Photo via Hindustan Times

Afghanistan T20I: Samson has his say, India take 2-0 lead

India secured a commanding 2-0 advantage in the three-game series after defeating Afghanistan by seven wickets at New Delhi's Arun Jaitley Stadium. Sent in to bat, the visitors stumbled to 67/4 past the tenth over following an opening maiden from Jasprit Bumrah.

Skipper Ibrahim Zadran offered the sole resistance among the top four with 37, while Mohammad Nabi and Rashid Khan later added 48 together to push the final tally to 159/8. Nitish Reddy grabbed 3/24 and Arshdeep Singh claimed 2/35 to lead the home side's bowling effort.

In reply, India demolished the target in just 14.5 overs, propelled by an explosive 88-run opening stand. Sanju Samson blasted 57 from 22 deliveries alongside Abhishek Sharma's 19-ball 39, including a blistering 27-run sixth over off Nabi that carried the hosts to 82/0 by the close of the field restrictions.

Although Rashid struck thrice to finish with 3/36, removing both openers and Shreyas Iyer for 11, Ishan Kishan's unbeaten 38 off 23 balls and Tilak Varma safely wrapped up the chase with 31 deliveries to spare.

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