New Delhi: India overcame some batting struggles to beat Afghanistan in the second T20I here on Tuesday and take an unassailable 2-0 lead in the series. In 2026, India have now completed a unique hat-trick against Afghanistan, winning the Test, ODI and now T20I series.
Chasing a modest target of 160, India secured victory at 163/3 in 14.5 overs. After opener Abhishek Sharma was dismissed for 39 off 19 balls, including four sixes and two fours, Sanju Samson was joined by Ishan Kishan. Samson returned to form in spectacular fashion, producing a blistering innings. The Abhishek-Samson partnership yielded 88 runs off just 38 balls. However, Afghanistan’s Rashid Khan dismissed both Abhishek and Samson in the seventh over, slowing down India’s run-scoring momentum.
Rashid then dismissed Shreyas Iyer for 11, leaving India slightly concerned. However, Ishan Kishan (38 not out off 23 balls, two sixes and three fours) and Tilak Varma (15 not out off 14 balls, one four) steadied the innings and guided India to victory in the 15th over. The 14th over, bowled by Mujeeb Ur Rahman, produced 17 runs, including two fours and a six from Kishan.
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Earlier, Afghanistan posted 159/8 to set India a target of 160. Apart from captain Ibrahim Zadran, who scored 37, none of their other batters could produce a long innings. Fast bowler Nitish Kumar Reddy claimed three wickets, Arshdeep Singh took two, while spinners Axar Patel and Ravi Bishnoi and premier pacer Jasprit Bumrah picked up one wicket each.