India secured a decisive victory over Afghanistan in the second Twenty20 international in Indore, winning the three-match series with a six-wicket triumph on Sunday.
Opener Yashasvi Jaiswal, who made a blistering 68 off 34 balls, returned to the team alongside star batsman Virat Kohli, who missed the first game. Jaiswal formed crucial partnerships, notably a 92-run stand with left-handed Shivam Dube, who remained unbeaten with 63 runs.
India comfortably chased down the target with 26 balls to spare, taking an unassailable 2-0 lead in the series.
India, ranked at the top, maintained their unbeaten streak in T20 series at home for the 15th consecutive time.
The bowlers, led by left-arm spinner Axar Patel (2-17), played a pivotal role in restricting Afghanistan to 172, despite Gulbadin Naib's 57.
Captain Rohit Sharma praised the team's performance, highlighting the contributions of Jaiswal and Dube, both of whom played crucial innings.
Jaiswal showcased his talent with a remarkable inning, hitting five fours and six sixes before falling to Karim Janat.
Dube, known for his power-hitting, contributed his second successive fifty, guiding India to victory.
Kohli, playing his first T20 for India since November 2022, made 29 in a partnership of 57 with Jaiswal.
Despite Rohit's early dismissal, Jaiswal and Dube's stellar performances secured the win for India.
Afghanistan's Gulbadin Naib displayed a commendable 35-ball knock with five fours and four sixes, but the Indian bowlers, especially Axar Patel and Arshdeep Singh, played a crucial role in restricting their total.
The last over, bowled by Arshdeep Singh, resulted in four wickets, including two run-outs, as Afghanistan was bowled out on the final ball.
India's dominance at home in the T20 series continues, with the final match scheduled for Wednesday in Bengaluru.
