The ODI series opener between India and Afghanistan at the HPCA Stadium turned into a thrilling 25-over chase due to rain. Skipper Shubman Gill’s unbeaten 84 led India to a seven-wicket victory over Afghanistan. Despite Rahmanullah Gurbaz’s impressive 102, India bowled out Afghanistan for 194, with debutants Gurnoor Brar and Harsh Dubey taking three wickets each.
India’s chase saw a solid start from skipper Rohit Sharma, but it was Gill’s authoritative knock that stole the show. Gill’s 66-ball innings, comprising 11 fours and 2 sixes, guided India to victory with 13 balls to spare. Contributions from Ishan Kishan and KL Rahul further solidified India’s dominance in the chase, with Rahul’s unbeaten 39 off 19 balls sealing the win.
The Afghan bowlers struggled to contain India’s batsmen, with Rashid Khan managing only one wicket despite being expensive. India’s batters, led by Gill, maintained control throughout the chase, never letting the pressure build. With this win, India extended their unbeaten record against Afghanistan in ODIs, taking a 1-0 lead in the three-match series.
