The ODI series opener between India and Afghanistan at the HPCA Stadium saw an exciting 25-over chase due to rain. Skipper Shubman Gill’s unbeaten 84 led India to a seven-wicket victory, with debutants Brar and Dubey taking three wickets each to restrict Afghanistan to 194. Gill’s authoritative innings, supported by Kishan and Rahul, ensured India’s comfortable win with 13 balls to spare.
India’s chase began with a solid start by Rohit Sharma before Gill took charge with fluent strokeplay, hitting 11 fours and two sixes. Ishan Kishan’s aggressive 34 and KL Rahul’s quick 39 not out further solidified India’s dominance. Despite Rashid Khan’s lone wicket, Afghanistan’s bowlers struggled as India maintained control throughout the chase, extending their unbeaten record against Afghanistan.
Gurbaz’s explosive century for Afghanistan, the fastest by an Afghan batter against India, initially threatened India’s bowlers. However, India’s disciplined bowling, led by Brar and Dubey’s three-fors, restricted Afghanistan to 194. Gurbaz’s dismissal marked a turning point, with only Shahidi and Omarzai offering resistance. India’s bowlers, initially under pressure, smartly pulled things back in the final overs to secure a convincing victory.
