Hashmatullah Shahidi (Image Source: AFP Photos)
India won the three-match ODI series against Afghanistan with a match to spare, securing a commanding 170-run victory at Ekana Cricket Stadium, Lucknow. Riding on centuries from Shubman Gill and Ishan Kishan, India piled up 402 in 49.5 overs, and then bundled out for 232 in 44.3 overs to stun the Hashmatullah Shahidi-led side.
Afghanistan captain Hashmatullah Shahidi faced a lot of criticism right after the toss decision in the second ODI. They opted to field first under the scorching heat in Lucknow. They were three hydration breaks for the extreme temperatures during the first innings of India vs Afghanistan 2nd ODI.
As a matter of fact, Darwish Rasooli was stretched off the field on his debut match due to the Lucknow weather, especially its humidity. It was severe cramps which later led to right hamstring injury.
To give a context of how troubling Lucknow weather was, Shubman Gill was seen wearing an icepack around his neck. Players were also seen wiping sweats with towels whenever break was happening.
Hashmatullah Shahidi Opens Up On IND vs AFG 2nd ODI Toss
Speaking at the post-match presentation, Afghanistan captain Hashmatullah Shahidi responded to the criticism around him. Keeping in mind that the heat was there in Lucknow, questions arose that he could have opted to bat first to avoid fielding under the sun.
Instead, Shahidi blamed his bowlers for lacklustre show altogether, which allowed India to go past 400 runs in the first innings.
"(Wrong decision at toss?) You cannot put everything down to the toss. I think we were simply not good enough with the ball. We gave them too many easy scoring opportunities and allowed them to build momentum. That's why we didn't bowl well during the first 20 overs.
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(In the afternoon, it was hot and difficult to bowl) Yes, it was hot, but at the same time, you cannot blame everything on the toss. You still have to bowl in the right areas, and we didn't do that today. We simply weren't good enough with the ball, and hopefully we'll learn from this performance.
India, Afghanistan Collide Again In Chennai
India and Afghanistan will play for the one last time on Saturday (June 20). The Afghanistan tour of India 2026 began with a Test match in Mullanpur. After that, the first ODI took place in Dharamsala.
There, India won a 25-over rain-curtailed match, in which Shubman Gill shone with the bat. Gurnoor Brar starred with the ball in hand, and he kept on doing wonders in the second ODI as well, in Lucknow.
The third ODI between India and Afghanistan will happen in Chennai. After that, the focus will shift to Ireland, when the Men in Blue will play a two-match T20I series under the leadership of Shreyas Iyer.
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