India Seals ODI Series Victory Over Afghanistan with Dominant 170-Run Win

India secured the three-match ODI series against Afghanistan on June 18, 2026, with a commanding 170-run victory in the second match played in Lucknow. Under the leadership of Shubman Gill, the home team now holds an unassailable 2-0 lead in the series, having won both matches convincingly.

Batting first, India posted a massive total of 403 runs in 49.5 overs, losing all ten wickets. Captain Shubman Gill anchored the innings with a brilliant 124-ball 154, featuring 22 fours and two sixes. Opener Ishan Kishan supported with a explosive 79-ball 125, including 14 fours and seven sixes. The pair added a crucial 224-run partnership for the third wicket, rescuing the innings after early losses—Yashasvi Jaiswal fell for four runs and Rohit Sharma for 48.

Chasing 404 for victory, Afghanistan could only manage 232 runs in 44.3 overs, losing all wickets. Rahmat Shah top-scored with a resilient 79, while Rashid Khan contributed 42 and Rahmanullah Gurbaz made 41. The rest of the batting lineup struggled against disciplined Indian bowling. Arshdeep Singh and debutant Gurnuur Braar each took three wickets, debutant Prince Yadav claimed two, and Washington Sundar chipped in with one.

The victory underscores India's dominance in the series and sets the stage for a potential clean sweep in the third match, scheduled to be played at the same venue.