Sanju Samson produced a breathtaking counter-attacking innings as Team India raced towards Afghanistan’s 160-run target in the second T20I at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi. After managing only 10 in the series opener, Samson bounced back with intent, timing and extraordinary power at the top of the order. His power-hitting helped India make a flying start in the chase and put the Men in Blue firmly in control as they looked to wrap up the three-match T20I series against the Afghans with a game to spare.
India vs Afghanistan Live Updates: Sanju Samson Smashes 50
Samson shifted gears spectacularly after a watchful opening spell. He brought up his half-century in just 20 balls. The Indian wicketkeeper-batter cleared the ropes repeatedly and found the boundary with authority, punishing Afghanistan’s spinners and seamers alike.
First 8(10) Runs – 1, 1, 0, 1, 1, 0, 0, 4, 0.
Next 49(12) Runs – 4, 6, 4, 1, 4, 6, 4, 4, 6, 4, 6, W.
Sanju Samson bat with 260 SR 🤯🔥
Unbelievable hitting of Sanju Samson. 🔥 pic.twitter.com/LhXSWC5Ec8
— VIKAS (@Vikas662005) September 15, 2026
Before reaching the landmark, Samson had raced to 47 off 19 balls, with six fours and three sixes, at a staggering strike rate of 247.37. His innings included a series of clean blows against Azmatullah Omarzai and Mohammad Nabi, with the latter conceding 26 runs from the fifth over as India surged to 82 without loss at the end of the powerplay.
That’s what makes Sanju Samson India’s most feared T20I opener. When it comes to impact and explosiveness, no opener comes anywhere near him. Please don’t compare that rhino to Sanju.#INDvsAFG #AFGvsIND pic.twitter.com/MArcDx7mqh
— Akshat (@MStark_56) September 15, 2026
IND vs AFG 2nd T20I: Afghanistan Set India 160-Run Target
The Afghanistan national cricket team posted 159/8 in 20 overs after India captain Shreyas Iyer won the toss and opted to field. The visitors were unable to build sustained momentum but recovered sufficiently to establish a competitive target.
The 159-run total meant India required 160 for victory and a series-clinching win. By the time Samson’s fifty arrived, however, India’s chase had already gathered considerable momentum.
The opening partnership was eventually broken when Rashid Khan dismissed Abhishek Sharma for 39 off 19 balls, ending a blistering stand. Samson continued the charge, ensuring Afghanistan’s bowlers remained under pressure even after the breakthrough.
The India national cricket team entered the second T20I with a 1-0 series lead after winning the opener by seven wickets. The BCCI had retained Samson in the squad for the three-match series, with the second and third games also scheduled at the Arun Jaitley Stadium.
