Gill and Ishan Kishan power India to 170-run win over Afghanistan in 2nd ODI

Shubman Gill and Ishan Kishan's 224-run stand against Afghanistan in Lucknow was more than just a batting masterclass. In unforgiving conditions, with the temperature constantly hovering above 40 degrees, the duo showcased why the left-right combination could be central to their ODI plans heading into the 2027 World Cup.

Captain Shubman Gill battled intense heat and cramps to produce a masterful 154, while the increasingly confident Ishan Kishan scored a statement century as India recorded a dominant 170-run win over Afghanistan in the second ODI

Gill and Kishan put the visiting bowlers to the sword with a blistering 224-run stand for the third wicket off just 141 deliveries, completely taking the game away from the opposition.

India's dominant batting display ensured that they clinched the ODI series with a game to spare against Afghanistan on Wednesday. Batting first, Shubman Gill and Ishan Kishan smashed centuries as the hosts posted a mammoth 402. In response, Afghanistan never got going, eventually being bowled out for 232 in Lucknow. India now lead the series 2-0 with the final match in Chennai. A clinical performance to seal the series! #TeamIndia register a massive 170-run victory in the 2nd ODI to take an unassailable 2-0 lead Updates ▶️ https://t.co/JYJ5l44iJ6#INDvAFG | @IDFCFIRSTBank pic.twitter.com/vqLlFxbQyj— BCCI (@BCCI) June 17, 2026 Batting first after Afghanistan opted to bowl under a scorching sun, India piled up a daunting 402 despite losing seven wickets in the final 10 overs. The decision to field first proved costly for the visitors as Gill and Kishan dominated proceedings with a breathtaking 224-run partnership for the third wicket off just 141 deliveries.India's innings began with an experiment as Yashasvi Jaiswal was promoted to open alongside Rohit Sharma. However, Jaiswal managed only four before departing early. Rohit looked in sublime touch during his brisk 48, striking the ball fluently before Rashid Khan's googly breached his defence.Gill then took complete control of the innings. The Indian skipper combined elegance and authority, reaching his ninth ODI hundred despite battling extreme heat and cramps. Wearing an ice collar and requiring treatment on his back, Gill showed remarkable resilience to continue anchoring the innings before eventually falling for a superb 154.At the other end, Kishan produced a statement knock, registering his second ODI century and first since his double hundred against Bangladesh in 2022. The wicketkeeper-batter mixed power with innovation, peppering the boundary ropes with powerful pulls and audacious sixes.IND vs AFG, 2nd ODI: Shubman Gill & Ishan Kishan Smash Centuries As Team India Dominate In LucknowAfghanistan fought back late through left-arm spinner Nangeyalia Kharote, who claimed 4/76, while Rashid picked up three wickets as India suffered a late collapse.Chasing 403, Afghanistan never looked capable of threatening the target and were bowled out for 232 in 44.3 overs. Rahmat Shah top-scored with a fighting 79, but lacked substantial support from the rest of the batting unit.Arshdeep Singh (3/45) and Gurnoor Brar (3/60) led India's bowling effort, while debutant Prince Yadav claimed his maiden ODI wickets with figures of 2/56.The victory gave India an unassailable 2-0 lead in the series and underlined the team's growing depth as preparations continue for next year's World Cup.

India’s batting unit delivered a commanding performance in the second ODI against Afghanistan in Lucknow, with captain Shubman Gill and wicketkeeper-batter Ishan Kishan producing magnificent centuries to put the hosts in a dominant position.Leading from the front, Gill anchored the innings with a composed yet fluent knock. The Indian skipper mixed caution with aggression, handling Afghanistan’s bowlers confidently while ensuring India maintained a healthy scoring rate. His century once again highlighted his growing stature as one of the premier batters in international cricket....... A masterclass in timing and sheer elegance from Captain @ShubmanGill His 9️⃣th in ODIs Updates ▶️ https://t.co/JYJ5l44iJ6#TeamIndia | #INDvAFG | @IDFCFIRSTBank pic.twitter.com/RxveCbw53E— BCCI (@BCCI) June 17, 2026 Stamping his authority in some style A fantastic 7️⃣1️⃣-ball HUNDRED for Ishan Kishan His second in ODIs!Updates ▶️ https://t.co/JYJ5l44iJ6#TeamIndia | #INDvAFG | @IDFCFIRSTBank | @ishankishan51 pic.twitter.com/VucK0F87Y7— BCCI (@BCCI) June 17, 2026 At the other end, Ishan Kishan provided the perfect support with an equally impressive hundred. The left-hander played an attacking brand of cricket, taking on both the pace and spin attack with a range of powerful strokes. His innings kept the pressure firmly on Afghanistan and prevented the visitors from building momentum.The partnership between Gill and Kishan proved to be the defining feature of the match. The duo stitched together a massive stand, frustrating Afghanistan’s bowlers and laying the foundation for a formidable total. Their understanding and ability to rotate strike, combined with timely boundaries, kept the scoreboard moving throughout the innings.With both batters reaching three figures, India gained complete control of the contest at the Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium. The twin centuries not only delighted the Lucknow crowd but also reinforced the depth and strength of India’s batting lineup as they looked to secure a crucial victory in the ODI series.