Dharamshala, June 13, 2026: In a rain-affected 25-over contest at the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium, India got their IDFC FIRST Bank ODI series against Afghanistan off to a winning start. Shubman Gill led from the front with a captain’s knock of 84* off 66 balls as India chased down 195 with 7 wickets and 13 balls to spare.
Afghanistan’s Fightback Led by Gurbaz’s Blazing Ton
India won the toss and elected to bowl first. Afghanistan got off to a shaky start, losing early wickets including Ibrahim Zadran and Sediqullah Atal. Debutant pacer Gurnoor Brar made an instant impact, picking up a wicket in his very first over (Ibrahim Zadran).
However, Rahmanullah Gurbaz turned the innings around with a sensational century off just 51 balls (one of the fastest in such conditions). His explosive 102 provided the backbone, helping Afghanistan post a competitive 194 all out in 24.5 overs. Captain Hashmatullah Shahidi also contributed steadily.
India’s bowling was led by the debutants. Gurnoor Brar finished with impressive figures of 3/27, while Harsh Dubey picked up 3 wickets. The pair restricted Afghanistan effectively after the powerplay.
Gill Anchors the Chase in Style
Chasing 195, India lost Rohit Sharma early (run out for 16), but Gill and Ishan Kishan (34) built a solid platform. Gill played with authority, striking 11 fours and 2 sixes in his unbeaten 84. He was well-supported by KL Rahul, who remained not out on 39 off 19 balls, sealing the victory in style.
Key Partnerships:
- Gill and others ensured a controlled chase despite the shortened format.
- India reached the target in 22.5 overs.
Shubman Gill was rightfully named Player of the Match for his match-winning performance with the bat.
Match Summary & Scorecard Highlights
- Afghanistan: 194 all out in 24.5 overs (Rahmanullah Gurbaz 102, Hashmatullah Shahidi contributions; Gurnoor Brar 3/27, Harsh Dubey 3 wickets).
- India: 195/3 in 22.5 overs (Shubman Gill 84, KL Rahul 39; India win by 7 wickets).
India now leads the 3-match ODI series 1-0. The second ODI is scheduled for June 17 in Lucknow.
Key Takeaways
- Debutants Gurnoor Brar and Harsh Dubey shone brightly, adding depth to India’s bowling attack.
- Shubman Gill’s leadership and batting prowess continue to impress, building on his recent form.
- Afghanistan showed fight through Gurbaz’s brilliance but couldn’t contain India’s strong batting lineup in the adjusted chase.
This victory sets a positive tone for India in the limited-overs series, showcasing a balanced squad ready for bigger challenges ahead. Stay tuned to DD Sports TV for more cricket updates, highlights, and analysis! 🇮🇳🏏
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