‘Ticked boxes’ as India crush Afghanistan to clinch T20 series

AFP |  Indore                                                           

The Daily Tribune – www.newsofbahrain.com

Opener Yashasvi Jaiswal and Shivam Dube smashed half-centuries as India thrashed Afghanistan by six wickets in the second Twenty20 international in Indore yesterday to clinch the three-match series.

Jaiswal, who hit 68 off 34 balls, returned to the team along with star batsman Virat Kohli after the two missed the opening win.

Jaiswal put on key partnerships including a 92-run stand with left-handed partner Dube, who hit an unbeaten 63, as India chased down their victory target with 26 balls to spare and take an unbeatable 2-0 lead.

Top-ranked India have been unbeaten at home for 15 consecutive T20 series.

Their bowlers set up victory with left-arm spinner Axar Patel leading the charge with figures of 2-17 to help dismiss Afghanistan for 172 despite Gulbadin Naib’s 57.

“The last two games, we’ve ticked a lot of boxes,” India skipper Rohit Sharma said after the win. Rohit praised Jaiswal and Dube.

“They’ve had a great couple of years. Jaiswal has played Test cricket now and even T20. He has shown what he is capable of.

He has the talent and has a great range of shots.