India have won the 1st ODI from Afghanistan by 7 wickets and 13 balls to left in their innings. India opened the first-ever bilateral ODI series against Afghanistan with a convincing victory in a rain-affected contest. Despite weather interruptions and a shortened match the hosts remained in control for most of the game and secured a comfortable win.
The match began under gloomy conditions as persistent drizzle delayed proceedings for several hours. The rain refused to ease early on, forcing players and fans into a lengthy wait.
Eventually, the weather improved and officials reduced the contest to 25 overs per side. India won the toss and chose to field first, hoping to take advantage of the conditions.
India’s pace attack struck quickly and put Afghanistan under pressure from the start. The visitors lost three wickets for just 26 runs inside the opening five overs, leaving them in serious trouble.
However Rahmanullah Gurbaz responded with a brilliant counterattack. The opener played aggressively and reached a rapid century, registering the fastest ODI hundred by an Afghan batter.
While Gurbaz carried the innings, he received little support from the other end. As wickets continued to fall, Afghanistan struggled to build partnerships and eventually finished with a modest total below 200.
India’s debutants made a strong impression in the 1st ODI against Afghanistan. Harsh Dubey and Gurnoor Brar both claimed three wickets and played key roles in restricting the visitors.
Chasing a challenging run rate from the outset, India’s openers came out with positive intent. They attacked early and ensured the required rate never became a concern.
Rohit Sharma looked comfortable before a run-out ended his stay at the crease. Nevertheless, the dismissal did not slow India’s progress.
Shubman Gill took control of the chase and anchored the innings with maturity. The captain remained unbeaten on 84 and guided the team throughout the pursuit.
Meanwhile Ishan Kishan played several attractive strokes and kept the scoreboard moving. Later KL Rahul accelerated the scoring rate with an explosive finish. His unbeaten 39 from only 19 deliveries effectively sealed the result.
Afghanistan’s bowlers tried to fight back during the middle overs. Their spinners led by Rashid Khan managed to apply some pressure and slow India’s scoring.
However the total proved too small to create sustained pressure. The bowlers lacked enough opportunities to force mistakes and struggled to take regular wickets.
On a ground known for high-scoring matches defending a target below 200 in a shortened game was always going to be difficult.
In the end India completed the chase in the 1st ODI against Afghanistan with confidence and rarely looked troubled. Afghanistan showed flashes of resistance but needed more breakthroughs to challenge the hosts.
The victory gives India a 1-0 lead in the series and continues their strong start under Shubman Gill’s leadership. Afghanistan meanwhile, will look to bounce back in the next match and level the series.