The MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai witnessed a masterclass in pace bowling. India collided with Afghanistan In the 3rd ODI on 20 June 2026. Looking to seal a dominant performance in the IND vs AFG series, the Indian cricket team fired on all cylinders. While Chennai has historically been known for helping spinners, it has been India’s powerful pace machine Prasidh Krishna stole the headlines, completely demolishing Afghanistan’s top order in an early power play. Backed by a superb, razor-sharp drive from the captain Rohit SharmaThe Indian visitors practiced at a tactical bowling clinic.
Prasidh Krishna dominates Afghanistan in the 3rd ODI as Rohit Sharma takes a sharp catch in the slips
Krishna started his attack on the first ball of his spell. Clocking in at 135 kmph, he delivered a magnificent length ball that carried about 2.5 degrees of late spin. The dangerous opening of Afghanistan, Rahmanullah Gurbazhe tried to ride on top, but the action brought him back. The ball went to a thick outside edge and flew into the safe hands of Rohit at first slip, sending Gurbaz back for just 5.
Krishna was not done yet. In his next race, he hit the target at 141 km/h Rehmat Shah with a seamed delivery that holds its line nicely. Tempted to strike early towards Mamacha, Rehmat closed the face of his bat too early and eventually turned the leading edge. Rohit, showing extraordinary anticipation, darted to his left, steadying the ball against his thigh before taking a safe catch to leave Afghanistan stuttering on 2 for 26.
The fatal blow to the highest level reached Krishna’s fourth peak. He bowled a longer distance at 139 kmph Ibrahim Zadran to the wide cover driver. The ball shaped late, kissed the outside edge and flew to first slip. Rohit took a hat-trick and took the catch without any difficulty. At 28 for 3, Krishna’s astonishing figures read 3.2-2-4-3 and swung the contest decisively in India’s favour.
We present the video:
Same setup, same results 🔄
Prasidh Krishna 🤝 Rohit Sharma 😊
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Krishna joins an exclusive club of Indian bowlers who have been the best power bowlers in ODIs since 2002
This blistering opening spell placed Krishna firmly in the history books of Indian white-ball cricket. Delivering fierce bounce and swing on a sticky Chennai deck, Krishna recorded one of the most economical and devastating power plays by an Indian bowler in over two decades.
His initial 4 wicket haul for just 6 runs puts him at par with India’s elite modern fast bowlers. Here’s how his statistical masterclass compares to the best powerplay performances by Indian bowlers in ODIs since 2002:
| Bowler | They will oppose | Powerplay Figures |
| Muhammad Siraj | Against Sri Lanka | 5 wickets for 7 runs |
| Prasidh Krishna | against Afghanistan | 4 wickets for 6 runs |
| Bhuvneshwar Kumar | Against Sri Lanka | 4 wickets for 7 runs |
| jasprit bumrah | against England | 4 wickets for 9 runs |
| Muhammad Siraj | Against Sri Lanka | 4 wickets for 17 runs |
Krishna’s ability to maintain a tight line while constantly looking for action gave the Afghan batsmen no answers. Coupled with Rohit’s impeccable, gold-standard bowling, India showed why their bowling depth remains the most feared asset in world cricket.
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