India had one of the century-best performance in the second ODI against Afghanistan with 402 runs and opponents were staring at one of the toughest run chases in recent memory. Shubman Gill and Ishan Kishan were the masterminds of this run-fest and their centuries encapsulated modern ODI batting at its best.
India came to the match with a 1-0 series lead and wanted to keep the momentum going and bring the match to a close early. So, an aggressive and controlled batting display that put Afghan bowlers under pressure from start to finish followed.
Shubman Gill was at the centre of it all. The Indian vice-captain has once again proved that he is one of the best ODI batsmen of all time and still one of the best ODI batsmen in the world. Gill scored 154 runs from 110 deliveries with his elegant and aggressive game which was a mixture of elegance and aggression. Good drives, good timing and precise shots that landed on the boundary as well and good timing from the boundary to the boundary.
Gill was quite in control at the crease. Whether it was pace or spin, the young batter had the answer. He kept the strike moving well and took the bad deliveries without any mercy. He provided the perfect base for India’s huge total.
The innings was anchored by Gill but Ishan Kishan brought explosive energy from the other end.
The left-handed wicketkeeper-batter played one of the most entertaining innings of the match, making 125 runs from 79 balls at a strike rate well above 150. Kishan attacked from the moment he settled in and obliterated the Afghan bowling attack with fearless strokeplay.
Kishan’s pulls, lofted drives and innovative shots around the ground were often set up boundaries. His aggressive approach ensured the run rate never dropped and turned a solid Indian total into a gargantuan one.
Gill’s partnership with Kishan changed the course of the game completely. They made a stand that frustrated Afghanistan but also thrilled cricket fans. Every over seemed to mean another boundary, another record and another milestone.
Kishan’s century was particularly significant. There was a lot of competition for places in India’s batting lineup and he showed selectors again how he can dominate in the match. His innings showed that he can be destructive and effective in the 50-over format.
Gill kept his remarkable consistency in international cricket. In the last few years he has become one of India’s most dependable batters and his last century only furthered that reputation.
A total of 402 in ODI cricket is never easy to achieve. It requires talent but also concentration, fitness and relentless attacking intent. India showed all of that and more.
Gill and Kishan were the ones in the spotlight as Afghanistan geared up for the daunting chase. Their centuries were not individual performances but they were innings that showed India’s batting unit was strong, deep and powerful.
If this performance is any indication, India’s batting lineup is firing on all cylinders, and that is a warning sign for every team they face in the months ahead.
