Shahidi's century rescues Afghanistan after early collapse
Afghanistan captain Hashmatullah Shahidi scored his maiden ODI century on Saturday, but India bowled out the visitors for 218 in the third one-day international in Chennai. India, who have already clinched the series with an unbeatable 2-0 lead, are now aiming for a clean sweep.
Seam bowler Prasidh Krishna was the architect of Afghanistan's early troubles, taking four wickets in his first spell to reduce the visitors to 36 for 4. Krishna finished with career-best figures of 5 for 23 in his 10 overs, his first five-wicket haul in the 50-over format.
Krishna's devastating opening spell
Krishna sent back opener Rahmanullah Gurbaz (5), Rahmat Shah (5), and Ibrahim Zadran (11) in quick succession, with all three caught by India captain Rohit Sharma. Darwish Rasooli was dismissed for one, leaving Afghanistan in deep trouble.
Shahidi then combined with Azmatullah Omarzai for a crucial 105-run partnership for the fifth wicket. Omarzai scored 50, his ninth ODI half-century, before falling to Prince Yadav. Shahidi, despite suffering cramps in the hot and humid Chennai conditions, continued to anchor the innings.
Shahidi's fighting knock
Shahidi reached his hundred with a boundary off Washington Sundar, but his resistance ended soon after when he became Krishna's fifth victim, dismissed for 102. Mohammad Nabi contributed 21 before the innings folded in 44.2 overs.
India's fielding was sharp, with Rohit Sharma taking three catches. The hosts will now look to chase down the target and complete a series sweep.
