India took a 1-0 lead in the three-match ODI series after defeating Afghanistan by seven wickets at the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium in Dharamsala.
After persistent rain reduced the contest to 25 overs per side, Afghanistan produced a fearless batting display led by Rahmanullah Gurbaz, who smashed his way into the record books with the fastest ODI century by an Afghan batter. The wicketkeeper-opener reached three figures in just 48 deliveries and single-handedly put India’s bowling attack under immense pressure.
Gurbaz dominated from the outset, peppering the boundary ropes with an array of powerful strokes as Afghanistan raced to a commanding position. His innings not only gave Afghanistan a realistic chance of victory but also highlighted once again why he is regarded as one of the most destructive white-ball batters in world cricket.
Despite Gurbaz’s brilliance, India managed to regain control through timely breakthroughs and disciplined bowling in the latter stages of the innings. The hosts prevented Afghanistan from fully capitalising on their explosive start and kept the target within reach heading into the chase.
India’s response was anchored by captain Shubman Gill, who continued his outstanding form in ODI cricket. Gill not only guided the chase with a match-winning unbeaten innings but also became the fastest Indian and second-fastest player overall to reach 3,000 ODI runs during the match. His knock ensured India remained firmly on course despite the pressure created by Afghanistan’s competitive total.
Ishan Kishan provided valuable support at the top of the order, while KL Rahul’s unbeaten contribution helped guide India safely to the target. The Indian batting unit remained composed throughout the chase, ensuring there were no late scares as the hosts closed out the match comfortably.
India eventually completed the chase with wickets in hand to take a 1-0 lead in the series. While the result went India’s way, much of the attention after the match centred on Gurbaz’s breathtaking century, which will be remembered as one of the finest ODI innings ever played by an Afghan batter.
The victory gives India an early advantage in the series, while Afghanistan will draw confidence from their batting performance heading into the remaining matches. If Gurbaz can continue his remarkable form, Afghanistan will remain a dangerous opponent capable of challenging one of the world’s strongest ODI sides.
Chief Scores
Afghanistan 194 all out in 24.5 overs
Rahmanullah Gurbaz 102 (51), Hashmatullah Shahidi 27, Azmatullah Omarzai 26
Gurnoor Brar 3/27, Harsh Dubey 3/47, Arshdeep Singh 2/27, Nitish Kumar Reddy 2/31
India 195/3 in 22.5 overs
Shubman Gill 84 not out, KL Rahul 39 not out, Ishan Kishan 34
Rashid Khan 1/37, Zia-ur-Rehman Sharifi 1/39
Result: India won by 7 wickets
Player of the Match: Shubman Gill
Hashtags
#IndiaVsAfghanistan #INDvAFG #ShubmanGill #RahmanullahGurbaz #KLRahul #IshanKishan #ODICricket #CricketNews #TeamIndia #AfghanistanCricket
