2nd ODI: Arshdeep Singh, Gurnoor Brar floor Afghanistan with three-fers
What's the story
India won the three-match ODI series against Afghanistan with an unassailable 2-0 lead. The victory came in the second match at the Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow on Wednesday, where India defeated Afghanistan by a massive 170 runs. India smashed 402/10 in 49.5 overs, riding on centuries from Shubman Gill and Ishan Kishan. In response, three-fers from pacers Arshdeep Singh and Gurnoor Brar helped India floor Afghanistan, who were folded for 232.
Bowling effort
Arshdeep and Brar shine with ball
Chasing a mammoth target, Afghanistan's innings was never really a threat. India's pace attack struck regularly, preventing the visitors from building meaningful partnerships. Arshdeep dismissed Ibrahim Zadran in his 2nd spell (13th over). His final two wickets came late on. Rashid Khan and Allah Ghazanfar were his victims. On the other hand, Brar broke a 52-run stand for the opening wicket by dismissing Rahmanullah Gurbaz (41). He then dismissed Afghan skipper Hashmatullah Shahidi in the 25th over. His final wicket was of Saleem Safi.
Numbers
Key numbers for the duo
Arshdeep managed 3/45 from 9 overs. He now owns 30 wickets from 17 matches at 22.76. Meanwhile, Brar clocked 3/60 from his 10 overs. Playing just his 2nd ODI, he has managed six wickets already. As per Cricbuzz, Brar is the 2nd Indian player to notch a three-fer in each of his 1st two ODIs after former spinner Piyush Chawla.