Chepauk witnessed a delightful Saturday evening as Rohit Sharma and Yashasvi Jaiswal painted a vivid picture of India’s dominance in white-ball cricket. Afghanistan struggled their way to 218, with captain Hashmatullah Shahidi emerging as the lone bright spot in an otherwise disappointing innings. He scored his maiden ODI century and became the first Afghan captain to register a hundred against India. However, Afghanistan’s decision to bat first after winning the toss was thoroughly exposed by the Men in Blue.
Another chapter was added to Shubman Gill’s growing captaincy success story as India cruised to a nine-wicket victory, completing a commanding 3–0 series sweep.
Chasing a modest 219, India completed the task with ease, reaching 224 for one
in just 28.4 overs, as Hashmatullah Shahidi’s valiant 102 ended up in a losing cause. The chase was headlined by Yashasvi Jaiswal’s second ODI hundred and a commanding opening stand with Rohit Sharma.
With competition intensifying for places at the top, both Rohit and Jaiswal made strong statements. Rohit started cautiously but soon found his rhythm, showcasing his trademark timing, including a stunning inside-out six off Rashid Khan. Jaiswal, in contrast, was fluent from the outset, taking on Azmatullah Omarzai for three boundaries in a 23-run opening over that also included five penalty runs awarded to India.
The duo added 170 runs in just 22.5 overs for the first wicket, effectively sealing the chase early.
Rohit fell attempting a pull off Mohammad Nabi, caught by substitute Sediqullah Atal at deep mid-wicket, but Jaiswal carried on, bringing up a composed century off 83 balls. He fittingly sealed the win with a six off Nabi.
Earlier, Prasidh Krishna’s brilliant spell dismantled Afghanistan’s top order, reducing them to 36 for four. However, Shahidi’s patient 102 off 131 balls ensured the visitors posted 218, lending some respectability to their total.
