Prasidh Krishna’s Five-For Dismantles Afghanistan in Chennai

News Desk

Chennai: Fast bowler Prasidh Krishna produced a sensational career-best performance of 5 for 23 as India bowled out Afghanistan for 218 in the third One-Day International at Chepauk on Saturday.

With this result, India sealed an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series, further underlining their dominance at home.

Afghanistan skipper Hashmatullah Shahidi fought a lone battle with a determined maiden ODI century, scoring 102 off 131 deliveries. However, his effort was not enough to lift the visitors to a competitive total after they suffered a dramatic top-order collapse.

Afghanistan were left reeling at 36 for 4 inside the first 10 overs as Prasidh struck early with a devastating spell, finding ideal length and movement on the Chepauk surface. His early burst set the tone for India’s control over the innings and placed Afghanistan firmly on the back foot.

Read More from Cricket: The Karnataka pacer reached his fourth wicket inside the opening ten overs, joining an elite group of Indian fast bowlers including Jasprit Bumrah, Javagal Srinath, and Mohammed Siraj to achieve the feat of early four-wicket hauls in ODIs.

Shahidi then led Afghanistan’s recovery with a resilient 105-run partnership for the fifth wicket alongside Azmatullah Omarzai, who made 50 off 56 balls. The Afghanistan captain later added another 57-run stand with Mohammad Nabi, helping the visitors push beyond the 200-run mark.

However, Afghanistan’s innings was further hampered by a five-run penalty after Shahidi was found running on the danger area of the pitch during the final ball of the 39th over.

Earlier, Afghanistan had won the toss and opted to bat first, making four changes to their playing XI. India also rotated their squad, bringing in Prasidh Krishna, Harsh Dubey, and Nitish Kumar Reddy for the match. (Additional input from DH website)