India won by seven wickets with 31 balls remaining against Afghanistan in the second T20I, completing a 2-0 series lead in the three-match contest. Nitish Kumar Reddy was named Player of the Match after taking three wickets, while Sanju Samson’s 57 powered India past Afghanistan’s 159 for 8 in just 14.5 overs.

Having also won the opening T20I by seven wickets with 38 balls left, India have now secured the series with one match still to play. Their second successive emphatic chase underlined the gap between the sides across the first two matches of Afghanistan’s tour of India.

Afghanistan reach 159 for 8

Afghanistan posted 159 for 8 from their 20 overs, led by Ibrahim Zadran’s 37. Darwish Rasooli contributed 26, while Rashid Khan added a useful 28 to give the visitors a total that demanded a purposeful Indian response.

India’s bowlers ensured Afghanistan could not build a decisive late surge. Nitish Kumar Reddy returned three wickets to earn the Player of the Match award, with Arshdeep Singh taking two wickets and Jasprit Bumrah claiming one. The regular breakthroughs kept Afghanistan’s innings in check despite contributions from their middle and lower order.

Samson leads India’s rapid chase

India made light work of the target, finishing on 163 for 3 in 14.5 overs. Samson top-scored with 57, setting the tempo in a chase that never lost momentum. Abhishek Sharma made 39 and Ishan Kishan struck 38, giving India substantial contributions through the top order.

Rashid Khan took all three Indian wickets, but his three-wicket haul could not prevent the hosts from finishing the chase with more than five overs to spare. Afghanistan’s other bowlers, including Mujeeb Ur Rahman and Azmatullah Omarzai, went wicketless as India’s batting depth completed another convincing win.

Series secured, one T20I left

India’s victory extends their lead to 2-0 after the first T20I success by seven wickets with 38 balls remaining. The third and final T20I between India and Afghanistan will be played on Thursday, September 17, with the hosts aiming for a clean sweep and Afghanistan seeking a finishing win.

Key performers

  • Nitish Kumar Reddy, India: 3 wickets; Player of the Match.
  • Sanju Samson, India: 57 runs.
  • Abhishek Sharma, India: 39 runs.
  • Ishan Kishan, India: 38 runs.
  • Ibrahim Zadran, Afghanistan: 37 runs.
  • Rashid Khan, Afghanistan: 28 runs and 3 wickets.
  • Arshdeep Singh, India: 2 wickets.

NerdSports Stat: India have won both completed T20Is in this series by seven wickets and had a combined 69 balls remaining across the two chases.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who won the match between India and Afghanistan?

India won the match by seven wickets with 31 balls remaining.

Who was the Player of the Match?

Nitish Kumar Reddy was named Player of the Match for taking three wickets.

What is the series standing after this match?

India lead the three-match T20I series 2-0 and have secured the series with one match remaining.

Who was the top scorer in this match?

Sanju Samson top-scored with 57 runs.

When is the next match in the series?

The third T20I between India and Afghanistan is on Thursday, September 17.