WATCH: Prasidh Krishna tears through Afghanistan batting line-up in 3rd ODI with Rohit Sharma starring in slips

The MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai witnessed a masterclass in pace bowling as India clashed with Afghanistan in the 3rd ODI on June 20, 2026. Looking to seal a dominant performance in the IND vs AFG series, the Indian cricket team came out firing on all cylinders. While Chennai is historically famous for aiding spinners, it was India’s towering speedster Prasidh Krishna who stole the headlines, absolutely dismantling the Afghanistan top-order within the initial powerplay. Supported by spectacular, razor-sharp slip fielding from captain Rohit SharmaIndia left the visitors reeling in a tactical bowling clinic.

Prasidh Krishna dominates Afghanistan in 3rd ODI as Rohit Sharma takes sharp catches in slips

Krishna started his onslaught on the very first ball of his spell. Operating at 135 km/h, he delivered a gorgeous length ball that carried roughly 2.5 degrees of late outswing. Afghanistan’s dangerous opener, Rahmanullah Gurbazattempted to drive on the up, only to be undone by the movement. The ball took a thick outside edge and flew straight into the secure hands of Rohit at first slip, sending Gurbaz back for just 5.

Krishna wasn’t done yet. In his next over, he clocking 141 km/h, targeting Rahmat Shah with a seam-up delivery that held its line beautifully. Tempted into an early flick toward midwicket, Rahmat closed the face of his bat too soon, resulting in a looping leading edge. Showing phenomenal anticipation, Rohit lunged to his left, stabilizing the ball against his thigh before clutching it safely to leave Afghanistan stuttering at 26 for 2.

The fatal blow to the top order arrived in Krishna’s fourth over. Bowling a fuller length at 139 km/h, he lured Ibrahim Zadran into an expansive cover drive. The ball shaped away late, kissing the outside edge and flying to first slip. Rohit completed a hat-trick of catches, pouching it effortlessly. At 28 for 3, Krishna’s astonishing figures read 3.2-2-4-3, turning the contest firmly in India’s favour.

 powerplay figures in ODIs since 2002

This blistering opening spell firmly embedded Krishna into the history books of Indian white-ball cricket. By extracting fierce bounce and swing on a sticky Chennai deck, Krishna registered one of the most economical and destructive powerplay spells by an Indian bowler in over two decades.

His initial devastation of 4 wickets for a mere 6 runs slots him right alongside India’s elite modern-day fast bowlers. Here is how his statistical masterclass compares against the best powerplay performances by Indian bowlers in ODIs since 2002:

Krishna’s ability to maintain a tight line while constantly searching for motion left the Afghan batters with no answers. Combined with Rohit’s flawless, gold-standard slip catching, India showed why their bowling depth remains arguably the most intimidating asset in world cricket.

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