Prasidh Krishna Takes Five Wickets to Stun Visitors In India vs Afghanistan 3rd ODI Live Action

CHENNAI: A masterclass in disciplined bowling from Prasidh Krishna and a resilient, fighting century from captain Hashmatullah Shahidi defined the first innings of the third ODI at the MA Chidambaram Stadium. 

After winning the toss and electing to bat, Afghanistan was bowled out for 218 runs in 44.2 overs. India, aiming for a 3-0 series whitewash, now needs 219 runs to seal the game.The visitors endured a disastrous start on a surface offering early assistance to the seamers. India’s opening bowlers made immediate inroads, reducing Afghanistan to a precarious 32 for 3 within the first powerplay. 

Prasidh Krishna was the chief destroyer, extracting sharp bounce and movement. He dismantled the top order with a fiery opening spell that left the Afghan batsmen searching for answers. 

The captain timed his innings perfectly, rotating the strike and punishing loose deliveries. He brought up a magnificent century with 102 runs off 131 balls. His gritty knock included eight boundaries and two towering sixes, providing the only major resistance against a relentless Indian bowling attack.

However, Shahidi lacked sustained support from the other end. While Ikram Alikhil and Mohammad Nabi offered brief resistance, the Indian bowlers kept chipping away at the wickets. Krishna returned in the death overs to clean up the tail, finishing with stellar figures of 5 for 34. 

His five-wicket haul completely stalled Afghanistan's hopes of a late flourish. Left-arm spinner Kuldeep Yadav also played a vital supporting role. With Afghanistan bowled out for a modest 218, India's formidable batting lineup holds a distinct advantage. 

Having already secured the series 2-0, the hosts will look to chase down the target comfortably on a Chennai track that traditionally assists spinners as the game progresses.

Watch India vs Afghanistan 3rd ODI live on tapmad.