Prasidh Krishna (AP Photo)
Prasidh Krishna on Saturday produced a sensational spell with the ball to put Afghanistan under immense pressure in the third and final ODI against India in Chennai. The pacer took a career-best 5 for 23, becoming the first Indian player to take a five-wicket haul in an ODI at the venue.
His figures are also the best by any bowler in ODIs in Chennai, surpassing West Indies’ Ravi Rampaul’s 5 for 51 against India in 2011.
Afghanistan chose to bat first but were shaken early as Prasidh removed four fours inside the first 10 overs. Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Ebrahim Zadran and Rahma Shah all fell while trying to drive off the off stump, while Darvesh Rasouli was caught after trying to pull a Karnataka device. At thirty-six versus four, Afghanistan seemed headed toward complete collapse.Then captain Hashmatullah Shahidi steadied the innings with a decisive strike. The left-hander put together a 105-run partnership with Azmatullah Omarzai, who scored a quick 50, before adding another crucial stand with Mohammad Nabi.Shahidi played the role of anchor perfectly and brought up his maiden ODI century off 128 balls. Despite suffering from cramps after passing 80, he continued to fight and eventually finished with 102 from 131 deliveries.
Omarzai’s offensive approach also helped Afghanistan recover from its disastrous start.
India restricts Afghanistan to 218
After Nabi’s dismissal, wickets began to fall regularly and Afghanistan were eventually bowled out for 218. Shahidi’s efforts helped the visitors cross the 200-run mark, but they were also fined five runs after the skipper stepped into the danger zone of the field late in the innings.Despite spirited Afghan resistance, the day belonged to Prasidh, whose memorable performance earned him a place alongside Indian pace greats like Jasprit Bumrah, Javajal Srinath and Mohammed Siraj.