📅 June 13, 2026 | By Pulse India News Desk
India made a confident start to the ODI series with a comprehensive seven-wicket win over Afghanistan in a rain-shortened 25-over contest.
Afghanistan were powered by a breathtaking century from Rahmanullah Gurbaz, who smashed 102 off 51 balls. However, India fought back strongly after his dismissal and bowled Afghanistan out for 194 in 24.5 overs.
In reply, Shubman Gill anchored the chase with a classy unbeaten 84 off 66 balls, while Ishan Kishan and KL Rahul added quick runs to help India reach 195/3 in 22.5 overs.
Afghanistan: 194 all out in 24.5 overs
India: 195/3 in 22.5 overs
Result: India won by 7 wickets
Player of the Match: Shubman Gill – 84* off 66 balls
📊 Match in Phases
| Phase | Afghanistan | India | Key Story |
|---|---|---|---|
| Powerplay | 27/3 | 40/0 | India struck early with the ball and started strongly in the chase |
| Middle Overs | Gurbaz counterattack | Gill controls chase | Gurbaz’s century put India under pressure before Gill restored control |
| Death Overs | Collapse after Gurbaz | Rahul finishes fast | Afghanistan lost momentum late, while India finished the chase with ease |
India won the toss and chose to bowl first in Dharamsala, and the decision looked excellent early on.
Afghanistan slipped to 26/3 inside the first five overs as India’s new-ball bowlers created early pressure.
But Rahmanullah Gurbaz changed the mood of the innings with a stunning counterattack. He struck 8 fours and 8 sixes in a sensational 102 off 51 balls.
His 116-run stand with captain Hashmatullah Shahidi gave Afghanistan a strong platform and briefly put India under immense pressure.
However, once Gurbaz fell to Nitish Kumar Reddy at 142/4, Afghanistan lost their rhythm badly.
Hashmatullah Shahidi made 27 and Azmatullah Omarzai added a quick 26 off 16 balls, but Afghanistan failed to maximise the final overs.
India’s debutants made a strong impression, with Gurnoor Brar taking 3/27 and Harsh Dubey also picking up 3 wickets.
Chasing 195, India got a steady start from Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill before a mix-up ended Rohit’s innings for 16.
Gill then took control of the chase, combining timing, placement and clean boundary-hitting to keep India ahead of the required rate.
Ishan Kishan played a bright cameo of 34 off 22 balls, while KL Rahul finished the job in style with an unbeaten 39 off 19 balls.
India eventually completed the chase in 22.5 overs, continuing their unbeaten ODI record against Afghanistan.
🔥 Shubman Gill: 84* off 66 balls – calm, classy and match-winning chase.
🔥 Rahmanullah Gurbaz: 102 off 51 balls – explosive century with 8 fours and 8 sixes.
🔥 KL Rahul: 39* off 19 balls – powerful finishing knock with four fours and three sixes.
🔥 Gurnoor Brar: 3/27 – impressive debut spell with key late wickets.
🔥 Harsh Dubey: 3/47 – important breakthroughs in the middle and death overs.
🔥 Ishan Kishan: 34 off 22 balls – aggressive No. 3 cameo that kept India ahead.
The biggest turning point was the dismissal of Rahmanullah Gurbaz in the 16th over.
Afghanistan were well placed at 142/3 with Gurbaz batting on 102, but his wicket triggered a sharp collapse. From that position, Afghanistan were bowled out for 194, leaving themselves short of a match-winning total.
❌ Lost three early wickets inside the first five overs.
❌ Could not build strongly after Gurbaz’s dismissal.
❌ Middle and lower order failed to capitalise on a strong platform.
❌ Pacers leaked too many runs in the chase.
❌ Rashid Khan took a wicket but could not control India’s scoring rate.
❌ Gill and Rahul were allowed to finish the game without enough pressure.
Shubman Gill produced a captain’s innings in India’s chase.
After Rohit Sharma was run out, Gill absorbed pressure and ensured India never lost control of the required rate.
His unbeaten 84 off 66 balls included 11 fours and 2 sixes, and his calm presence allowed Ishan Kishan and KL Rahul to play freely around him.
📌 Afghanistan were bowled out for 194 in 24.5 overs.
📌 India chased the target in 22.5 overs, finishing on 195/3.
📌 Rahmanullah Gurbaz scored 102 off 51 balls at a strike rate of 200.
📌 Shubman Gill remained unbeaten on 84 off 66 balls.
📌 KL Rahul scored 39* off 19 balls at a strike rate of 205.26.
📌 India have won 23 of their 30 ODI run-chases since 2023.
📌 India’s ODI chase win percentage since 2023 stands at 76.6%, the best among all teams.
📌 India remain unbeaten against Afghanistan in ODIs.
This was a strong all-round performance from India in a shortened ODI.
Afghanistan had India under real pressure when Rahmanullah Gurbaz was going all guns blazing, but India responded well after his dismissal. The debutants showed composure, and the bowling group finished the innings strongly.
With the bat, India looked confident throughout the chase. Shubman Gill controlled the innings beautifully, Ishan Kishan added quick momentum at No. 3, and KL Rahul closed the match with power and clarity.
Afghanistan will feel they left runs behind in the final 10 overs. Gurbaz gave them a brilliant platform, but the lower order could not turn it into a bigger total.
India now take a 1-0 lead in the series, with both teams travelling to Lucknow for the second ODI on the 17th.
