Sanju Samson 57 runs off 22 balls India vs Afghanistan 2nd T20I 2026(Image credit-IndianExpress)
Sanju Blitz & Nitish's 3-Wkts Seal T20I Series for India vs Afghanistan
Summary: Sanju Samson produced a fiery 22-ball half-century, while pace-all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy dismantled Afghanistan’s batting unit with a spell of 3/24, steering India to a dominant 7-wicket victory at the Arun Jaitley Stadium. The clinical win handed India an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match T20I series.
An explosive display of power-hitting from Sanju Samson, combined with a disciplined spell from pace-bowling all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy, helped India chase down Afghanistan's target of 160 runs in just 14.5 overs at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi.
India secured a 7-wicket victory with 31 balls to spare, wrapping up the three-match T20I series 2-0 with one game remaining.
Opting to bat first, Afghanistan struggled to generate sustained momentum against a disciplined Indian bowling attack. Captain Ibrahim Zadran anchored the top order with a 33-ball 37, while Darwish Rasooli provided late spark with 26 off 15 deliveries.
Nitish Kumar Reddy turned the tide with a clinical spell of medium-fast bowling, claiming a breakthrough on the first ball of each of his three overs. He dismissed Zadran, Gulbadin Naib, and danger-man Rashid Khan (28 off 16) to finish with figures of 3/24. Left-arm pacer Arshdeep Singh provided solid support at the death with 2/35 as Afghanistan posted 159/8 in their 20 overs.
India's opening duo of Sanju Samson and Abhishek Sharma set a blistering tone in the run chase, accumulating 82 runs within the 6-over powerplay.
Samson reached his half-century off just 20 balls, eventually falling for a sensational 57 from 22 deliveries packed with 7 boundaries and 4 sixes. Abhishek Sharma provided equal carnage with a 19-ball 39 before both openers fell to leg-spinner Rashid Khan.
Rashid Khan was Afghanistan's sole wicket-taker, claiming all three Indian wickets (Abhishek, Samson, and Shreyas Iyer for 11). However, Ishan Kishan ensured no late hiccups with an unbeaten 38 off 23 balls, joining Vice-Captain Tilak Varma (15*) to guide India across the finish line in the 15th(14.5) over.
The final T20I of the series will take place on 17th September 2026 at the same venue, Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi, starting at 7:30 PM IST.
Q1: Who won the 2nd T20I between India and Afghanistan?
India secured a 7-wicket victory with 31 balls to spare, wrapping up the three-match T20I series 2-0 with one game remaining.
Match Summary
| Category | Match Details |
|---|---|
| Afghanistan | 159/8 in 20 overs (Ibrahim Zadran 37, Rashid Khan 28, Darwish Rasooli 26; Nitish Kumar Reddy 3/24, Arshdeep Singh 2/35) |
| India | 163/3 in 14.5 overs (Sanju Samson 57, Abhishek Sharma 39, Ishan Kishan 38*; Rashid Khan 3/32) |
| Result | India won by 7 wickets (31 balls left) |
| Player of the Match | Nitish Kumar Reddy (3/24) |
| Series Status | India lead 2-0 (3) |
Nitish Kumar Reddy Breaks Afghanistan’s Momentum
Opting to bat first, Afghanistan struggled to generate sustained momentum against a disciplined Indian bowling attack. Captain Ibrahim Zadran anchored the top order with a 33-ball 37, while Darwish Rasooli provided late spark with 26 off 15 deliveries.
Nitish Kumar Reddy turned the tide with a clinical spell of medium-fast bowling, claiming a breakthrough on the first ball of each of his three overs. He dismissed Zadran, Gulbadin Naib, and danger-man Rashid Khan (28 off 16) to finish with figures of 3/24. Left-arm pacer Arshdeep Singh provided solid support at the death with 2/35 as Afghanistan posted 159/8 in their 20 overs.
Sanju Samson Leads India's Rapid Chase
India's opening duo of Sanju Samson and Abhishek Sharma set a blistering tone in the run chase, accumulating 82 runs within the 6-over powerplay.
Samson reached his half-century off just 20 balls, eventually falling for a sensational 57 from 22 deliveries packed with 7 boundaries and 4 sixes. Abhishek Sharma provided equal carnage with a 19-ball 39 before both openers fell to leg-spinner Rashid Khan.
Rashid Khan was Afghanistan's sole wicket-taker, claiming all three Indian wickets (Abhishek, Samson, and Shreyas Iyer for 11). However, Ishan Kishan ensured no late hiccups with an unbeaten 38 off 23 balls, joining Vice-Captain Tilak Varma (15*) to guide India across the finish line in the 15th(14.5) over.
What’s Next?
The final T20I of the series will take place on 17th September 2026 at the same venue, Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi, starting at 7:30 PM IST.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Who won the 2nd T20I between India and Afghanistan?
👉 India won the match by 7 wickets with 31 balls to spare.
Q2: Who was named the Player of the Match?
👉 Nitish Kumar Reddy earned the Player of the Match award for his match-defining bowling figures of 3/24.
Q3: What was Sanju Samson's score in the match?
Q3: What was Sanju Samson's score in the match?
👉 Sanju Samson scored 57 runs off 22 balls, striking 7 fours and 4 sixes.
Q4: When is the next India vs Afghanistan T20I match?
Q4: When is the next India vs Afghanistan T20I match?
👉 The 3rd and final T20I takes place tomorrow, 17th September 2026, at the Arun Jaitley Stadium, Delhi.
India vs Afghanistan, Sanju Samson, Nitish Kumar Reddy
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