Samson, Abhishek and Reddy seal India’s series win

Sanju Samson unleashed a blistering fifty as India whipped Afghanistan by seven wickets on Tuesday to take an unassailable 2-0 lead in their three-match T20I series in Delhi. Samson smashed 57 from just 22 balls, including seven fours and four sixes, while Abhishek Sharma struck 39 from 19 as India raced to 100 inside eight overs after Afghanistan had posted 159 for eight. Ishan Kishan finished unbeaten on 38 from 23 balls and Tilak Varma made 15 not out as India reached chased the target in 14.5 overs. Afghanistan's bowlers struggled to contain India's explosive start, with Rashid Khan taking three wickets but conceding 36 runs from his 3.5 overs. Earlier, Nitish Kumar Reddy was the standout bowler for India, taking three wickets for 24 runs as Afghanistan lost wickets at regular intervals after being asked to bat. Captain Ibrahim Zadran top-scored with 37 from 33 balls while Darwish Rasooli added a rapid 26 from 15. Rashid provided late fireworks with 28 from 16 balls, but Afghanistan could only reach 159 for eight. Jasprit Bumrah took one for 25 from his four overs and Arshdeep Singh claimed two wickets for 35. India made a flying start to the chase, racing to 82 without loss in the six-over power-play. Samson reached his 50 from only 20 balls before Rashid dismissed both him and Abhishek in the space of two overs. Kishan and Varma then saw India home comfortably, with the hosts completing victory with 31 balls remaining. The final match of the series will be played on Thursday (tomorrow) in New Delhi.