India crushed Afghanistan by seven wickets with 13 balls to spare in the rain-affected first ODI of the three-match series in Dharamsala. Rain delayed the start of the match, and it was eventually reduced to 25 overs per side.
After being asked to bat first, Afghanistan lost three quick wickets inside the first five overs. However, Rahmanullah Gurbaz steadied the innings with a blazing knock of 102 runs off 51 balls. He added 116 runs for the fourth wicket with Hashmatullah Shahidi and kept Afghanistan in the contest.
After Nitish Kumar Reddy (2/31 in 4 overs) dismissed Gurbaz in the 16th over, Gurnoor Brar (3/27 in 4.5 overs) and Harsh Dubey (3/47 in 5 overs) wrapped up the innings. Afghanistan were bowled out for 194 in 24.5 overs. Arshdeep Singh also picked up two wickets.
In reply, Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill gave India a flying start. After Rohit was run out in the sixth over, Ishan Kishan came in at No. 3 and added 70 runs for the second wicket with Gill before Rashid Khan (1/37 in 5 overs) dismissed him.
Gill held one end firmly and guided India towards the target. KL Rahul then provided the finishing touches with a fiery unbeaten 39 off just 19 balls. Gill remained unbeaten on 84 off 66 balls. Both Rahul and Gill stayed not out as India chased down the target with 13 balls to spare.
With the win, India moved 1-0 ahead in the three-match ODI series and gained valuable momentum heading into the second match.
Gurbaz Lights Up Dharamsala With Stunning Century
Afghanistan's innings revolved around Rahmanullah Gurbaz, who played a breathtaking knock of 102 from just 51 balls. The innings became the fastest ODI century by an Afghanistan batter and his ninth century in the format.
Gurbaz started aggressively from the very first over. He attacked Arshdeep Singh and collected a four and a six to put India under pressure early.
However, Afghanistan suffered quick setbacks at the other end. Gurnoor Brar struck in his first spell when Ibrahim Zadran chipped a catch to mid-off. Arshdeep then removed Sediqullah Atal and Rahmat Shah as Afghanistan slipped to 26 for 3 inside five overs.
Gurbaz and Shahidi Rebuild Afghanistan
With wickets falling around him, Gurbaz took control of the innings. Along with captain Hashmatullah Shahidi, he added 116 runs for the fourth wicket in just 11 overs.
Gurbaz attacked almost every Indian bowler. He struck Prasidh Krishna for consecutive boundaries and then targeted Harsh Dubey with a four and a six. He reached his half-century in only 25 balls.
The opener continued his assault against Washington Sundar, smashing a four and two sixes in one over. Shahidi played the supporting role by rotating the strike and adding occasional boundaries.
Gurbaz moved into the nineties with a huge six over long-off and completed his century in just 48 deliveries. At that stage, Afghanistan looked set for a total beyond 220.
India Fight Back Strongly
India turned the game around after Gurbaz's dismissal. Nitish Kumar Reddy cleaned up Gurbaz in the 16th over, ending the dangerous partnership. Harsh Dubey then picked up his maiden international wicket by dismissing Shahidi.
Azmatullah Omarzai briefly counterattacked with two sixes but fell to Dubey soon after. Afghanistan's lower order failed to build momentum as wickets continued to tumble.
Gill produced a stunning one-handed catch at slip to dismiss AM Ghazanfar. Afghanistan eventually collapsed from a strong position and were bowled out for 194 in 24.5 overs. Dubey and Gurnoor finished with three wickets each, while Arshdeep and Reddy claimed two wickets apiece.
India Begin Chase in Positive Fashion
India's chase started dramatically. Omarzai bowled a chaotic opening over that included five wides, a no-ball and another wide before delivering a legal ball.
Rohit Sharma looked aggressive despite taking a painful blow on his glove. He struck a six and a four and appeared comfortable before a mix-up with Gill ended his innings. A misunderstanding between the two batters resulted in Rohit being run out for 16.
Gill and Kishan Keep India on Course
Gill continued to bat with confidence and elegance. He played several stylish strokes and controlled the innings from one end. Ishan Kishan, playing his first ODI since October 2023, quickly found rhythm. The left-hander scored 34 from 22 balls and shared a brisk 70-run partnership with Gill.
The pair kept the required run rate under control and collected boundaries regularly. Gill brought up his half-century from just 37 balls and also became the second-fastest batter to reach 3,000 ODI runs. Kishan eventually lost his wicket to a Rashid Khan googly after attempting an attacking shot.
Rahul Finishes the Job
Shreyas Iyer struggled for fluency during his brief stay and managed only 12 runs. However, KL Rahul ensured there were no late hiccups. Rahul attacked from the start and shifted momentum firmly in India's favour. He hit Ziaur Rahman for a six and three boundaries in one over before adding another effortless six.
Gill remained unbeaten on 84 from 66 balls, while Rahul finished unbeaten on 39 from 19 deliveries.
The pair added an unbroken 53-run stand and guided India home in 22.5 overs. Rahul struck the winning runs as India completed a convincing chase.
Brief Scorecard
