Sanju Samson’s Explosive Half-Century Against Afghanistan

India defeat Afghanistan by 7 wickets in the second T20I to clinch the series

India defeated Afghanistan by 7 wickets in the second T20I. Batting first at Delhi’s Arun Jaitley Stadium, Afghanistan scored 159 runs for the loss of 8 wickets. In reply, India chased down the target in just 14.5 overs, losing only three wickets.

For India, Sanju Samson played a blistering innings of 57 runs off just 22 balls, smashing 7 fours and 4 sixes. Opener Abhishek Sharma also produced an explosive performance, scoring 39 runs off 19 balls with 2 fours and 4 sixes.

With this victory in the match played on September 15, India took an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match T20 series.

Chasing a target of 160, India got off to a flying start, scoring 82 runs without losing a wicket during the powerplay and putting Afghanistan on the back foot. Afghanistan tried to contain the Indian batsmen by opening the bowling with spinners from both ends, but neither bowler could trouble Samson and Abhishek. The two openers effectively sealed the match for India during the powerplay itself.

India reached the target of 160 in 14.5 overs after losing three wickets. Sanju Samson completed his half-century in just 20 balls. At one stage, he had scored only 8 runs from 10 balls, but then exploded by scoring 49 runs from his next 12 deliveries.

Abhishek Sharma displayed the expected aggressive approach from the very beginning. India lost its first wicket in the seventh over at a score of 88. In the same over, the second wicket fell at 99, with both openers returning to the pavilion.

Captain Shreyas Iyer then departed after scoring 11 runs off 11 balls, including one six. Ishan Kishan, who came in at No. 3, remained unbeaten on 38 off 23 balls, hitting 3 fours and 2 sixes. Vice-captain Tilak Varma also remained unbeaten, scoring 15 runs off 14 balls with one four.

Earlier, in the bowling department, Nitish Kumar Reddy was India’s standout performer, taking three wickets and receiving the Player of the Match award. He conceded 24 runs in his three overs. Arshdeep Singh took two wickets, while Jasprit Bumrah, Axar Patel and Ravi Bishnoi picked up one wicket each.

For Afghanistan, captain Ibrahim Zadran scored 37 runs, while Rashid Khan made 28, Mohammad Nabi scored 20 and Darwish Rasooli contributed 26. Rahmanullah Gurbaz was dismissed for a duck, while Sediqullah Atal scored 12, Gulbadin Naib 10 and Azmatullah Omarzai 11 runs.