Full on the leg stump, 97 kph. Samson flicks it gently to the deep mid-wicket region for an easy single. A measured start from Sanju so far.21:21 IST:
1.3: Mohammad Nabi to Abhishek Sharma, Comes from around the wicket to the left-hander. Drops it short on off, slightly holding on the surface. Abhishek punches it a bit uppishly, but into the cover gap for a single.21:20 IST:
1.2: Mohammad Nabi to Sanju Samson, On the stumps and full, Samson runs it through mid on for a single.21:20 IST:
1.1: Mohammad Nabi to Sanju Samson, Nabi starts with a full ball from over the stumps. It lands in front of off, and spins in. Sanju blocks it to the covers.21:20 IST:
It will be spin from the other end as well. Here's Mohammad Nabi.Score 12/0
BatsmanAbhishek Sharma 9(4b 2*4 0*6)
BowlerMujeeb Ur Rahman 1-0-12-0
21:19 IST:
0.6: Mujeeb Ur Rahman to Abhishek Sharma, Serves it up there, full and around off, Sharma gets on the front foot and drives it firmly but finds the man at cover. 12 runs off the first over. India need 148 runs from 114 balls.21:18 IST:
0.5: Mujeeb Ur Rahman to Sanju Samson, Outside off, on a length, Sanju punches it off the front foot to the point region. The fielder dives to his left and makes a half-stop, with the ball deflecting to the man at extra cover. One run taken.21:18 IST:
0.5: Mujeeb Ur Rahman to Sanju Samson, WIDE! Spears it down the leg stump, 103 kph, on a length. Sanju lets it through and Gurbaz fails to pouch it behind the stumps, parrying the ball to his left.21:18 IST:
0.4: Mujeeb Ur Rahman to Abhishek Sharma, In the air... but lands safely! Quicker one and it angles in. Sharma miscues the pull shot but luckily for him, the ball lands to the left of mid on for a single.21:17 IST:
0.3: Mujeeb Ur Rahman to Abhishek Sharma, FOUR MORE! Thrashed away! A smidge short and around off, Abhishek prods forward and carts it through covers for a cracking boundary.21:17 IST:
0.2: Mujeeb Ur Rahman to Abhishek Sharma, FOUR! No sighters needed at all. From around the stumps, this is flat and full with a bit of a curve away from the batter. Sharma stays compact in the crease and slices it over backward point for a boundary.21:16 IST:
0.1: Mujeeb Ur Rahman to Sanju Samson, Off the mark right away! Mujeeb starts with a short ball that slides in. Samson rocks back and punches it to long on for a single to open his account.21:17 IST:
Welcome back for the chase. Ibrahim Zadran leads his troops out onto the park. It will be the left-hand, right-hand combination of Abhishek Sharma and Sanju Samson to open the innings for India. A change in approach from Afghanistan tonight, as they are starting with spin in the form of Mujeeb Ur Rahman. Samson to face the first ball. There is a slip in place. Off we go..21:14 IST:
... THE RUN CHASE ...21:19 IST:
Looking ahead - A different wicket is being used tonight, and we saw the Indian spinners getting the ball to grip and turn, even if only ever so slightly. So, it may not be quite as straightforward for India to chase this down as it was the other night. But if they make it look easy, then kudos to them. Afghanistan will be on the hunt for early wickets to set the tone in defence of the total and put India on the back foot. Given the depth India possess, Afghanistan will need to strike at regular intervals and not allow partnerships to develop. It should be an interesting chase, so stick around.21:15 IST:
Rashid and Nabi provide the late lift - The script repeated itself right from the toss, with Shreyas Iyer opting to bowl first. Gurbaz once again fell without troubling the scorers, and that was followed by a period where Atal and Ibrahim Zadran got a partnership going. But, just as was the case the other night, both fell in quick succession at a time when Afghanistan were looking to pick up the pace. Darwish Rasooli's promising stay was also cut short as the Afghans lost 5 wickets for 49 runs through the middle phase. But they got a late lift by an enterprising 28-ball, 48-run stand between Rashid Khan and Mohammad Nabi, which played a big part in Afghanistan getting close to 160.21:08 IST:
Afghanistan finish on 159 - 54 runs came off the last 5 overs, allowing the Afghans to finish with a competitive total. Will it be enough? Only time will tell. Shreyas Iyer had spoken about not picking up enough wickets through the middle phase in the opening game as an area to work on, and while India did that tonight, it was at the death where they leaked runs.Score 159/8
BatsmanNoor Ahmad 7(3b 0*4 1*6)
BowlerNitish Kumar Reddy 3-0-24-3
21:03 IST:
19.6: Nitish Kumar Reddy to Noor Ahmad, SIX! Noor dents Reddy's figures a bit as Afghanistan finish at 159/8! On a back of a length, angled into the batter with pace taken off. Noor uses the depth of the crease and swings it cleanly behind the deep mid-wicket fence for half a dozen runs to finish it off. 11 runs in the last over. And Nitish's figures read 3/24 in 3 overs.21:06 IST:
Akshay Ramesh says
Nitish Reddy records best T20I figures
Nitish Reddy has taken a wicket with the first ball of each of his three overs, finishing with his best-ever T20I figures. He dismissed Rashid Khan for 28 off 16 with a brilliant diving catch from Axar Patel completing the dismissal.
A remarkable spell from Reddy as India keep Afghanistan in check.
21:02 IST:
19.5: Nitish Kumar Reddy to Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Attacks the leg stump, and slows the pace, 103 kph. Mujeeb Ur Rahman swipes the full ball to deep backward square leg for a single. This has been an exceptional final over from Nitish. Can he finish off well?21:02 IST:
19.4: Nitish Kumar Reddy to Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Slower short ball, on top of middle and leg. Mujeeb Ur Rahman swats it to the left of Ishan Kishan at deep mid-wicket for a couple of runs.21:01 IST:
19.3: Nitish Kumar Reddy to Noor Ahmad, 150 up for Afghanistan! Reddy digs it in short, on middle. Noor backs away and drags the pull to deep mid-wicket for a run.21:01 IST:
19.2: Nitish Kumar Reddy to Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Slower length-delivery, on the leg stump. Mujeeb backs away and steers it to the cover region for a single.21:04 IST:
Mujeeb Ur Rahman is in at number 9.21:00 IST:
19.1: Nitish Kumar Reddy to Rashid Khan, OUT! SPECTACULAR CATCH! Axar with a stunner and that's number three for Nitish. A slower delivery, full and outside off, and Rashid looks to hoick it away over the leg side. He can't middle it, and Axar, sprinting to his left from deep square leg, dives full-length to complete a smart catch. Good deception from Reddy, and remarkably, he has now struck with the first ball of each of his three overs today. India have been tidy in the field tonight. Afghanistan are 148/8, five balls left.20:59 IST:
Time for the final over. Shivam Dube was entrusted with the 20th over the other night and went for 21 runs. Going by the way he has bowled tonight, it looks like Nitish Kumar Reddy will get the nod this time around. Yep, it is going to be Reddy.Score 148/7
BatsmanNoor Ahmad 0(1b 0*4 0*6)
BowlerJasprit Bumrah 4-1-25-1
20:58 IST:
18.6: Jasprit Bumrah to Noor Ahmad, WOW! Some heat on that one! Delivers a well-executed yorker, just outside off, Noor swings his blade hard to carve it out but his bat comes down after the ball has sneaked through. Bumrah ends with frugal figures of 4-1-25-1.20:58 IST:
The new batter is Noor Ahmad.20:57 IST:
18.5: Jasprit Bumrah to Mohammad Nabi, OUT! CAUGHT BY THE CAPTAIN! Bumrah has the last laugh. He spears in a full-length delivery, around the off stump. Nabi stays leg side of the ball and tries to clear extra cover, but fails to get underneath the ball properly and ends up slicing it towards Shreyas Iyer. The captain at cover takes a straightforward catch to end Nabi's knock. Afghanistan are 148/7, with 7 legal balls left in the first innings.20:56 IST:
18.4: Jasprit Bumrah to Mohammad Nabi, Smell that leather, mate! Well-directed bouncer from Bumrah, angling on the leg stump. Mohammad Nabi shapes up to play the pull shot, but the excessive pace and bounce beats him all ends up.20:55 IST:
18.3: Jasprit Bumrah to Rashid Khan, So casually played by Rashid. Bumrah cannons in a yorker on middle and leg. Khan whips it to deep backward square leg for a single.20:54 IST:
18.2: Jasprit Bumrah to Mohammad Nabi, Slightly back of a length, at pace, 142 kph. Nabi waits deep inside the crease and smacks it to the left of long off for a single.20:54 IST:
18.1: Jasprit Bumrah to Mohammad Nabi, FOUR! Hammered away! Bumrah bowls it outside off, full in length, and takes all the pace off. Mohammad Nabi waits for this off-cutter to arrive, maintains his shape and lofts it over extra cover. One bounce and it goes into the fence.20:54 IST:
Jasprit Bumrah to bowl the penultimate over. So it will be either Nitish Kumar Reddy or Shivam Dube for the final over.Score 142/6
BatsmanRashid Khan 27(14b 3*4 1*6)
BowlerArshdeep Singh 4-0-35-2
20:54 IST:
17.6: Arshdeep Singh to Rashid Khan, SIX! PUNISHED! Juicy half-volley offered by Arshdeep, on off and middle. Rashid Khan comes dancing down the track and lofts it powerfully over deep extra cover for a six. He has made that shot look so easy. A massive over for the Afghans as 16 runs come off it.20:52 IST:
17.5: Arshdeep Singh to Rashid Khan, FOUR! Expertly played! These are precious runs for Afghanistan. Arshdeep switches back to around the stump and misses his yorker again. It is the full toss speared in, and Rashid walks forward, takes it on the full before hammering it to the deep cover region. Beats the sweeper to his left for a boundary.20:51 IST:
17.4: Arshdeep Singh to Rashid Khan, Trying to be adventurous there! Rashid shows his cards early by shuffling to the off side and, seeing that, Singh digs in a slower bouncer outside off. Rashid Khan looks to swing it over short fine leg, but the lack of pace does him in and he is beaten.20:50 IST:
17.3: Arshdeep Singh to Rashid Khan, FOUR! Cleverly done! Angles in from outside off, on a length. Rashid stays put, opens the bat face deliberately at the point of contact and manages to pierce the narrow gap between short third and backward point for a boundary.20:49 IST:
17.2: Arshdeep Singh to Rashid Khan, Oh, dear! That's a nasty delivery. Short and it absolutely cramps Rashid for room as the ball angles into the bodyline. He gets no time to sway away from the firing line. Takes his eyes off the ball by dropping his wrists, and the ball hits the handle of the bat before deflecting onto the helmet grill.20:48 IST:
17.1: Arshdeep Singh to Rashid Khan, Around the stump, full toss on middle. Rashid Khan, with a cheeky little flick off the wrists, whips it to the left of deep backward square leg for a couple of runs.20:49 IST:
Arshdeep Singh (3-0-19-2) switches ends.Score 126/6
BatsmanRashid Khan 11(8b 1*4 0*6)
BowlerJasprit Bumrah 3-1-19-0
20:47 IST:
16.6: Jasprit Bumrah to Rashid Khan, Pinpoint yorker from Bumrah, at the base of the middle stump. Rashid jams his bat down in time and opens the face to guide it behind for a single at deep third. 10 runs from Bumrah's third over.20:51 IST:
Amar Panicker says
AFG vs IND Live: Rashid, Nabi show their class
Looks like these two know that they are the last worthy stand to be able to take on this Indian bowling attack. Nabi is showing some serious skill by taking on Bumrah.
20:46 IST:
16.5: Jasprit Bumrah to Rashid Khan, FOUR! Thunderous shot! Back of a length, hammered hard into the pitch, outside off. Rashid jumps out of the crease, stays leg side and flays it over backward point for a cracking boundary.20:46 IST:
16.4: Jasprit Bumrah to Rashid Khan, Attempted yorker, on off, Khan clears the front leg to make room and smears it to the right of deep point for a couple of runs. Excellent running and coordination between these two.20:45 IST:
16.3: Jasprit Bumrah to Mohammad Nabi, Seemingly a slower delivery, on a length, outside off. Mohammad Nabi is a touch early into his pull shot and mistimes it to the left of deep square leg for a single.20:44 IST:
16.2: Jasprit Bumrah to Mohammad Nabi, Very full on the stumps, Nabi uses his bottom hand to carve it away, but hits it straight to mid off.20:44 IST:
16.1: Jasprit Bumrah to Rashid Khan, Lasers it full and on middle, 136 kph. Khan strokes it to the cover fielder. Shreyas sees Nabi out of the crease at the bowling end, and has a shy at that end, but misses the stumps. The ball rolls towards the leg side and this allows the batters to collect a run eventually.20:43 IST:
16.1: Jasprit Bumrah to Rashid Khan, WIDE! Digs in a slower bouncer, at 117 kph. It lands and keeps coming into the batter, but it is a bit too high, and Khan sways out of the line to leave.20:43 IST:
Jasprit Bumrah comes back on. 2-0-9-0 so far for Bumrah.Score 116/6
BatsmanMohammad Nabi 14(8b 1*4 1*6)
BowlerRavi Bishnoi 4-0-32-1
20:42 IST:
15.6: Ravi Bishnoi to Mohammad Nabi, Quicker now, at 102 kph, full outside off, Nabi looks to access the off side by again backing away but ends up chopping it to the point region. 11 runs from the over. 1/32 in 4 overs for Bishnoi tonight.20:41 IST:
15.5: Ravi Bishnoi to Mohammad Nabi, At 98 kph, short outside off, Nabi cuts it off the back foot to backward point.20:41 IST:
15.4: Ravi Bishnoi to Mohammad Nabi, SIX! Put away. Dropped short, and it is the googly on the leg stump. It arrives at a good height towards Nabi and he simply rocks back to pummel it over deep mid-wicket for a huge six.20:40 IST:
15.3: Ravi Bishnoi to Mohammad Nabi, FOUR! Streaky. Much-needed one for Afghanistan, no matter how they come. Very full and outside off, Mohammad Nabi shuffles to the leg side to make room and reaches out to carve it through the off side, but gets a fat outside edge and the ball shoots to the deep third fence.20:39 IST:
15.2: Ravi Bishnoi to Rashid Khan, Pitched fuller at 100 kph, on off, Khan drives it with a straight bat face to long off for a single.20:39 IST:
15.1: Ravi Bishnoi to Rashid Khan, Full, quick, outside off, Rashid leans to drive to the covers, but the ball gets squeezed off the inside edge and rolls past to the leg side. Oh, that was a googly.20:39 IST:
Last 5 overs to go. Afghanistan are in a precarious position right now. They will have to get at least 160-170 on the board to put up a strong fight with the ball. Ravi Bishnoi returns to bowl out. 1/21 in 3 overs so far.Score 105/6
BatsmanRashid Khan 2(2b 0*4 0*6)
BowlerArshdeep Singh 3-0-19-2
20:38 IST:
14.6: Arshdeep Singh to Rashid Khan, Dug in short, across off. Rashid drags the pull without much timing in front of square on the leg side for a single.20:37 IST:
14.5: Arshdeep Singh to Mohammad Nabi, Full and across off, Nabi forces the drive wide of mid off, where Tilak Varma moves to his left and slides to cut it off. Just a single.20:36 IST:
14.4: Arshdeep Singh to Mohammad Nabi, Buzzers! Bowled on a nagging length, on off. Nabi taps it wide of extra cover and hurries to the other end. Shreyas Iyer has a shy at the batting end but misses. That allows the batters to sneak in one more run on the overthrow.20:36 IST:
14.3: Arshdeep Singh to Mohammad Nabi, On off, on a good length. Nabi punches it to cover.20:35 IST:
14.2: Arshdeep Singh to Rashid Khan, Around off, on a good length. Rashid pushes at the ball. Gets it off the outer half down to deep third for one.20:35 IST:
Out goes Rasooli, and in walks Rashid Khan at number 8.20:34 IST:
14.1: Arshdeep Singh to Darwish Rasooli, OUT! CAUGHT! Arshdeep Singh strikes on his return to the attack. Darwish Rasooli's promising stay has been cut short. Angled in at the off stump from around the wicket, on a length. Rasooli tries to get under the ball to go back over the bowler's head. He gets it right off the toe end of the blade. Tilak Varma runs to his right from long off, and Axar Patel also converges from long on. Varma gets to the ball and takes the catch to his right by stretching his hands out.20:34 IST:
Despite the wicket, 11 runs from that over. 24 runs from the last couple of overs for Afghanistan. Arshdeep Singh (2-0-14-1) is brought back into the attack, replacing Shivam Dube.Score 100/5
BatsmanDarwish Rasooli 26(14b 1*4 2*6)
BowlerAxar Patel 4-0-28-1
20:33 IST:
13.6: Axar Patel to Darwish Rasooli, Good hustle between the wickets. Short and wide on off, Rasooli stands tall and powers it away past extra cover. Nitish Kumar Reddy is quick across the turf to his right at deep cover and he dives to push the ball away from the fence. He gets back up on his feet and tidies up. Three runs taken and with that, the 100 is up for Afghanistan.20:32 IST:
13.5: Axar Patel to Darwish Rasooli, Shorter and quicker, on off and middle. Rasooli taps it to cover.20:31 IST:
13.4: Axar Patel to Mohammad Nabi, On a length, on off. Nabi lunges across and eases it wide of cover for a single.20:31 IST:
Half of the Afghan side is into the dressing room now. And this is a massive wicket for India, given how destructive Omarzai can be with the bat. Mohammad Nabi is the new batter in at number 7.20:30 IST:
13.3: Axar Patel to Azmatullah Omarzai, OUT! CAUGHT! Tilak Varma makes no mistake. Axar Patel finally gets his man. This is slowed down, a bit of air given, fuller and on middle and leg. Omarzai clears the front leg and has a swing at it but he does so early. There is a bit of grip and turn and the ball catches the toe end of the blade. As a result, Azmat only gets the height and not the distance. It is skied a long way up towards long on, where Tilak Varma settles under the skier and takes the catch close to his chest.20:34 IST:
Amar Panicker says
AFG vs IND Live: Big breakthrough for India
Azmatullah gets himself dismissed after being too greedy. Should've waited for his moment but wanted to go big right from the get-go. India are just finding breakthroughs at the right moments.
20:29 IST:
13.2: Axar Patel to Darwish Rasooli, Flatter and sliding on with the arm, on middle and leg. Darwish presses back to whip it away. Gets it off the inner half in front of square on the leg side. They think about the second run but Axar hunts it down himself and keeps it down to a single.20:29 IST:
13.1: Axar Patel to Darwish Rasooli, SIX! Hammered! Another over started with a maximum by Darwish Rasooli. Flighted up, on middle, a bit too full. Rasooli puts his head down and presses forward to thump it over long on for a six.Score 89/4
BatsmanAzmatullah Omarzai 11(9b 2*4 0*6)
BowlerShivam Dube 1-0-13-0
20:28 IST:
12.6: Shivam Dube to Azmatullah Omarzai, FOUR! Straight as an arrow! Dube shifts his line closer to the off stump, on a length, it is the slower one. Omarzai swings through the line as he slams it back over the bowler's head. Neither long off nor long on stands a chance.20:29 IST:
Amar Panicker says
2nd T20I Live: Shivam Dube sent to the cleaners
Well..... Who didn't see that coming?
Shivam Dube comes into the attack and the batters are going after him every ball. Surprised that he ended up conceding only 13 runs so far.
20:27 IST:
12.5: Shivam Dube to Darwish Rasooli, Stays away from the batter's arc, on a back of a length. Darwish spanks it wide of extra cover and sets off for a quick single. The extra cover fielder moves to his left but cannot pick the ball up cleanly, allowing the batters to get home easily.20:26 IST:
12.4: Shivam Dube to Darwish Rasooli, Takes pace off, keeping it near the tramline, on the shorter side. Rasooli tries to cash in on the width but mistimes the shot to extra cover.20:26 IST:
12.3: Shivam Dube to Azmatullah Omarzai, On off, on a short of a length. Azmat swats it on the bounce to deep mid-wicket, where Axar Patel collects it on the bounce. Just a single.20:25 IST:
12.2: Shivam Dube to Darwish Rasooli, Keeping it away from the batter's arc, on a back of a length. Darwish slaps it to deep point and gets to the other end.20:25 IST:
12.1: Shivam Dube to Darwish Rasooli, SIX! Sent into the crowd! Dube goes into the deck but this sits up to be hit at waist height, on off. Rasooli stands tall and unleashes the pull in front of square on the leg side. That has gone back many a mile.20:25 IST:
Iyer turns towards his sixth bowling option now. Here's Shivam Dube into the attack. He replaces Nitish Kumar Reddy.Score 76/4
BatsmanDarwish Rasooli 8(6b 1*4 0*6)
BowlerAxar Patel 3-0-17-0
20:23 IST:
11.6: Axar Patel to Darwish Rasooli, Shorter and on middle. Darwish whips it to deep mid-wicket and takes a single.20:23 IST:
11.5: Axar Patel to Azmatullah Omarzai, DROPPED! Azmatullah Omarzai gets a reprieve. The length is pushed up now, on off. Omarzai makes room to open up the off side but ends up hitting it a lot straighter down towards long off. Ravi Bishnoi comes charging in off the ropes and slides but the ball hits him high on the palm and drops to the ground. A single taken. How costly will this prove to be?20:23 IST:
11.4: Axar Patel to Azmatullah Omarzai, This stops a bit in the surface, on a nagging length, on middle, Omarzai tries to deal with it off the back foot but then checks his shot as he plays it back to Axar.20:22 IST:
11.3: Axar Patel to Azmatullah Omarzai, Tossed up, on middle. Omarzai makes room and crunches it straight to cover.20:22 IST:
11.2: Axar Patel to Darwish Rasooli, Fractionally short, on off. Rasooli makes room and cuts it to deep point. They cross.20:22 IST:
11.1: Axar Patel to Darwish Rasooli, A bit of grip and turn. Short and on off, bowled slower through the air. Rasooli hops back to punch it down the deck. Axar Patel dives to his left to make the stop.20:22 IST:
Axar Patel (2-0-14-0) replaces Ravi Bishnoi.Score 73/4
BatsmanAzmatullah Omarzai 5(4b 1*4 0*6)
BowlerNitish Kumar Reddy 2-0-13-2
20:21 IST:
10.6: Nitish Kumar Reddy to Azmatullah Omarzai, In the channel, on a good length at 129 kph, Azmat punches it well but picks out the cover fielder.20:20 IST:
10.5: Nitish Kumar Reddy to Darwish Rasooli, Angled in, on middle, on a back of a length. Rasooli tucks it in front of deep mid-wicket and rotates the strike.20:19 IST:
10.4: Nitish Kumar Reddy to Azmatullah Omarzai, On off, on a short of a length, that is punched off the back foot to long on for a single.20:19 IST:
10.3: Nitish Kumar Reddy to Azmatullah Omarzai, FOUR! A shot of high quality. This is on a hard length, on off. Omarzai rises on his toes and rides the bounce. Presents a straight bat and with a high elbow, he punches it between cover and mid off. The mid off fielder gives chase but the ball skips across the turf and hugs the fence.20:19 IST:
10.2: Nitish Kumar Reddy to Azmatullah Omarzai, Reddy digs it in short, outside off. Azmat flashes at the ball but is beaten for pace.20:18 IST:
51/1 has turned into 67/4 for Afghanistan. They are losing wickets one after another and once again look to Azmatullah Omarzai to bail them out, who is in at number 6.20:19 IST:
10.1: Nitish Kumar Reddy to Gulbadin Naib, OUT! IN THE AIR AND TAKEN! A well-judged catch by Sanju Samson. Nitish Kumar Reddy strikes with the first ball of the over for the second time in the game. Seam-up ball, skidding through, on a back of a length, on middle. Naib takes the risk of going across the line and pays the price. He clears the front leg and has a swipe at the ball. It is skied a long way up off a top edge. Sanju Samson calls for it and moves forward to settle under the swirling ball. He puts in a dive at the last moment to take the catch safely. 20:20 IST:
Amar Panicker says
2nd T20I Live: Nitish strikes again
Bang on from Nitish. Afghanistan's batters are just not able to nail the timing at the moment and Nitish has his second scalp of this game. A solid showing from the all-rounder.
20:18 IST:
Nitish Kumar Reddy to continue. 1/7 in 1 over so far.Score 67/3
BatsmanGulbadin Naib 10(7b 1*4 0*6)
BowlerRavi Bishnoi 3-0-21-1
20:15 IST:
9.6: Ravi Bishnoi to Gulbadin Naib, At 91 kph, now, on the pads. Naib steers the length ball to deep square leg for a single. At the halfway stage of the first innings, Afghanistan are 67/3.20:14 IST:
9.5: Ravi Bishnoi to Gulbadin Naib, Short on middle, at 101 kph. Gulbadin Naib uses the depth of the crease and whips it into the mid-wicket region. The fielder tears in from the ropes and by the time he throws it to the keeper, the batters scamper back for the second run.20:14 IST:
9.4: Ravi Bishnoi to Darwish Rasooli, Drags the length back, does Ravi, on off. Rasooli rocks back and punches it to the left of long on for a single.20:13 IST:
9.3: Ravi Bishnoi to Darwish Rasooli, FOUR! Off the mark in an edgy way! On a lower trajectory, quicker through the air. Short and outside off. Darwish Rasooli rocks back to cut it away, but gets an underedge and the ball rifles through short third for a boundary.20:15 IST:
With the fall of Sediqullah Atal, the umpires have called for a DRINKS BREAK. The script from the first game is repeating itself for Afghanistan, with Atal and Ibrahim Zadran once again following each other back to the hut. With two set batters now back in the hut, it is back to rebuild mode for the Afghans. India have been disciplined with the ball so far and will be hoping to maintain control over the proceedings and not allow partnerships to develop. Darwish Rasooli joins Gulbadin Naib out in the middle.20:10 IST:
9.2: Ravi Bishnoi to Sediqullah Atal, OUT! STRAIGHT TO TILAK! Bishnoi has his arms aloft as he gets his first wicket. A googly now, and it is a length ball around the middle stump line. Atal goes back and tries to power it over the long off boundary, but gets it off the splice and doesn't time it well. Tilak, stationed at long off, settles underneath it and pouches the catch comfortably. A very scratchy knock from Atal, and Afghanistan have been reduced from 51/1 to 59/3.20:09 IST:
9.1: Ravi Bishnoi to Gulbadin Naib, Nervy single! The googly on a shorter length. Naib hangs back and knocks it to the cover region for a single, but they have to really hurry. The fielder moves quickly to his left, and Iyer releases a flat throw to the bowling end, but it looks like Naib has made it through. However, the umpires want to have a second look at it. The side-on replay shows that Naib's bat is grounded at the last minute when the bowler breaks the stumps.Score 58/2
BatsmanGulbadin Naib 6(4b 1*4 0*6)
BowlerNitish Kumar Reddy 1-0-7-1
20:07 IST:
8.6: Nitish Kumar Reddy to Gulbadin Naib, On off on a length, Naib uses his wrists to steer it through mid-wicket for an easy single. 7 runs and a wicket from Reddy's first. India have managed to pull things back in the last few overs here.20:07 IST:
8.5: Nitish Kumar Reddy to Sediqullah Atal, On top of off, on a good length, Atal dinks it wide of mid-wicket with soft hands and they dash through for a quick run.20:06 IST:
8.4: Nitish Kumar Reddy to Gulbadin Naib, Nagging length, outside off, Naib steers it off the back foot to deep point for a single.20:05 IST:
8.3: Nitish Kumar Reddy to Gulbadin Naib, FOUR! Naib is off the mark! Short by Nitish, but at a gentle pace which gives Naib enough time to set up a good base before pulling it up and between deep mid-wicket and long on for a boundary.20:05 IST:
8.2: Nitish Kumar Reddy to Gulbadin Naib, Back of a length, around the off pole. Naib rides the bounce and taps it out to the off side.20:05 IST:
Gulbadin Naib walks out to the middle.20:05 IST:
8.1: Nitish Kumar Reddy to Ibrahim Zadran, OUT! TAKEN! Nitish strikes first ball. Didn't have the best of evenings in the first game, but he breaks the 51-run stand. On a good length and around the middle stump. Zadran goes for the flick on the leg side, but doesn't get enough timing behind it. Bishnoi, camped at deep mid-wicket, holds on to the catch. He's not one to spill those. It looked for a moment like he had taken a wrong first step and overran the ball, but he adjusted well enough to settle under it and complete the catch above his right shoulder. Ibrahim cannot convert his start, and Afghanistan are 51/2.20:05 IST:
Amar Panicker says
AFG vs IND Live: What a start for NKR!
Exactly what India needed.
Nitish Reddy comes in and strikes right away to get rid of Ibrahim Zadran.
20:03 IST:
Nitish Kumar Reddy comes into the attack, replacing Axar Patel.Score 51/1
BatsmanIbrahim Zadran 37(32b 6*4 0*6)
BowlerRavi Bishnoi 2-0-12-0
20:01 IST:
7.6: Ravi Bishnoi to Ibrahim Zadran, Brings the stumps to play on a fuller length, Ibrahim Zadran drills it to long on for an easy single. Much better over from Bishnoi this time. Just 5 runs from it. 10 runs from the last 2 overs for Afghanistan.20:03 IST:
Amar Panicker says
AFG vs IND Live: Bishnoi builds pressure
Finally an over without a boundary. Ravi Bishnoi does his job and restricts the run. Now perhaps there might be an opportunity for a wicket from the other end.
20:01 IST:
7.5: Ravi Bishnoi to Ibrahim Zadran, Straight and short, outside off, Ibrahim lets it be.20:01 IST:
7.4: Ravi Bishnoi to Sediqullah Atal, Very full now, on the stumps, Atal whips it to deep mid-wicket for a single. This brings up the 50-run partnership between Atal and Ibrahim. Good recovery by these two.20:00 IST:
7.3: Ravi Bishnoi to Sediqullah Atal, Serves it full but it is pitched outside leg, Atal sweeps it but finds the fielder at short fine leg.20:00 IST:
7.2: Ravi Bishnoi to Ibrahim Zadran, Flat and full, on off, Zadran stays leg side and hammers it to long off for a single.19:59 IST:
7.1: Ravi Bishnoi to Ibrahim Zadran, Dropped fuller and on middle and off, Ibrahim Zadran goes low on his knee again and sweeps it off the inner half between deep mid-wicket and deep square leg for a couple of runs.Score 46/1
BatsmanIbrahim Zadran 33(28b 6*4 0*6)
BowlerAxar Patel 2-0-14-0
19:58 IST:
6.6: Axar Patel to Ibrahim Zadran, Outside off, on a good length, Zadran gets on the front foot and drives it wide of the cover fielder for a single.19:58 IST:
6.5: Axar Patel to Ibrahim Zadran, Swing and a miss! Beautifully bowled. Axar cleverly slows it through the air, full and outside off, and it goes straight on with the arm. Ibrahim Zadran sits down on his knee and looks to slog it over the leg side, but the ball dips below his bat to beat his inside edge.19:58 IST:
6.4: Axar Patel to Sediqullah Atal, Quicker now, short on leg, Atal hangs back and runs it through mid on for a single.19:58 IST:
6.3: Axar Patel to Sediqullah Atal, Flighted delivery, full but down leg, Sediqullah Atal sits across to sweep but the ball deflects off his front pad and rolls to the right of the keeper.19:57 IST:
6.2: Axar Patel to Ibrahim Zadran, In line of the stumps, short in length. Zadran makes room and strokes it down to long on for another single.19:57 IST:
6.1: Axar Patel to Ibrahim Zadran, Stays a bit low, on middle and on a length, Zadran hangs back and heaves it wide of deep square leg for a couple of runs.19:59 IST:
In the opening game, Afghanistan were 41/4 at the end of the Powerplay, so this is a better start compared to the other night. However, they will need to pick up the pace through the middle overs and make sure they build on this platform.Score 41/1
BatsmanSediqullah Atal 9(9b 2*4 0*6)
BowlerRavi Bishnoi 1-0-7-0
19:56 IST:
5.6: Ravi Bishnoi to Sediqullah Atal, Dishes out the googly, smidge short and across the batter. Sediqullah Atal goes deep inside the crease and punches it tentatively to cover. Afghanistan end their Powerplay with 41/1 on the board.19:55 IST:
5.5: Ravi Bishnoi to Sediqullah Atal, Darted in on a shorter length, outside off, Sediqullah Atal shanks it on the bounce to mid off.19:55 IST:
5.4: Ravi Bishnoi to Ibrahim Zadran, Onto the pads, sliding down from a length. Ibrahim has a swipe across the line but misses and the ball runs off the thigh pad to the right of short fine leg. They get a leg bye.19:54 IST:
5.3: Ravi Bishnoi to Sediqullah Atal, A touch short, on the leg stump, Atal hangs back and knocks it down to long on for a run.19:54 IST:
5.2: Ravi Bishnoi to Ibrahim Zadran, Drifting on the pads, on a length, Ibrahim heaves it to deep mid-wicket for a single.19:53 IST:
5.2: Ravi Bishnoi to Ibrahim Zadran, WIDE! Slides down the leg side, short in length. Ibrahim leaves and Samson dives low to his left to collect it sharply.19:53 IST:
5.1: Ravi Bishnoi to Ibrahim Zadran, FOUR! Runs continue to flow for the Afghans! Bishnoi starts with a length ball, on off. Ibrahim Zadran backs away and flays it over cover-point for a cracking boundary.19:54 IST:
Afghanistan have scored 31 runs in the last 3 overs. There's a clear attempt to break free now. Ravi Bishnoi has been introduced into the attack and will wrap up the Powerplay. He replaces Arshdeep Singh.Score 33/1
BatsmanSediqullah Atal 8(6b 2*4 0*6)
BowlerAxar Patel 1-0-9-0
19:52 IST:
4.6: Axar Patel to Sediqullah Atal, FOUR! Streaky! Pushed through with a flatter trajectory, on middle. Atal attempts the pull but the ball is not all that short and it skids through to catch the underedge. It races past the short fine fielder for a four.19:55 IST:
Amar Panicker says
AFG vs IND Live: Afghani fight back goes on
Even the change with spin does not seem to be deterring the batting pair. Well its another big over and Afghanistan will need to maximise these first six overs to have a chance of setting a par score.
19:51 IST:
4.5: Axar Patel to Ibrahim Zadran, Tossed up, on middle. Zadran knocks it down to long off and turns the strike over.19:51 IST:
4.4: Axar Patel to Ibrahim Zadran, Spears it in, fuller and on off. Zadran charges down the track and tries to whip it away but ekes out an inside edge onto the pads and the ball goes nowhere.19:51 IST:
4.3: Axar Patel to Ibrahim Zadran, How did that miss the stumps? A bit of grip and turn for Axar, on a good length, on middle. Zadran has a heave across the line but it spins away a touch to beat the bat. The bounce takes it over the middle stump.19:50 IST:
4.2: Axar Patel to Ibrahim Zadran, FOUR! Good manipulation of the field. Floated up, on off and middle. Zadran knows that square leg and fine leg are up inside the circle. Zadran walks inside the line and sinks to a knee to sweep it to the left of the short fine leg fielder for a boundary.19:50 IST:
4.1: Axar Patel to Ibrahim Zadran, Darts the ball in on a good length, on the off stump. Ibrahim taps it to cover.19:50 IST:
First look at spin. Here's Axar Patel, who replaces Jasprit Bumrah.Score 24/1
BatsmanSediqullah Atal 4(5b 1*4 0*6)
BowlerArshdeep Singh 2-0-14-1
19:49 IST:
3.6: Arshdeep Singh to Sediqullah Atal, On a length, on off. Atal firms the drive all along the ground but straight to mid off.19:54 IST:
Amar Panicker says
AFG vs IND Live: Skipper leads the way
The Afghanistan captain, Ibrahim Zadran is not looking to get bogged down by the pressure. He saw his opening partner being dismissed so he is looking to take the responsibility and get some quick runs here. Not a good look here for Arshdeep Singh but the left-right combination is perhaps swaying his lines here. 13 runs coming in the over.
19:48 IST:
3.5: Arshdeep Singh to Sediqullah Atal, FOUR! Easy pickings! Turning out to be an expensive over from Arshdeep, 13 runs off the over so far. Too straight by Singh, on the pads. Atal lets the ball come on and tickles it fine of the short fine leg fielder to pick up a boundary.19:47 IST:
3.4: Arshdeep Singh to Ibrahim Zadran, Does not carry! Keeps it near the tramline, on a back of a length. Zadran tries to repeat the dose but ends up hitting it square of the wicket this time. Hits it flat towards deep point, where Nitish Kumar Reddy realises that the ball is not going to carry to him and he opts to save the boundary. He collects the ball on a bounce. Just a single.19:47 IST:
3.3: Arshdeep Singh to Ibrahim Zadran, FOUR! Up and over! Arshdeep bowls the slower one and pushes it wider on off, on a short of a length. Zadran does not move his feet at all but reaches out with his hands, spanking it over cover for a boundary. After a slow start, Zadran is picking up the pace here.19:46 IST:
3.2: Arshdeep Singh to Ibrahim Zadran, FOUR! Nicely done. This is on the pads, on a nagging length. Zadran stays balanced at the crease and picks it up over short square leg. Not quite from the middle but the ball has enough legs to reach the fence, beating the chase of Ishan Kishan.19:45 IST:
3.1: Arshdeep Singh to Ibrahim Zadran, Floats it up, full and on off, it is the slower one. Zadran mistimes the drive to mid off.19:45 IST:
Change? Nope. Arshdeep Singh to continue. 1/1 in his only over so far.Score 11/1
BatsmanSediqullah Atal 0(3b 0*4 0*6)
BowlerJasprit Bumrah 2-1-9-0
19:44 IST:
2.6: Jasprit Bumrah to Sediqullah Atal, A ball of high quality by Bumrah. Rolls his fingers over the ball, bowled on a good length, landing outside the line of the leg stump and going across the left-hander. Atal presents a straight bat but is squared up and is beaten past the outside edge.19:44 IST:
2.5: Jasprit Bumrah to Sediqullah Atal, Spears in a yorker at the base of the off stump. Atal watchfully keeps it out by getting his bat down quickly.19:43 IST:
2.4: Jasprit Bumrah to Ibrahim Zadran, Bowls the off-cutter, on a length, around off. Zadran looks to slam it back over the bowler's head. Miscues it off the inner half behind square leg as the ball skips across the turf. Ravi Bishnoi is quick to his left from deep fine leg and tumbles away to mop it up. He also gets rid of the ball quickly, keeping the batters down to a single.19:42 IST:
2.3: Jasprit Bumrah to Ibrahim Zadran, Tailing on the leg stump, full now, Zadran strokes it down to mid on.19:42 IST:
2.2: Jasprit Bumrah to Ibrahim Zadran, FOUR! Finds the gap! A bit of a sloppy effort from Dube there. Short of a length, sliding in on the leg stump line. Zadran stands tall and heaves it off the inner half of the bat. Gets it through mid-wicket and mid on and it is Dube from the latter position who gives it a chase, but makes a meal of it in the end. He slides to stop the ball, but ends up parrying it to the ropes instead.19:41 IST:
2.1: Jasprit Bumrah to Ibrahim Zadran, FOUR! Just wide enough! Back of a length, angling onto the pads. Ibrahim Zadran whips it uppishly and to the right of Dube at mid on for a boundary.Score 2/1
BatsmanIbrahim Zadran 1(8b 0*4 0*6)
BowlerArshdeep Singh 1-0-1-1
19:40 IST:
1.6: Arshdeep Singh to Ibrahim Zadran, Zadran is finally off the mark. On a length, around leg. Ibrahim swats it behind square leg and is off the mark on the 8th ball with a single.19:43 IST:
Akshay Ramesh says
AFG vs IND Live: The Bumrah and Arshdeep partnership
Jasprit Bumrah’s impact with the new ball was on display once again. He bowled a maiden over before Arshdeep Singh capitalised, picking up a wicket in the following over.
The numbers underline Bumrah’s value to India’s bowling attack. With Bumrah in the XI, India have taken 45 wickets in 28 matches at an average of 18.24 and an economy rate of 8.42. Without him, they have managed 94 wickets in 65 matches at an average of 20.35 and an economy of 8.53.
India have also taken a wicket every 13 balls with Bumrah in the XI, compared to one every 14.3 balls without him.
19:39 IST:
1.5: Arshdeep Singh to Ibrahim Zadran, A swing and a miss! Going away, on a good length. Zadran puts his head down and has a heave across the line but the ball leaves him to whistle past the blade.19:39 IST:
1.4: Arshdeep Singh to Sediqullah Atal, Angled in at the hips, Atal fails to make any connection on the glance. A leg bye is taken as the ball goes off the thigh pad towards deep fine leg. Afghanistan finally open their account on the 10th ball.19:38 IST:
Gurbaz is yet to get off the mark in this series. A two-ball duck in the first match, followed by a bronze duck now. He frustratingly trudges off. Sediqullah Atal is in at number 3 with Afghanistan still searching for their first run.19:39 IST:
1.3: Arshdeep Singh to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, OUT! IN THE AIR AND GONE! Rahmanullah Gurbaz tries to break free but perishes. A second successive duck in the series for Gurbaz. Arshdeep takes pace off and goes into the wicket, outside off. Rahmanullah backs away and has an ungainly swipe across the line. He does not pick the change of pace and ends up spooning it tamely to mid on with him also losing hold of his bat. Ravi Bishnoi takes a sitter at mid on.19:41 IST:
Amar Panicker says
2nd T20I Live: Arshdeep strikes
Arshdeep Singh knew exactly what the situation was and he knew that Gurbaz would go for the big shot. A top-edge against the shorter delivery and gets caught.
What's funny is that the bowler knew he got the wicket and was already celebrating before the catch was made.
Talk about confidence.
19:36 IST:
1.2: Arshdeep Singh to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, This is pushed across the right-hander, on the fuller side, Gurbaz thinks about going after it but then leaves it alone. The ball sneaks well inside the tramline.19:35 IST:
1.1: Arshdeep Singh to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Oh, Gurbaz makes his intentions clear straight away. It does not come off, though. Shaping back into the right-hander, on a good length, on middle. Gurbaz dances down the track and has a big swing at it. Gets an inside edge and it dribbles to the left of the keeper.19:35 IST:
On an excellent batting track, Bumrah starts off on the money - with a maiden. Arshdeep Singh will share the attack from the other end.Score 0/0
BatsmanIbrahim Zadran 0(6b 0*4 0*6)
BowlerJasprit Bumrah 1-1-0-0
19:34 IST:
0.6: Jasprit Bumrah to Ibrahim Zadran, Bumrah finishes just as well! How rare is this? A maiden in the first over of a T20 game. Slips it in very full, on off. Zadran gets low and jams the bat down on the ball. Half a shout for a catch by Bumrah but he knew that it was a bump ball.19:35 IST:
Akshay Ramesh says
AFG vs IND Live: Maiden for Jasprit Bumrah
This is more like the Jasprit Bumrah we are used to seeing. Using all the variations in the arsenal. The outswinger, inswinger, length ball and whatnot. No runs given and Afghanistan will be under pressure to get going.
19:33 IST:
0.5: Jasprit Bumrah to Ibrahim Zadran, Five dots in a row! So far, so good from Bumrah. Delivers it on a good length, on off and middle. Zadran taps it back to the bowler with a straight bat.19:33 IST:
0.4: Jasprit Bumrah to Ibrahim Zadran, So nearly took the off stump. Bumrah hurls the inswinger, very full, just outside the off stump. Zadran is late to get his bat down as he tries to squeeze it out. He is beaten on the inside edge. Sanju Samson dives to his left and collects it neatly.19:32 IST:
0.3: Jasprit Bumrah to Ibrahim Zadran, Hits the hard length, angled in on off. Ibrahim is rushed as he pushes it hurriedly to cover. Three dots to start with.19:31 IST:
0.2: Jasprit Bumrah to Ibrahim Zadran, Goes wide on the crease, does Bumrah and the length is dragged back as well. In and around the off pole. Zadran stands tall and stabs it down the deck with a straight bat.19:31 IST:
0.1: Jasprit Bumrah to Ibrahim Zadran, Goes past the bat straight away! Bumrah serves a seam-up ball on a good length, moving away in the air, near the tramline. Zadran goes chasing after the ball and is beaten past the outside edge.19:32 IST:
Akshay Ramesh says
2nd T20I Live: No national anthem today
In the previous game, we had both the national song, Vande Mataram and the Indian national anthem being sung. Interesting that it wasn't done for the 2nd T20I as well.
19:32 IST:
Righto, it's game time in New Delhi. The Indian team is huddled up near the ropes. Now, they spread out to take their positions. The bell has been rung by Mithun Manhas, the current BCCI President, to mark the commencement of the match. Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Ibrahim Zadran are the two Afghan openers who walk to the crease. Jasprit Bumrah has the new ball, and there is a slip in place, with Ibrahim taking the strike this time. Here we go...19:35 IST:
Afghanistan's star all-rounder - Azmatullah Omarzai is up for a quick chat with the broadcaster. He says losing early wickets put them under pressure in the previous game. He and Mohammad Nabi then spoke about hanging in there, batting deep and staying till the end to provide the finish, but admits they did not finish well in the last 2-3 overs. Omarzai says they have done their homework ahead of the game about the right areas to bowl and will look to improve on that front. On Afghanistan's record of never having beaten India, Omarzai says they will try to change that tonight and give it 100 per cent. He adds that the focus will be on their processes and executing them well.19:33 IST:
Unpacking the toss - Bowling first was the obvious call after winning the toss. India have brought in Ravi Bishnoi for an injured Varun Chakaravarthy, who looked in great rhythm in the opener. Sooryavanshi still has to wait for another game as Samson is given another go. For Afghanistan, it is slightly surprising that Naveen-ul-Haq still hasn't made it to the XI despite the noise around his absence.19:20 IST:
PITCH REPORT - Murali Kartik is pitchside with his assessment. He mentions that winning the toss and chasing is the right call, and informs that surface number 4 will be used for this match, on which he details that the average first-inning score is 180. So he reckons that the team batting first should post at least more than 200, in this case, Afghanistan, to give themselves a good chance. Closely observes the surface and mentions it is pretty dry. Sanjay Manjrekar joins him and adds that it looks a bit damp, and it seems very similar to the surface that was used in the previous game. Kartik is quick to add that it is a bit drier as he runs his hands on the pitch with a few visible lines running across it. Sanjay agrees there's dampness in play, pointing to the spike marks. Still, he calls it a good surface overall, adding that the boundaries are shorter, with a couple of strips having been shifted for this game. India, he says, will be pleased with how the toss played out. For Afghanistan, the job now is simple, to get to a total tonight that actually gives them a game to fight for.19:07 IST:
India (Playing XI) - Sanju Samson (WK), Abhishek Sharma, Ishan Kishan, Shreyas Iyer (C), Tilak Varma, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel, Ravi Bishnoi (In for Varun Chakaravarthy), Jasprit Bumrah, and Arshdeep Singh.19:07 IST:
Afghanistan (Unchanged XI) - Rahmanullah Gurbaz (WK), Ibrahim Zadran (C), Sediqullah Atal, Gulbadin Naib, Darwish Rasooli, Azmatullah Omarzai, Mohammad Nabi, Rashid Khan, Noor Ahmad, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, and Fazalhaq Farooqi.19:09 IST:
The skipper of Afghanistan - Ibrahim Zadran says that they would have bowled first as well. Mentions the focus will now be on executing better with the bat this time around. Zadran says the talk has been about playing positive cricket. He admits they did not get off to a good start the other day, but feels they did well to recover in the middle overs. Informs that they are unchanged for this clash.19:13 IST:
The captain of India - Shreyas Iyer says calling Tails at the toss has been lucky for him, irrespective of the result of the game. When he is asked whether bowling first carries a natural edge in the T20 format, Iyer breaks down the thinking behind it. Iyer explains that fielding first gives a side an early read on how the surface is behaving, and from there it's on the bowlers to adjust quickly once they have read the pace of the wicket. Get that read right, he adds, and it tips the balance in the fielding side's favour. Shreyas Iyer reflects on the previous game and is quick to point out that the margin of victory didn't quite tell the full story, and there was a stretch where the contest looked far tighter than the final numbers suggest. Iyer credits Azmatullah Omarzai and Mohammad Nabi for that, pointing to their crucial partnership as the reason the game briefly opened up. Turning to his own bowling unit, he flags the 10 to 15 over phase as an area to tighten up, feeling a few more wickets could have come in that middle stretch. On the changes, he informs that Varun Chakaravarthy has a side strain, so Ravi Bishnoi comes in his place.