Shubman Gill struck an unbeaten 84 off 66 balls to power India to a commanding seven-wicket victory over Afghanistan in the first ODI at the HPCA Stadium, Dharamshala on Saturday, 13 June, handing the hosts a 1-0 lead in the three-match series. The match was truncated to 25 overs per side due to rain, but India completed the chase of 195 in just 22.5 overs, never appearing under pressure.

Afghanistan's Innings: Gurbaz Blazes, Debutants Strike

Rahmanullah Gurbaz delivered a blistering 102 to give Afghanistan a fighting total, but the innings folded for 194 all out in 24.5 overs. India's two debutants were the standout performers with the ball — Gurnoor Brar claimed 3 for 27 and Harsh Dubey returned 3 for 47, sharing six wickets between them and keeping Afghanistan's lower order in check. Hashmatullah Shahidi contributed 27, but no other batter provided meaningful support to Gurbaz.

India's Chase: Gill's Authority Sets the Tone

India's reply began dramatically — Azmatullah Omarzai conceded five wides and a no-ball early on, and Rohit Sharma was struck on the wrist by a short delivery, requiring attention from the physio. Rohit recovered to find his touch, pulling Omarzai for a six that brought up his 16,000 international runs, before a mid-wicket mix-up ended his innings at 16, with the opening stand worth 46 runs.

Gill, unfazed by the early drama, was joined by Ishan Kishan, who sparkled on his return to ODI cricket with a 34 off 22 balls, featuring three fours and a six, before Rashid Khan's googly castled him in the 13th over. Shreyas Iyer added a brisk 12 before holing out to mid-on off Zia Ur Rahman Sharifi, leaving India at 137 for 3 — still well ahead of the required rate.

Gill reached his fifty off 37 balls, pulling Mohammad Nabi, and also crossed 3,000 ODI runs during the course of the chase. His knock of 11 fours and 2 sixes was a masterclass in paced aggression. KL Rahul complemented him perfectly, finishing unbeaten on 39 off 19 balls — laced with four boundaries and three sixes — as India sealed the win with 13 balls to spare in the 23rd over.

Afghanistan's Bowling Struggle

Afghanistan's attack found no rhythm in the shortened chase. Rashid Khan, their most potent weapon, picked up one wicket but went for 37 runs. The pace bowlers leaked runs throughout, allowing India's batters to dictate terms from the first over. The visitors failed to build any sustained pressure, and India maintained their unbeaten record against Afghanistan in ODI cricket.

Series Outlook

The result gives India a 1-0 lead in the three-match series, with the second ODI to follow. The performances of debutants Brar and Dubey will be a particular talking point — both claimed three wickets apiece on debut, suggesting India's bowling depth remains strong even in the absence of frontline stars. Gill's form at the top, combined with Rahul's explosive finishing, sets up the hosts as firm favourites to seal the series.

Brief Scores: Afghanistan 194 all out in 24.5 overs (Rahmanullah Gurbaz 102, Hashmatullah Shahidi 27; Gurnoor Brar 3-27, Harsh Dubey 3-47) lost to India 195/3 in 22.5 overs (Shubman Gill 84*, KL Rahul 39*; Rashid Khan 1-37, Zia Ur Rahman Sharifi 1-39) by seven wickets.