New Delhi, June 18 (IANS) Former England spinner Graeme Swann lavished praise on Ishan Kishan after the wicketkeeper-batter’s explosive century helped India register a commanding 170-run victory over Afghanistan in the second ODI in Lucknow and secure the three-match series.

Kishan produced one of the finest knocks of his ODI career, smashing 125 off just 79 deliveries, studded with 14 fours and seven sixes. His breathtaking innings came in a match-winning 224-run third-wicket partnership with captain Shubman Gill, who struck a magnificent 154 as India piled up 402 before bowling Afghanistan out for 232.

Speaking on JioStar Swann highlighted Kishan’s versatility and selfless approach, saying the left-hander has the rare ability to adapt to any role demanded by the team.

“He is the sort of player who will do whatever job you ask of him without any complaints. The fact that he’s come back into the team and looks like he’s never been away is remarkable,” Swann said.

The former England spinner was particularly impressed by the manner in which Kishan constructed his innings before unleashing a devastating assault on Afghanistan’s bowling attack.

“He came to the crease and was circumspect for his first fifty, but then took just 19 deliveries to go from 50 to 100, which is ridiculous. It wasn’t crazy hitting or slogging either. He was simply being sensible, picking his spots on the leg side, forcing the bowlers to change their lines, and then playing those gorgeous lofted extra-cover drives.”

Swann said Kishan’s acceleration reflected not only his natural talent but also his growing maturity as a batter.

“It’s a sign of sheer class. That shot, wide of long-off, is something he’s worked on over the last two years. It was an area where bowlers could shut him down, but he went away, worked on it, and turned it into a strength, which is brilliant,” he added.

Kishan reached his century in just 71 balls and ensured India’s scoring rate never dipped during his partnership with Gill. The duo completely dominated the Afghan attack and laid the foundation for one of India’s highest ODI totals in recent times.

India’s bowlers then completed the job in emphatic fashion, with Arshdeep Singh and Gurnoor Brar claiming three wickets apiece, while Rahmat Shah’s fighting 79 proved insufficient as Afghanistan were dismissed for 232.

The victory handed India an unassailable 2-0 lead in the series ahead of the final ODI in Chennai.

–IANS

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