India's new pacer, Prince Yadav, made a game-changing moment in the third ODI against Afghanistan in Chennai, pulling off an incredible catch to dismiss Rashid Khan at a pivotal moment in the innings.
The action unfolded on the third ball of the 41st over, with Afghanistan sitting at 206/7 and looking to score some quick runs. As Harsh Dubey bowled from one end, he lured Rashid into an aggressive shot outside the off stump.
Yadav, stationed at sweeper cover, dashed forward and to his right, executing a sliding catch just inches above the ground. Rashid's wicket, after scoring 5 runs off 7 balls, thwarted a potential counterattack and solidified India's grip on the match. Prince, who had already made his mark with the ball and fielding throughout the series, showcased his sharp awareness and athleticism once again under pressure.
The pivotal moment came in the 41st over when Rashid attempted an ambitious inside-out shot over the covers. Unfortunately for him, he didn’t get enough lift on the ball. Rashid was sent packing for just 5 runs off 7 balls, plunging Afghanistan into deeper trouble. Shortly after, India tightened their grip even more with two quick run-outs, leaving the visitors at a precarious 206/9.
Afghanistan Bowled Out for 218 in 3rd ODI at Chennai
Earlier today, Afghanistan decided to bat first on a dry, red-soil pitch at the M.A. Chidambaram Stadium. The surface provided decent bounce and helped bowlers who stuck to their lines. While the conditions seemed promising for batting at the start, the sweltering heat and humidity of Chennai made it tougher to score runs as the innings went on.
India struck early and kept the pressure on Afghanistan throughout their innings. Rahmanullah Gurbaz managed just 5 runs, Ibrahim Zadran added 11, Rahmat Shah contributed 5, and Darwish Abdul Rasooli could only muster 1 run.
However, captain Hashmatullah Shahidi stepped up, crafting a resilient 102 off 131 balls, which included 13 fours and a six. He received solid backing from Azmatullah Omarzai, who scored 50 off 56 balls, hitting five boundaries and two sixes. Their partnership was crucial in helping Afghanistan bounce back after a shaky start and brought some stability to the innings.
Once Omarzai was dismissed, India's bowlers took full command of the game. The lower order found it tough to rotate the strike, leading to a flurry of wickets falling in quick succession. Afghanistan's innings wrapped up at 218, ending in a chaotic finish that saw several run-outs.
Prasidh Krishna was the standout performer with the ball, achieving an impressive five-wicket haul with figures of 5/23 in 8.2 overs, including two maidens. Harsh Dubey played a crucial role by taking the important wicket of Rashid Khan, while Gurnoor Brar and Prince Yadav each contributed with a wicket. Although Washington Sundar didn’t take any wickets, he bowled a remarkably economical spell, finishing with 0/23 in eight overs.
