India defeated Afghanistan by seven wickets in a rain-shortened one-day international in Dharamshala. Captain Shubman Gill led the chase with an unbeaten 84 to secure victory. Rahmanullah Gurbaz’s explosive century went in vain despite a strong start.
Afghanistan posted 194 after being put in to bat in a 25-over contest. Gurbaz smashed 102 off 48 balls, hitting eight sixes and eight boundaries. However, he lost partners regularly as India applied pressure in the middle overs.
India’s bowlers controlled the innings after Gurbaz’s dismissal. Nitish Kumar Reddy and Arshdeep Singh picked key wickets at crucial moments. Afghanistan collapsed late, losing momentum and finishing just short of a competitive total.
In response, India started steadily after losing Rohit Sharma early. Gill and Ishan Kishan built a strong partnership to stabilize the innings. Later, Gill and KL Rahul ensured a comfortable finish with aggressive yet controlled batting.
Gill reached 84 not out in 66 balls with 11 fours and two sixes. Rahul added a quick unbeaten 39 to seal the win with 13 balls remaining. The second match of the series will be played in Lucknow on Wednesday.