India Crush Afghanistan by 7 Wickets in Rain-Reduced First ODI

India got their three-match ODI series against Afghanistan off to a commanding start, defeating the visitors by seven wickets in a rain-shortened opening encounter. The match was reduced to 25 overs per side, with Afghanistan posting a challenging 195-run target. Team India chased it down comfortably in just 22.5 overs, losing only three wickets.

Captain Shubman Gill led from the front with a magnificent unbeaten 84 off 66 balls, studded with 11 fours and 2 sixes. KL Rahul provided a explosive finish, smashing an unbeaten 39 off just 19 balls (4 fours, 3 sixes) to seal the victory with 13 balls to spare.

India’s chase got off to a brisk start. Rohit Sharma scored a quick 16 before being run out, while Ishan Kishan contributed a lively 34. Gill anchored the innings with composure, and Rahul’s late onslaught ensured a dominant win, giving India a 1-0 lead in the series.

Earlier, Afghanistan’s innings was powered by a blistering century from opener Rahmanullah Gurbaz, who smashed 102 off just 51 balls (8 fours, 8 sixes) at a strike rate of 200. Despite his heroics, lack of support from the other batters proved costly. Hashmatullah Shahidi (27) and Azmatullah Omarzai (26) offered brief resistance, but once Gurbaz departed, the Afghan innings collapsed.

Young Indian pacers shone brightly with the ball. Gurnoor Brar and Harshit Dubey picked up three wickets each, while Arshdeep Singh and Nitish Kumar Reddy claimed two apiece. Nitish Kumar Reddy’s dismissal of the dangerous Gurbaz was the turning point of the match. Afghanistan were bundled out for 194 in 24.5 overs.

The second ODI of the series will be played on June 17 in Lucknow.