India secured a convincing seven-wicket victory over Afghanistan in the first ODI at Dharamsala. After winning the toss, India opted to bowl first. Rain interruptions reduced the contest to 25 overs per side, but the hosts adapted well to take a 1-0 lead in the three-match ODI series.
Afghanistan were bowled out for 194 in 24.5 overs, largely thanks to a sensational knock from Rahmanullah Gurbaz. The wicketkeeper-batter smashed 102 runs off just 51 deliveries, including eight fours and eight sixes. However, after his dismissal, Afghanistan struggled to maintain momentum and lost wickets at regular intervals.
India’s bowlers maintained discipline throughout the innings and prevented Afghanistan from building substantial partnerships. Debutants Gurnoor Brar and Harsh Dubey made an immediate impact by claiming three wickets each. Nitish Kumar Reddy and Arshdeep Singh also contributed effectively, picking up two wickets apiece.
Chasing 195, India began confidently with Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill at the crease. However, Rohit Sharma was run out for 16 runs off 16 balls following a mix-up with Gill. Despite the early setback, India remained in control of the chase.
Shubman Gill and Ishan Kishan then stitched together a valuable partnership to steady the innings. Kishan played an aggressive knock of 32 runs from 22 deliveries before Rashid Khan dismissed him. Shreyas Iyer added 12 runs off 15 balls but was unable to convert his start into a bigger contribution.
KL Rahul produced an entertaining innings to accelerate India’s progress towards the target. He scored 39 runs from just 19 deliveries, striking four boundaries and three sixes. His aggressive approach ensured that India completed the chase comfortably.
Captain Shubman Gill anchored the innings with a composed unbeaten 84 off 66 balls. His knock featured 11 fours and two sixes. Gill absorbed the pressure after the early wicket and guided India to a comprehensive victory in Dharamsala.
