It was a masterclass in dominance. Shubman Gill, captain of the Indian cricket team, didn't just lead his side to victory; he orchestrated a demolition that left no doubt about who owns this series. On Wednesday, June 17, 2026, India crushed Afghanistan by a staggering margin at the Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, sealing the three-match ODI series with a comprehensive 2–0 lead.
The match started at 1:30 PM IST, but the momentum shifted long before the first ball was bowled. With India already up 1–0 after a rain-shortened thriller in Dharamsala, the pressure was technically on the visitors. But let’s be honest: when you have two centuries on the board and your bowling attack is firing on all cylinders, "pressure" feels like a foreign concept.
A Dominant Display in Lucknow
Here’s the thing about cricket in Uttar Pradesh: the heat is relentless, and so is the crowd. The atmosphere at the Ekana Stadium was electric as Ishan Kishan, wicketkeeper-batter for Team India, joined Gill at the crease. Both batters scored centuries—what commentators call "tons"—building a fortress-like total that Afghanistan simply couldn’t breach.
Gill, who had top-scored with 84 in the previous rain-affected game in Dharamsala, looked even more composed here. His partnership with Kishan wasn’t just about runs; it was a statement. They dismantled the Afghan bowling lineup with precision, turning what could have been a tight contest into a one-sided affair.
When Afghanistan finally got their chance to bat, they were outclassed. Indian bowlers, led by debutant sensations, wrapped up the innings with ease. The final tally? A victory margin reported variously as 170 or 171 runs—a minor statistical discrepancy in live blogs, but a massive difference in spirit. Either way, Afghanistan was beaten black and blue.
New Blood Makes an Impact
But wait, there’s more. This wasn’t just about the stars; it was about the next generation. Prince Yadav, cricketer making his ODI debut, stepped onto the field in Lucknow with a mission. In a touching moment captured by live commentary, vice-captain Shreyas Iyer, vice-captain of Team India, presented Prince with his debut cap.
And did he deliver? Absolutely. Prince Yadav dismissed key Afghan batter Rahmat Shah, a crucial breakthrough that signaled the end of any hopes Afghanistan might have harbored. It was a poignant scene: two players named "Prince" involved in the narrative (a quirk noted by Hindi commentators), but only one wearing the new cap. His performance, alongside earlier standout shows from Harsh Dubey and Gurnoor Brar in the first ODI, suggests India’s bench strength is deeper than ever.
How to Watch and Where to Stream
If you missed the action live, don’t worry. The entire spectacle was available for fans across India. The match was telecast on the Star Sports Network, the official broadcaster for ICC events in the region. For those preferring digital convenience, JioHotstar streamed the game live on its app and website.
The toss, held at 1:00 PM IST, saw Afghanistan captain Najibullah Zadran (referred to as Shahidi in some reports) opt to field first. It was a decision that ultimately backfired spectacularly. Facing a batting lineup powered by Gill and Kishan, chasing down a huge target would have been a nightmare. Fielding first against this Indian unit? A gamble that didn’t pay off.
Series Context and What’s Next
This victory completes the sweep of the Afghanistan Tour of India 2026 India . After a rain-curtailed win in Dharamsala—where India chased 194 comfortably thanks to Gill’s 84 and triple-wicket hauls from debutants Dubey and Brar—the Lucknow win cements India’s status as favorites heading into future tours.
For Afghanistan, it’s a tough pill to swallow. While they’ve shown resilience in shorter formats, the ODI arena against India remains a formidable challenge. The gap in depth, particularly in middle-order batting and spin bowling, was exposed once again.
What’s next for Team India? With the series secured, attention will now shift to upcoming bilateral series and preparations for major tournaments. For fans, the takeaway is clear: India’s core group is gelling, and the young guns are ready to step up. Keep an eye on Prince Yadav—he might just be the next big name in Indian cricket.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who won the 2nd ODI between India and Afghanistan?
India won the second ODI convincingly, securing a 2–0 lead in the three-match series. The victory margin was reported as approximately 170–171 runs, driven by centuries from Shubman Gill and Ishan Kishan.
Where can I watch the highlights of the match?
Highlights and full match replays are available on the JioHotstar app and website, which held exclusive digital streaming rights for the series in India. Television coverage was provided by Star Sports Network.
Did any players make their ODI debut in this match?
Yes, Prince Yadav made his ODI debut in the second ODI. He played a crucial role with the ball, dismissing Rahmat Shah. Earlier in the series, Harsh Dubey and Gurnoor Brar also debuted in the first ODI.
Why was the first ODI shortened?
The first ODI in Dharamsala was curtailed to 25 overs per side due to bad weather conditions. Despite the reduced overs, India successfully chased the target of 194 runs to take a 1–0 series lead.
Who scored centuries in the second ODI?
Both Shubman Gill and Ishan Kishan scored centuries (100+ runs) for India in the second ODI. Their partnership laid the foundation for India’s dominant total and eventual series-clinching victory.
