Prasidh grabs five in Chennai, Afghanistan fold for 218 in Third ODI
In a compelling display of fast bowling prowess, India’s Prasidh Krishna delivered a career-defining performance, securing his maiden ODI five-for to dismantle Afghanistan’s batting lineup and restrict them to 218 runs in the third One Day International in Chennai. This commanding effort from Krishna set the tone for India, even as Afghanistan fought valiantly through a resilient century from their captain, Hashmatullah Shahidi, and a crucial half-century from Azmatullah Omarzai.
The match began with Afghanistan winning the toss and opting to bat first, a decision that initially seemed fraught with peril as India’s pacers, particularly Prasidh, exploited the ample swing and extra bounce on offer. Krishna’s early spell was nothing short of devastating, as he tore through Afghanistan’s top order, claiming four wickets for a mere six runs within his initial five powerplay overs. The visitors found themselves reeling at 36 for 4, a precarious position that threatened to see them fold for a much lower total.
Prasidh Krishna’s Clinical Opening Spell Dominates Afghanistan
Prasidh Krishna wasted no time in making his mark. The conditions in Chennai were ripe for swing bowling, and Krishna, with his height and pace, extracted maximum benefit. Rahmanullah Gurbaz was the first to depart, attempting an ambitious drive on the up only to feather an edge through to Rohit Sharma at first slip. Rahmat Shah followed soon after, trying to flick a delivery to the leg side but only managing a leading edge that flew straight into the safe hands of Rohit. Ibrahim Zadran replicated Gurbaz’s dismissal, falling in similar fashion to a sharp catch by Rohit, who was in fine form at first slip, pouching all three catches.
The early pressure was immense. Afghanistan’s batsmen struggled to cope with Krishna’s relentless line and length, often finding their bats beaten. Darwish Rasooli, desperate to break the shackles, attempted to hit Krishna off his spot but skied a drive that was expertly caught by Shreyas Iyer, running back from cover. Krishna’s remarkable spell had decimated the top order, leaving Afghanistan in deep trouble and showcasing his ability to capitalize on favourable conditions with precision and aggression.
Shahidi and Omarzai Lead Afghanistan’s Resilient Recovery
From the brink of a complete collapse, Afghanistan found a ray of hope in the partnership between Azmatullah Omarzai and captain Hashmatullah Shahidi. Omarzai, coming to the crease with his team struggling at 36 for 4, initiated the rescue mission. He played positively, finding the boundary on four occasions between overs 11 and 14, injecting some much-needed momentum into the innings. Shahidi, meanwhile, appeared initially uncomfortable against the bouncers, but gradually found his rhythm, even managing a pulled four against Prince Yadav to signal his growing confidence.
The duo forged a vital 105-run stand, slowly but surely rebuilding Afghanistan’s innings. India’s all-rounder heavy lineup saw the introduction of spin after 15 overs, with Nitish Kumar Reddy and Harsh Dubey entering the attack. Regular boundaries from Shahidi and Omarzai helped to up the run rate, a trend that continued when Washington Sundar was brought into the attack. Shahidi, in particular, targeted Dubey, taking him down for a four and a six, which prompted his removal from the attack. Both Shahidi and Omarzai brought up their respective fifties two overs apart, celebrating their individual milestones amidst their crucial hundred-run partnership.
A Dramatic Collapse and Shahidi’s Lone Battle for a Century
The stability provided by the partnership was eventually broken with the reintroduction of pace from Prince. Omarzai, attempting to hook a bouncer, found deep fine leg, departing after a well-made half-century. His dismissal made way for a 57-run stand between Shahidi and Mohammad Nabi, as Afghanistan looked to consolidate further. Shahidi, having overcome his initial discomfort, continued to build his innings, picking up five boundaries through pulls and ramps by the 36th over, showcasing his adaptability and resolve. However, his innings was not without controversy, as he received his second warning for running on the danger area of the pitch.
Fortunes took a dramatic turn when Nabi, camping for a bouncer, was bowled by Gurnoor Brar, triggering Afghanistan’s second major collapse. Shahidi’s third warning for running on the danger area at the end of the 40th over proved costly, resulting in a five-run penalty for Afghanistan and a change of strike. The psychological impact was immediate, as Afghanistan lost three wickets in the next seven balls. Rashid Khan holed out to deep cover off Dubey, attempting a big hit. The over concluded with Allah Ghazanfar being run out as Shahidi sought to retain the strike. The most perplexing dismissal followed, as Fareed Ahmad was also run out on the very next ball. Shahidi, looking to turn the strike, called for a non-existent single, allowing captain Shubman Gill to effect his second run-out in as many balls.
As Afghanistan crumbled from 203 for 6 to a precarious 206 for 9, Shahidi’s individual hundred appeared to be in jeopardy. With immense pressure, Ziaur Rahman managed to see off five balls, allowing Shahidi to face 11 of the next 12 deliveries and bravely bring up his 128-ball century. His heroic innings, however, came to an end on the very next ball, as he pulled a bouncer from Prasidh Krishna to deep midwicket, concluding Afghanistan’s innings with 28 balls to spare. Prasidh Krishna finished with figures of 5 for 23, a truly outstanding performance.
Despite Shahidi’s remarkable century and Omarzai’s valuable contribution, Afghanistan’s innings was ultimately characterized by their inability to build sustained partnerships and a flurry of wickets falling in clumps. India, benefiting from a five-run penalty conceded by Afghanistan due to Shahidi’s repeated infringements on the danger area of the pitch, would begin their chase at 5 for no loss, giving them an early psychological and scoreboard advantage. Prasidh Krishna’s exceptional spell ensured India were firmly in control, setting the stage for what promises to be an exciting chase.
