India secured the series on Tuesday with a seven-wicket victory at Arun Jaitley Stadium, chasing Afghanistan’s 159 for eight in only 14.5 overs. The result followed another seven-wicket defeat for Afghanistan in the opening match.
Across the first two games, Afghanistan have struggled to build enough pressure with the bat. Their totals of 156 for eight and 159 for eight left India manageable chases on a batting-friendly Delhi surface.
Captain Ibrahim Zadran top-scored with 37 in the second match, while Rashid Khan’s late 28 helped lift the total. Rashid then took all three Indian wickets in the chase, but India’s opening pair had already established control.
The final match therefore offers Afghanistan more than a consolation result. It is the team’s last competitive outing in the series before attention shifts to the Asian Games, making batting intent, powerplay execution and the timing of key bowlers important areas to assess.
India may also use the dead rubber to rotate their squad after securing an unassailable lead, but Afghanistan still have a clear target: produce their most complete performance of the series and leave Delhi with momentum rather than a clean sweep.
The third T20I is scheduled for September 17 at Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi.
Source: Afghanistan Cricket Board; Ariana News match reporting.
