Sanju Samson’s explosive 57 off 22 balls propelled India to a commanding seven-wicket victory over Afghanistan in the second Twenty20 international, securing an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series at New Delhi’s Arun Jaitley Stadium on Tuesday.

Chasing a target of 160, India reached their goal with 5.1 overs remaining, thanks to a rapid opening partnership of 88 runs in just 6.2 overs between Samson and Abhishek Sharma. Sharma contributed 39 runs from 19 deliveries, starting aggressively before being dismissed by Rashid Khan, one ball after striking a six. Samson quickly took control, striking four boundaries in one over from Azmatullah Omarzai and following with two sixes and two fours off Mohammad Nabi, who conceded 27 runs in that over.

Samson reached his half-century in 20 balls but was dismissed two balls later by Nabi, finishing with seven fours and four sixes. Despite the early loss of captain Shreyas Iyer for 11, Ishan Kishan remained unbeaten on 38, forming a crucial unbroken partnership of 40 runs with Tilak Varma (15 not out) to seal the win.

India’s bowlers had earlier restricted Afghanistan to 159 for eight. Seam bowler Nitish Kumar Reddy was the standout performer, taking three wickets for 24 runs in three overs. Jasprit Bumrah opened with a maiden over while Arshdeep Singh claimed the dangerous Rahmanullah Gurbaz for a duck early in the innings.

Afghan captain Ibrahim Zadran managed 37 runs off 33 balls, sharing a 51-run partnership with Sediqullah Atal, who scored 12. Zadran was eventually caught at deep mid-wicket off Reddy’s bowling. Following contributions from Gulbadin Naib and all-rounder Mohammad Nabi—who scored 20 runs—Rashid Khan provided some late resistance with 28 runs off 16 balls before falling to Reddy’s slower delivery in the final over.

Afghanistan’s total again fell short of the required benchmark similar to their first match score of 156 for eight. Zadran acknowledged the need for improvement in their approach, stating that the team had planned to pursue a target above 200 but failed to apply the required intent during the innings.

The third and final match of the series is scheduled for Thursday at Arun Jaitley Stadium.