India began their Afghanistan ODI series on a winning note with a commanding seven-wicket victory in the opening match at the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium. In a contest reduced to 25 overs per side due to rain interruptions, the hosts chased down Afghanistan’s target with remarkable ease, reaching 195/3 in just 22.5 overs.
The match belonged to Shubman Gill, whose composed yet authoritative unbeaten innings guided India through the chase and earned him the Player of the Match award. While Afghanistan produced moments of brilliance with the bat, India’s all-round performance ultimately proved too strong.
Afghanistan’s innings was built around a breathtaking century from wicketkeeper-batter Rahmanullah Gurbaz. The explosive opener unleashed an aggressive assault on the Indian bowling attack, smashing 102 runs from only 51 deliveries. His innings featured eight fours and eight sixes, keeping Afghanistan on course for a formidable total despite wickets falling regularly at the other end.
The visitors suffered an early setback when Ibrahim Zadran departed cheaply, and they continued to lose wickets throughout the innings. Captain Hashmatullah Shahidi contributed 27 runs, while Azmatullah Omarzai provided valuable support with a quick-fire 26. Mohammad Nabi added nine runs, but Afghanistan struggled to establish substantial partnerships outside Gurbaz’s dominant stand.
India’s bowlers maintained pressure despite the rapid scoring rate. Harsh Dubey impressed with three wickets, while Gurnoor Brar also claimed three crucial scalps. Arshdeep Singh and Nitish Kumar Reddy chipped in with two wickets each, ensuring Afghanistan were bowled out for 194 in 24.5 overs.
Chasing 195 in a shortened contest required a positive approach, and India delivered from the outset. Rohit Sharma provided an early spark before being run out for 16. However, Gill quickly settled into his rhythm and took control of the innings with a blend of elegant strokeplay and calculated aggression.
Ishan Kishan made a valuable contribution of 34 from 22 balls, striking at over 150, while Shreyas Iyer added 12. Afghanistan briefly found hope through Rashid Khan, who dismissed Kishan and kept things tight during his spell, but India’s batting depth ensured there would be no dramatic twist.
Gill remained unbeaten on 84 from 66 deliveries, an innings decorated with 11 boundaries and two sixes. His calm presence anchored the chase while allowing others to play freely around him. KL Rahul then accelerated in spectacular fashion, finishing unbeaten on 39 from just 19 balls, including four fours and three sixes, to bring India home comfortably.
Afghanistan’s bowlers struggled to contain the Indian batters, with Rashid Khan and Zia Ur Rahman Sharifi taking a wicket each. The remaining attack found little success as India maintained a scoring rate above eight runs per over throughout the chase.
The victory gives India an early advantage in the series and highlights the depth available within their squad. For Afghanistan, Gurbaz’s sensational century was a major positive, but the lack of support from the middle order and difficulties with the ball ultimately cost them.
With the series now underway, both teams will look to build on their performances as India seek to extend their lead and Afghanistan aim to bounce back in the upcoming fixtures.
