3rd ODI Updates: Prasidh, Jaiswal power India to series sweep

Prasidh Krishna's brilliant new-ball spell, crowned by his maiden ODI five-wicket haul, set up India's victory, while Yashasvi Jaiswal's superb century finished the chase in commanding fashion. Rohit Sharma's fluent 79 was another key highlight in a dominant all-round batting performance from the hosts.

Despite not being at full strength, India controlled the series from start to finish to seal a comprehensive win. Hashmatullah Shahidi's fighting maiden ODI hundred helped Afghanistan post a respectable total, but it never looked enough to seriously test India's powerful batting lineup on a good batting surface.

Fareed Malik continued, and Yashasvi Jaiswal surged into the 90s with a crisp boundary. He followed it up with a single to keep the strike moving. Shreyas Iyer then joined the party, launching a huge six and adding a couple more runs with a well-placed shot towards long-on.

There was a brief moment of tension when Fareed Ahmad appealed for a caught-behind against Iyer, with the umpire sending it upstairs for review after a sharp bouncer. The delivery had beaten the bat on the pull, but UltraEdge confirmed no contact. Iyer survived, and soon after, he celebrated in style with another massive six.

It was a dominant over from India's perspective, with 19 runs coming from it, and after 28 overs they were 208 for 1, needing just 11 more from 22 overs.

Mohammad Nabi continued, but Jaiswal wasted no time. He launched a towering six to bring up a magnificent century -- his second in international cricket -- reaching the landmark off 83 balls. He raised his arms in celebration, soaking in the applause.

Jaiswal then cut one to point for no run before finishing the chase in emphatic fashion, striking another boundary and then a huge six to seal the win.

India cruised home by 9 wickets with 128 balls remaining, completing a dominant 3-0 series clean sweep. Jaiswal remained unbeaten on 110 off 86 balls, leading the chase in style.

Fareed Malik replaced Rashid Khan and started with a disciplined line. Shreyas Iyer began cautiously, blocking the first couple of deliveries before shuffling across and missing his pull attempt, with a wide signalled. Jaiswal then picked the gap smartly, threading a boundary past the keeper with clever placement. A single followed to end the over, though there was a brief moment of uncertainty as he miscued one in the air, which fortunately landed short of the deep fielder.

Seven runs came from the over, and after 26 overs India were 184 for 1, needing 35 more from 24 overs. Jaiswal moved to 86 off 77 balls.

Mohammad Nabi continued, and India kept things simple with steady strike rotation. Jaiswal worked one towards long-on for a single, while Iyer also collected a run in the same area. Jaiswal then punched one wide of midwicket for another single, before Iyer added one more to keep the scoreboard moving.

A final single took Jaiswal to 88, as India maintained complete control. Five singles came from the over, and after 27 overs India were 189 for 1, needing 30 more runs from 23 overs.

Rashid Khan continued, and Shreyas Iyer was immediately put under pressure. He was beaten by a sharp delivery, and in his struggle to adjust, his bat flew out of his hands and landed near the short leg region. Rashid couldn't help but smile at the moment. Iyer recovered quickly, though, and responded by chopping one through point for a single.

Jaiswal also kept things moving, punching one off the back foot down to long-off for a run. Iyer then defended the final two balls. It was another tidy over from Rashid, with just two runs coming from it. After 24 overs, India were 173 for 1, needing 46 more from 26 overs.

Mohammad Nabi continued from the other end, but Jaiswal found the fielder at extra cover before both batters settled into steady rotation of strike. Singles kept the scoreboard ticking, and the pressure remained firmly on Afghanistan.

Just four runs came from the over, and after 25 overs India were 177 for 1, needing 42 more runs from 25 overs.

Rashid Khan continued, and Rohit Sharma immediately went on the attack. He worked one through midwicket for a couple of runs before finding his rhythm with a crisp boundary. He then backed it up with a towering six, sending the ball deep into the stands. A calm single towards long-off followed as he moved to 78 off 66 balls. 

Mohammad Nabi continued, and for the first time in a while he managed to slow things down. Jaiswal defended solidly before being tied down with another dot ball, as Nabi bowled a disciplined line to keep it a maiden over. After 19 overs, India were 139 without loss, needing 80 from 31 overs.

Rashid Khan came back into the attack, but Rohit Sharma quickly shifted gears again. After a cautious punch down the pitch for no run, he unleashed back-to-back boundaries, showing his control against spin. He then rotated strike with a single, while Jaiswal saw out the rest of the over with a couple of calm defensive strokes. Nine runs came from it, and after 20 overs India were 148 without loss.

Nabi continued, and India brought up their 150 in comfortable fashion as Rohit and Jaiswal exchanged singles. From there, it was all about steady accumulation, with both batters rotating strike freely and keeping the chase on track.

Five singles came from the over, and after 21 overs India were 153 without loss, needing just 66 more runs for victory from 29 overs.

Mohammad Nabi continued, but Yashasvi Jaiswal showed no hesitation. He went back and cut one towards backward point but couldn't beat the fielder. He quickly made amends though, finding the boundary with a clean strike.

Another attempt to pierce backward point saw a diving effort deny him runs, but Jaiswal wasn't done. He got a good stride in and drove beautifully through extra cover for four. After a solid defence on the next ball, he finished the over with a single. Nine runs came from it, and after 17 overs India were 132 without loss, with runs flowing freely.

Rashid Khan continued, trying to apply pressure, but Jaiswal kept the momentum going. He worked one through square leg for a single before Rohit rotated strike at the other end. Jaiswal then smashed another boundary, looking in complete control.

There was a moment of tension when Jaiswal was sent back halfway down the pitch after setting off for a risky run. The throw, however, was wayward, and he survived a possible run-out chance -- much to Rashid Khan's frustration.

Seven runs came from the over, and after 18 overs India were 139 without loss, needing just 80 more runs from 32 overs.

Rashid Khan continued after the drinks break, but Rohit Sharma showed no signs of slowing down. He clipped one towards fine leg to get things started, before sweeping another past short fine leg for a boundary to bring up his well-made fifty. The crowd responded with applause as the milestone came up in style.

Rohit then picked up a couple of runs off the next delivery, keeping India firmly ahead in the chase.

There was a brief moment of drama when Rashid appealed strongly and Afghanistan went up for a review after a confident shout. However, UltraEdge confirmed there was no contact, and the decision stayed with the umpire, costing Afghanistan a review.

Rohit defended the next ball calmly, and the over ended with a dot. Six runs came from it, and after 16 overs India were 123 without loss, continuing their dominant progress in the chase.

Mohammad Nabi was brought into the attack as Afghanistan looked to slow things down. Jaiswal stayed composed, hanging back to cut one towards sweeper cover for a single. Rohit also rotated strike with a single of his own.

Jaiswal then added another run, cutting the next ball to deep point, before Rohit closed out the over with a single. It was a controlled passage of play from both batters.

Just four runs came from the over, and after 15 overs India were 117 without loss, needing 102 more runs from 35 overs.

Drinks were taken shortly after, with India firmly on track and comfortably placed in the chase. The openers have set things up perfectly, keeping the required rate well under control and looking in no hurry to take risks.

Ghazanfar continued, and India were happy to keep the scoreboard moving without taking unnecessary risks. Rohit Sharma eased a drive down to sweeper cover for a single before Yashasvi Jaiswal knocked one to long-on for another.

Rohit added another run with a firm drive, while Jaiswal mixed caution with aggression, defending one before driving another wide of deep point for a couple. That moved him to 49 off just 35 balls, but he had to wait a little longer for the milestone as the over ended with a dot ball.

Five runs came from it, and after 11 overs India were 91 without loss, needing just 128 more runs from 39 overs.

Rashid Khan was then introduced into the attack in an attempt to break the opening stand. Rohit picked up a single before Jaiswal played him cautiously early in the over.

The milestone soon arrived. Jaiswal nudged his way to a well-made half-century, raising his bat to acknowledge the applause from the crowd and his teammates. It was a fluent knock, built on positive intent from the outset, and he never really allowed Afghanistan's bowlers to settle.

Just three runs came from the over, but India remained firmly in control at 94 without loss after 12 overs.

Ghazanfar, after briefly leaving the field earlier, looked fit enough to continue and was handed the ball. He responded with a tidy over, keeping India's aggressive openers in check.

Yashasvi Jaiswal could only find the fielder with a firm drive before picking up a single. Rohit Sharma also rotated strike, while Ghazanfar beat Jaiswal with a teasing delivery outside off. A flick through square leg brought another run, but overall it was a much-needed quiet over for Afghanistan.

Just three runs came from it, and after nine overs India were 78 without loss. They needed 141 more runs from 41 overs.

Azmatullah Omarzai returned to the attack, but Jaiswal was quick to put him under pressure. The left-hander welcomed him with a boundary and followed it up with a couple of runs to keep the momentum firmly with India.

He continued to find gaps and rotate strike comfortably, while Rohit chipped in with a single of his own. Afghanistan managed to avoid a really expensive over, but India still collected eight runs.

After 10 overs, India were cruising at 86 without loss and needed just 133 more runs to seal the win.

Fareed Ahmad Malik continued, but India's openers made him pay. Yashasvi Jaiswal got the over going with a crisp flick through square leg for four, bringing up India's fifty in the process.

He kept the pressure on, picking up a couple more runs after a misfield at cover -- another example of Afghanistan's sloppy work in the field. Then came the big shot. Jaiswal stood tall and launched one flat into the stands for six, showing the confidence with which he is batting.

There was more frustration for Afghanistan to come as Jaiswal slashed hard at a wide delivery, the outside edge flying away to third man for four. It was another expensive over, with 16 runs coming from it.

After seven overs, India had raced to 62 without loss.

Zia Ur Rahman Sharifi, who had been Afghanistan's most economical bowler with just eight runs from his first three overs, returned looking to pull things back.

Rohit Sharma had other ideas.

After leaving one outside off, the Indian skipper produced a trademark pull shot that sailed deep into the stands for six. It was vintage Rohit -- effortless, powerful and perfectly timed. He followed it up with a boundary, instantly shifting the pressure back onto Afghanistan.

A single to square leg, a wide down the leg side and another run helped keep the scoreboard ticking as India continued to dominate the chase.

Twelve runs came from the over, and after eight overs India were cruising at 75 without loss.

Fareed Ahmad Malik continued, with Rohit Sharma looking comfortable at the crease. He began with a solid defensive stroke before tucking one wide of midwicket for a single.

At the other end, Yashasvi Jaiswal started cautiously, finding the fielder with a flick and then blocking the next delivery. But he soon broke free, timing one sweetly to the boundary to keep India's momentum going. A chopped shot to backward point ended his involvement in the over.

Five runs came from it, and after five overs India were 42 without loss.

There was a brief concern for Afghanistan as AM Ghazanfar appeared to injure himself while trying to stop the boundary. After receiving attention from the physio, he walked off the field.

Zia Ur Rahman Sharifi continued his spell and nearly produced the breakthrough. Rohit threw his hands at a short, wide delivery and sliced it towards third man. It was a genuine chance, but the fielder failed to hold on, later suggesting he lost sight of the ball against the lights. Rohit got a huge reprieve and remained at the crease.

Sharifi bounced back well, conceding little else as Rohit defended a few deliveries and found midwicket with a flick that brought no reward. The over ended with another dot ball.

Just four runs came from it, leaving India comfortably placed at 46 without loss after six overs. They now need 173 more runs from 44 overs.

Fareed Ahmad Malik was brought into the attack, and Rohit Sharma began the over cautiously with a couple of solid defensive strokes.

Then came a moment of fortune for India. Rohit got a top edge, and Rahmanullah Gurbaz sprinted after it, looking to make a difficult catch. He couldn't get there in time, and to make matters worse for Afghanistan, the ball ricocheted off him and rolled away to the boundary. Gurbaz looked in some discomfort after the effort, adding to Afghanistan's frustration.

Rohit didn't need any luck for the next boundary. He timed one beautifully, finding the gap with authority to collect four more. A firm drive later in the over found the fielder at cover-point, but India still took eight runs from it.

After three overs, India were 34 without loss.

Zia Ur Rahman Sharifi continued to impress from the other end. Jaiswal missed a flick early in the over, with the ball deflecting off his pads for a leg bye. Sharifi then kept Rohit quiet, forcing a series of dot balls with disciplined lines and lengths.

A wide down the leg side broke the pressure briefly, while another delivery brushed Rohit's thigh pad for a leg bye. The over ended with another dot ball, capping off a tidy spell from Sharifi.

Just three runs came from the over, and after four overs India were 37 without loss.

Zia Ur Rahman Sharifi shared the new ball from the other end and made Rohit Sharma work hard early on.

Rohit started cautiously, riding the bounce and punching one towards cover-point, only to find the fielder. A couple more deliveries followed a similar pattern, with Afghanistan keeping things tight and not allowing any easy scoring opportunities.

The pressure was finally released when Sharifi drifted one down the leg side, allowing Rohit to pick up a single and get off the mark. Jaiswal then added another run, helped by a slight fumble in the field.

Afghanistan's fielding troubles continued as an overthrow gifted India extra runs, and Jaiswal made sure to cash in, finishing the over with a couple more.

After two overs, India had raced to 26 without loss and were firmly in control of the chase.

Azmatullah Omarzai opened the bowling with two slips in place, searching for an early breakthrough.

Before a ball was even bowled, five penalty runs were added to India's total as Afghanistan were sanctioned for repeated running on the danger area of the pitch by skipper Hashmatullah Shahidi. Despite earlier warnings from the umpires, the offence was repeated, forcing the penalty to be applied -- a costly early setback for Afghanistan.

Jaiswal then settled in quickly. He started by pushing one back to the bowler for no run, before a wide down the leg side gave India an extra. He followed it up with a neat tuck through the leg side to open his account with a couple of runs, and then found the boundary soon after.

The over quickly unraveled for Afghanistan. A siren went off as Omarzai overstepped, and a bouncer outside off was called wide. The free-hit that followed saw a misfield in the ring, allowing another boundary for Jaiswal.

Omarzai overstepped again, giving India another free-hit. Although it was initially struck towards midwicket, it didn't count, and Jaiswal made full use of the next legitimate delivery, cutting it firmly through point for four.

A dot ball ended a chaotic over. 23 runs came from it, and India raced ahead early in the chase.

From 36/4, Afghanistan fought their way back to 218, but it still fell short of a competitive total against India. Captain Hashmatullah Shahidi led the resistance with a superb maiden ODI hundred, showing real composure and grit on a testing surface. His 105-run stand with Azmatullah Omarzai pulled Afghanistan out of trouble, and a later partnership with Mohammad Nabi added some stability.

But once Shahidi fell, the innings unraveled quickly, with the last five wickets crashing for just 20 runs.

Prasidh Krishna was the standout for India, tearing through the top order with 4 for 6 in a fiery opening spell before completing his maiden ODI five-wicket haul. He used pace, bounce and movement brilliantly to keep Afghanistan under constant pressure.

India now begin their chase of 219.

Hashmatullah Shahidi was in visible agony as cramps took over, with the physio rushing in to attend to him.

Prasidh Krishna returned to the attack, with the question on everyone's mind -- could he finish with a five-wicket haul?

Hashmatullah Shahidi came down the track and threw his hands at one, managing to slice it over backward point for a boundary. He didn't bother running, just happy to collect the runs. Prasidh then hurried him with a short ball, which Shahidi mistimed and saw race through to the keeper. Another sharp delivery followed, angling into the body, and Shahidi worked it away for a single to move into the nineties -- now 96.

Sharifi managed to get his bat down in time at the other end, squeezing one out safely. Just five runs came from the over, and after 43 overs Afghanistan were 211 for 9.

Washington Sundar continued, and Shahidi stayed composed under pressure. He blocked the first delivery before nudging one through for a couple, moving to 98 -- just two away from a famous hundred. He defended the next ball calmly, holding his nerve.

Then came the moment. Shahidi picked the gap and brought up his maiden ODI hundred with a boundary -- a brilliant, hard-fought innings of 102 off 128 balls. He stood tall, having held the innings together when it mattered most.

He defended the next delivery, and the over ended quietly. Six runs came from it, and after 44 overs Afghanistan were 217 for 9.

Washington Sundar struck again immediately, and Afghanistan's innings fell apart in dramatic fashion. Fareed Ahmad Malik was run out without facing a ball -- two run-outs in back-to-back deliveries.

There was never a run there. Shubman Gill was quick to react in the field, swooping in and firing a sharp throw to Ishan Kishan, who did the rest behind the stumps, removing the bails with Fareed well short of his crease. A brilliant piece of fielding from India, and complete chaos for Afghanistan.

Ziaur Rahman walked in as the new batter under pressure and began cautiously, defending his first delivery and blocking the next as Afghanistan tried to regroup after the sudden collapse.

Hashmatullah Shahidi briefly paused to take off his arm guard and stretch his right hand, clearly dealing with cramps. He took a moment to hydrate before putting the guard back on and continuing, determined to carry on for his team.

Harsh Dubey returned to the attack as Rashid Khan eased one towards long-off for a single. Shahidi kept things steady at the other end, defending a few deliveries before nudging one towards backward point for a single. Rashid then defended solidly to see out the over. Just two runs came from it, and after 39 overs Afghanistan were 203 for 6.

Washington Sundar was brought back into the attack. Shahidi remained composed, blocking off the front foot and defending the next ball before taking a single off the final delivery. Rashid Khan then collected a single at the other end, and Shahidi moved to 92 -- edging closer to a well-earned century.

But the breakthrough came immediately after. Harsh Dubey struck again as Rashid Khan mistimed one high into the air. Prince Yadav settled under it in the deep and took a calm, well-judged catch. Rashid departed for 5 off 7 balls, leaving Afghanistan seven down.

A change in bowling brought Gurnoor Brar back into the attack. He started with a bouncer outside off, and Hashmatullah Shahidi immediately looked in discomfort, holding his calf as he tried to regain rhythm. He didn't look completely free in his movement for a moment, but stayed on.

Brar continued with more short-pitched deliveries, and this time Shahidi calmly got underneath them. After riding out the short stuff, he managed to pick up a couple of runs, followed by a well-struck boundary before rotating strike again. Nabi also chipped in with a single. Eight runs came from the over, and after 36 overs Afghanistan were 191 for 5.

Nitish Kumar Reddy continued from the other end. Nabi worked one towards cover while Shahidi picked up a single to keep the scoreboard moving. Nabi then found the boundary with a confident stroke. Seven runs came from the over, and Afghanistan reached 198 for 5 after 37 overs.

But the breakthrough soon arrived. 

Mohammad Nabi was struck on the fingers off the last ball of the previous over, with immediate concern as the physio came out to attend to him. The right index finger -- crucial for his spin bowling -- was treated with spray as he visibly winced in discomfort. After a brief pause, he looked good enough to continue.

Once play resumed, Hashmatullah Shahidi initially looked for a single but was quickly sent back by his partner -- a smart call, as it would have been a tight run. He soon made amends in style, finding the boundary with a confident stroke, before rotating strike with a single.

Nabi, despite the pain, showed real grit. He defended a couple of deliveries and then capped off the over in emphatic fashion, launching a maximum to finish things off. A strong over for Afghanistan, with 11 runs coming from it, taking them to 170 for 5 after 33 overs.

Prasidh Krishna continued his spell, with Shahidi working one towards backward point where Washington Sundar made a diving stop, though he couldn't prevent the single. Nabi then drove one neatly towards third man for another run, while Shahidi added a well-timed boundary before rotating strike again. Eight runs came from the over, and Afghanistan moved to 178 for 5 after 34 overs.

Nitish Kumar Reddy returned into the attack as Afghanistan continued to build. Nabi clipped one towards fine leg for a single, while Shahidi played out a few deliveries patiently. There was a brief moment of confusion as Shahidi ducked under one that sailed through, with the square leg umpire signaling a wide. He then tucked one towards square leg for a single, while Nabi added another run to deep square leg. A quick single followed to end the over.

Five runs came from it, and after 35 overs Afghanistan were 183 for 5.

Washington Sundar continued, with Hashmatullah Shahidi staying composed at the crease. He defended a couple into the leg side before picking up a single off a good-length delivery. 

Prince Yadav continued, and Hashmatullah Shahidi picked up a single by guiding the ball wide of backward point.

Then came the breakthrough. On the next delivery, Azmatullah Omarzai went after it but couldn't quite get the timing right -- and found Prasidh Krishna in the deep. It was a low chance, dipping quickly, but Prasidh showed great awareness and got his fingers underneath the ball to hold on. The umpire sent it upstairs for confirmation, but replays confirmed it was clean -- OUT!

Omarzai walked back after a superb innings of 50 off 56 balls, having helped rebuild Afghanistan after the early damage.

Mohammad Nabi is the new batter at the crease. 

Harsh Dubey continued, and Hashmatullah Shahidi immediately got into rhythm, cutting one late for a boundary. That took him to 43 off 60 balls, with both batters now well set in the 40s and steadily anchoring Afghanistan's recovery after the early collapse.

Shahidi then worked one fine towards long-on for a single, while Azmatullah Omarzai drove another calmly to long-off for one more. Moments later, Shahidi showed his class again -- stepping out and launching a huge straight six back over the bowler's head. He moved to 49 off 62, just one away from a well-deserved fifty.

Washington Sundar came into the attack next. Omarzai defended the first couple before taking a single towards long-on. Then came the milestone -- Shahidi nudged a quick single to bring up his half-century. 

Nitish Kumar Reddy walked off after completing his over, and he didn't look fully comfortable during his spell. It's not clear yet whether it's just the Chennai heat and heavy humidity getting to him, or if he's carrying a slight niggle.

Harsh Dubey continued, and Hashmatullah Shahidi welcomed him with a confident boundary. After that, things settled down a bit as he rotated strike and picked up a single to end the over. Five runs came from it, and after 21 overs Afghanistan were 107 for 4.

Washington Sundar, the local boy, was brought into the attack next. Shahidi started cautiously, defending solidly before nudging one into the gap for a quick single towards point. Omarzai stayed composed at the other end, leaving and defending, with just one run coming from the over. After 22 overs, Afghanistan were 108 for 4.

There was also a brief break as Omarzai changed his gloves.

Harsh Dubey returned, and both batters kept the scoreboard ticking with a single each. Nothing flashy, just smart cricket as Afghanistan moved to 110 for 4 after 23 overs.

Sundar continued, and Omarzai finally broke the rhythm -- stepping out and launching a huge six straight down the ground. It came out of nowhere after a quiet over and was a clear statement of intent. He also moved to 44 with that shot, while the batters kept rotating strike with a couple of singles.

Eight runs came from the over, and after 24 overs Afghanistan were 118 for 4.

Harsh Dubey continued, with Azmatullah Omarzai and Hashmatullah Shahidi rotating the strike comfortably, exchanging a single each. There was a brief LBW appeal in the mix, but the umpire was unmoved.

Nitish Kumar Reddy was introduced into the attack but started with a no-ball, giving Hashmatullah Shahidi a free start to the over. Shahidi defended the next delivery, while a wide followed soon after. He then found the gap with a well-timed boundary, before rotating strike with a few singles. 

Prince Yadav continued, and Hashmatullah Shahidi got going with a neat flick through midwicket for a couple of runs. He then kept things steady, defending the next few deliveries with ease.

Shahidi soon found a bit of timing, placing one beautifully for a boundary as Afghanistan looked to keep the scoreboard moving. He finished the over with a single. Seven runs came from it, and after 15 overs Afghanistan were 69 for 4.

Drinks were brought out onto the field at the end of the over.

With the Chennai heat and humidity making conditions tough, the players took a much-needed break to rehydrate.

Prince Yadav continued his spell, with Azmatullah Omarzai jabbing one towards mid-off but not finding any runs. He stayed disciplined through the next few deliveries, with India keeping things tight and another dot ball following.

But Omarzai soon found his timing. On a short delivery, he opened up and smashed it through the gap for a boundary, bringing up 50 for Afghanistan in the process. He followed it up with a quick single, before a dot ball closed out the over. Five runs came from it, and after 13 overs Afghanistan were 53 for 4.

Gurnoor Brar continued from the other end, and Omarzai looked increasingly confident. He defended the first ball before freeing his arms again with a well-struck boundary. He missed out on the next delivery, but stayed positive, and another dot ball followed.

Brar came back with a fuller one, and Omarzai made no mistake this time -- driving it cleanly for four. He couldn't get hold of the next delivery, and a dot ball finished the over.

Nine runs came from it, and after 14 overs Afghanistan were 62 for 4, with Omarzai starting to look dangerous.

Prince Yadav continued, with Hashmatullah Shahidi playing it out calmly and picking up a single towards square leg. Azmatullah Omarzai was watchful at the other end, defending the remaining deliveries. Just one run came from the over, and after 11 overs Afghanistan were 38 for 4.

Gurnoor Brar came into the attack, replacing Prasidh Krishna. Shahidi greeted him with a confident boundary, clearly knowing his side needed him to steady things after the top-order collapse. He then defended the next ball with soft hands.

There was a sharp moment in the over when Shahidi nudged one for a single, only for Shubman Gill to cut it off brilliantly with a full-length dive at point -- a reminder of India's sharpness and energy in the field today.

At the other end, Azmatullah Omarzai found some rhythm, driving a good ball nicely for a boundary. He looked to keep the momentum going but then eased off, leaving the next delivery before taking a single towards third man to finish the over.

A useful over for Afghanistan, bringing 10 runs and taking them to 48 for 4 after 12 overs.

Ibrahim Zadran kept the scoreboard ticking with a gentle push into the off side for a single, while a wide added an extra run for Afghanistan. At the other end, Hashmatullah Shahidi was watchful, leaving one and then comfortably defending another. It was a quiet over overall, with just two runs coming from it. 

Prasidh Krishna continued his spell as Rahmat Shah looked to settle in. After a series of dot balls, Rahmat finally broke the pressure with a well-timed boundary, easing some of the tension.

But Prasidh wasn't done. Rahmat pushed forward and ended up getting it off the splice, the ball popped up and landed just short of the bowler, who dived in his follow-through to grab it cleanly. There was a brief moment of uncertainty as Prasidh appealed for a caught-and-bowled and asked for a review, but replays confirmed it had bounced just in front of him -- not out.

However, the very next delivery brought the breakthrough. Rahmat edged one and Rohit Sharma once again made no mistake in the field, taking a sharp catch to his delight. He is ecstatic! Rahmat Shah departed for 5 off 15 balls.

After six overs, Afghanistan are 26 for 2.

Gurnoor Brar continued the attack as Afghanistan looked to steady things after the early blow. Ibrahim Zadran began in watchful mode, playing it safe with a couple of solid defensive strokes back to the bowler and into the off side.

A fuller ball outside off briefly broke his rhythm, Zadran not quite getting hold of the drive but managing to guide it past the bowler. Shreyas Iyer chased it down from mid-off to keep it to just a couple of runs. It was a quiet over overall, with Afghanistan reaching 11 for 1 after three.

Prasidh Krishna then returned with two slips in place for Rahmat Shah. The right-hander looked composed, defending confidently while also surviving a leg bye that trickled down to fine leg after brushing the pads. Zadran, at the other end, remained patient, leaving and blocking with ease. Afghanistan moved to 12 for 1 after four overs.

Brar came back with more attacking fields, including two slips and a gully. Rahmat managed to get off strike with a gentle flick through midwicket, while Zadran was beaten once trying to push through the off side. Then came a worrying moment as a short ball struck Zadran on the helmet, forcing a brief pause for a concussion check from the physio. Fortunately, he looked fine to continue.

He didn't take long to respond. Zadran pulled the next short ball away for four, before a no-ball for height on a bouncer gave him another bonus. He cashed in again on the free hit with another boundary. 

Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Ibrahim Zadran made their way to the middle for Afghanistan, with Gurbaz facing the first ball. India entrusted the new ball to Gurnoor Brar, who has settled into international cricket with remarkable ease.

Gurbaz began watchfully, leaving the opening delivery before defending the next two. After taking a few balls to assess the conditions, he freed his arms and cracked a boundary to get both himself and Afghanistan off the mark. A single off the final ball ensured the strike rotated.

Afghanistan won the toss and chose to bat first, with captain Hashmatullah Shahidi backing his side to make the most of a dry surface in Chennai.

'The wicket looks good for batting. It's dry and hard, and we expect it to play well. Hopefully, we can make a strong start with the bat,' Shahidi said after the toss.

India may have already sealed the ODI series against Afghanistan with back-to-back wins in Dharamsala and Lucknow but the final match in Chennai still carries significance for a few players fighting for their place.