Samson’s rapid fifty powers India to T20I series win over Afghanistan

A quick half-century from Sanju Samson guided India to a comfortable seven-wicket victory over Afghanistan in the second T20 International, clinching an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series.

India comfortably overhauled the 160-run target, reaching 163 for 3 in just 14.5 overs to seal the match with 31 balls remaining. Samson anchored the fast-paced chase, top-scoring with a lightning 22-ball 57.

The top order set a dominant tempo early on, with Abhishek Sharma blasting four sixes and two fours in a rapid 39 off 19 balls. Ishan Kishan provided the finishing touch, remaining undefeated on an unbeaten 38 not out off 23 balls, a knock laced with three fours and two sixes. Rashid Khan was the sole frontline threat for the visitors, picking up all three Indian wickets for 36 runs.


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Earlier in the match, Afghanistan struggled to find momentum against a disciplined Indian bowling attack, finishing their 20 overs at 159 for eight. Ibrahim Zadran top-scored for the side with 37, while captain Rashid Khan chipped in with a late 28. Nitish Kumar Reddy led the charge with the ball, registering impressive figures of 3/24, well-supported by Arshdeep Singh's 2/35.

Brief scores: Afghanistan 159/8 in 20 overs (Ibrahim Zadran 37, Rashid Khan 28; Arshdeep Singh 2/35, Nitish Kumar Reddy 3/24) lost to India 163/3 in 14.5 overs (Sanju Samson 57, Abhishek Sharma 39, Ishan Kishan 38 not out; Rashid Khan 3/36) by 7 wickets.