India defeated Afghanistan by 8 wickets in the second ODI at the BRSABV Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow on Wednesday, leveling the three-match series 1-1. Chasing a target of 273, India reached 274 for 2 in 44.4 overs, thanks to a brilliant unbeaten 121 off 118 balls from captain Rohit Sharma.
Earlier, Afghanistan won the toss and elected to bat first. They posted a competitive total of 272 for 8 in their 50 overs, with opener Rahmanullah Gurbaz scoring 87 off 92 balls and skipper Hashmatullah Shahidi adding 65. For India, pacer Mohammed Shami took 3 for 48, while spinner Kuldeep Yadav picked up 2 for 42.
In reply, India got off to a solid start with openers Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill adding 84 runs for the first wicket. Gill fell for 42, but Rohit continued his aggressive innings, hitting 10 fours and 5 sixes. Virat Kohli chipped in with 46 before being dismissed. Rohit then partnered with Shreyas Iyer (42*) to guide India home with 5.2 overs to spare.
Rohit Sharma was named Player of the Match for his match-winning knock. The third and final ODI will be played on Saturday at the same venue.
