Gurnoor Brar attained a major milestone [Source: AFP]
Young fast bowler Gurnoor Brar achieved a phenomenal feat as he registered another three-wicket haul in the home series against Afghanistan. Led by Shubman Gill, India crushed their Afghan counterparts by 170 runs in Lucknow, thereby taking an unassailable 2-0 lead in the series.
After Gill's sensational century powered the hosts to a gigantic total of 402 runs, Afghanistan lost wickets at regular intervals and were eventually bundled out for 232.
Gurnoor Brar emerged as one of the chief architects of India's clinical victory, scalping three wickets during the run chase. Thus, the right-arm fast bowler created a unique record, leaving behind several legendary cricketers.
Gurnoor Brar dismantles Afghanistan with a three-fer
Chasing 403, Afghanistan had a positive start to their innings, with Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Ibrahim Zadran adding 52 runs for the opening wicket. However, Gurnoor Brar turned out to be India's X-factor yet again, getting the prized scalp of Gurbaz in the eighth over.
The dismissal of the in-form batter triggered Afghanistan's collapse, as the visitors kept losing wickets at regular intervals. Brar cleaned up Hashmatullah Shahidi with a ripper before cleaning up the Afghan tail by dismissing Mohammad Saleem Safi in the 40th over.
Also Read: “Gurnoor Brar Got Speed” Netizens Hail India Fast Bowler For Fiery Debut Vs AFG
Thus, he finished his spell with impressive figures of 3 for 60, playing a significant role in his side's commanding win.
Gurnoor Brar becomes 2nd player in India's history to achieve a rare feat
Gurnoor's three-wicket haul in the second ODI against Afghanistan not only scripted India's massive win but also helped the cricketer achieve a stellar feat.
The young fast bowler from Punjab became the second Indian cricketer after Piyush Chawla to take three wickets in each of his first two ODI matches.
It's worth mentioning that Gurnoor dismissed Ibrahim Zadran, Rashid Khan and Ziaur Rahman Sharifi in the first ODI between the two teams in Dharamsala.
As soon as he castled Mohammad Saleem Safi in the Lucknow encounter, Brar joined Piyush Chawla on the elusive list, unattained by legendary bowlers like Zaheer Khan, Javagal Srinath, Anil Kumble and Kapil Dev.
Talking about Piyush Chawla, the former spinner took three wickets against Bangladesh and Ireland, the teams he faced in his first two ODI appearances.
Gurnoor Brar emerges as a strong candidate to play 2027 World Cup
The home series against Afghanistan offered Gurnoor Brar a great platform to showcase his mettle and become part of India's 2027 World Cup plans.
It's safe to say that the Punjab seamer has justified his selection, living up to the expectations with match-winning spells in successive affairs.
He has bowled at a rapid pace, making the lives of the Afghanistan batters tough with steep bounce. His ability to move the ball at sheer pace and generate extra bounce makes him an ideal weapon for the seam-friendly South African conditions.
While Jasprit Bumrah remains India's first-choice pacer, Gurnoor has certainly joined the likes of Arshdeep Singh, Prasidh Krishna and Mohammed Siraj in India's potential fast bowling pool for the World Cup.
Also Read: Shubman Gill Issues Fitness Status After India's Big Win Vs Afghanistan




