India beat Afghanistan by seven wickets as rain cuts short first ODI

India secured a convincing seven-wicket victory over Afghanistan in the first ODI after rain forced the match to be curtailed to 25 overs per side. Chasing a revised target, the hosts reached 195/3 in 22.5 overs, with Shubman Gill anchoring the innings through an unbeaten half-century.

Afghanistan, batting first, posted 194/10 in 24.5 overs after a mixed display that was powered by a sensational century from Rahmanullah Gurbaz. The wicketkeeper-batter dominated the Indian bowling attack, smashing 102 off just 51 balls with eight fours and eight sixes. His aggressive approach gave Afghanistan early momentum, but regular wickets at the other end prevented the visitors from building an even bigger total.

Gurbaz shines, but India strike back

Apart from Gurbaz, Afghanistan struggled to find substantial contributions. Hashmatullah Shahidi scored 27, while Azmatullah Omarzai added a quick 26. The rest of the batting lineup failed to make an impact as India’s bowlers fought back strongly.

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Harsh Dubey and Gurnoor Brar were the standout performers with the ball, claiming three wickets each.

Arshdeep Singh and Nitish Kumar Reddy chipped in with two wickets apiece as Afghanistan lost momentum after their explosive start.

Gill guides India home

India’s chase began with an early setback when captain Rohit Sharma was run out for 16. However, Shubman Gill and Ishan Kishan quickly steadied the innings. Kishan played an attacking knock of 34 from 22 deliveries before departing with India well placed.

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Gill remained in complete control throughout the chase, scoring an unbeaten 84 off 66 balls, including 11 fours and two sixes. His partnership with KL Rahul proved decisive as the duo ensured there were no late hiccups.

Rahul provided valuable support with an unbeaten 39 from 19 balls, striking four boundaries and three sixes. Shreyas Iyer also contributed 12 runs before falling to Zia Ur Rahman Sharifi.

India eventually crossed the target with 13 balls to spare, sealing a comfortable seven-wicket win and taking a 1-0 lead in the ODI series against Afghanistan.