Gurbaz's 102 off 51 balls stuns India in Dharamshala ODI, credits Gambhir
Synopsis
Rahmanullah Gurbaz's 102 off 51 balls — the fastest ODI century by an Afghan batter — wasn't just a display of power hitting. It came with a twist: Gurbaz credited India's own head coach Gautam Gambhir for the advice that unlocked his shot selection. In a rain-hit 25-over game at Dharamshala, Afghanistan posted 194 before India's debutants Gurnoor Brar and Harsh Dubey each took three wickets to dismiss the visitors.
Key Takeaways
Rahmanullah Gurbaz scored 102 off 51 balls for Afghanistan in the first ODI against India at HPCA Stadium, Dharamshala on 13 June .
Gurbaz reached his century in 48 balls — the fastest ODI hundred by an Afghan batter and the second fastest against India in ODIs.
He credited a post-Test conversation with India head coach Gautam Gambhir for helping him refine his shot selection.
Afghanistan were bowled out for 194 in 24.5 overs in a match reduced to 25 overs per side by rain.
Debutants Gurnoor Brar and Harsh Dubey took 3 wickets each ; Arshdeep Singh claimed 2 .
Rahmanullah Gurbaz smashed a breathtaking 102 off 51 balls to anchor Afghanistan's batting in the rain-curtailed first ODI against India at the HPCA Stadium, Dharamshala on Saturday, 13 June — and the opener credited a post-Test conversation with India head coach Gautam Gambhir for sharpening his shot selection ahead of the knock.
The Innings That Defined the Day
Gurbaz raced to his ninth ODI century in just 48 balls — the fastest hundred by an Afghan batter in the format and the second fastest ever recorded against India in ODIs. His clean striking was the centrepiece of Afghanistan's batting effort in a match reduced to 25 overs per side by rain. Despite the fireworks, Afghanistan were bowled out for 194 in 24.5 overs, unable to bat out their full allocation.
The Gambhir Conversation
Speaking at the mid-innings break, Gurbaz revealed that a candid exchange with Gambhir following the recent Test match in New Chandigarh had proved transformative. 'After the Test match, I had a very good conversation with Gautam Gambhir, sir. That discussion really helped me. I worked on those ideas in the nets, and I'm very grateful for the guidance,' Gurbaz told broadcasters.
He elaborated: 'When the Test match ended, I told him that I wanted to improve my shot selection. He shared some positive ideas, and I was able to apply them today. I just tried to play positively, and it worked for me.' The episode underscores an unusual dynamic — a rival nation's batter openly acknowledging the influence of the opposition's own coaching staff.
Approach in a Shortened Game
Gurbaz said the 25-over format demanded clarity of intent from the outset. 'I think the approach was very simple and easy, just to play positive cricket. We knew it was a 25-over game, but I know my game as well. I just backed myself and played for the team. It was nice to contribute,' he said. He also acknowledged the pitch offered assistance to spinners, noting: 'To be honest, the wicket isn't easy, especially against spin. There was some turn and assistance for the spinners. But my focus was on backing myself and staying positive.'
India's Bowling Response
India's debutants Gurnoor Brar and Harsh Dubey picked up three wickets each, while Arshdeep Singh claimed two, collectively restricting Afghanistan to 194 despite Gurbaz's assault. The performance of the two newcomers on debut will be among the key talking points as the series progresses.
What Gurbaz Said About the Milestone
'It's always nice to do something for your country and make everyone proud. I trust my training and preparation. I work hard, and this innings is the result of that hard work. Scoring a hundred against India in India is special, but as I mentioned, it's the reward for the effort I've put in,' Gurbaz added. The match result and India's chase are set to determine the series opener's outcome, with Afghanistan's bowlers now tasked with defending a modest total on a spin-friendly surface.
Point of View
However well-intentioned, handed Afghanistan a tactical edge. Beyond the optics, the innings exposed India's vulnerability at the top of the powerplay in the 25-over format. Debutants Brar and Dubey taking three wickets each is a positive signal, but conceding 194 in under 25 overs against a side ranked below India should prompt a harder look at the bowling unit's powerplay economy. The spin-friendly Dharamshala surface could yet be the decisive factor in India's chase.
NationPress
12 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
How many runs did Rahmanullah Gurbaz score in the first ODI against India?
Rahmanullah Gurbaz scored 102 runs off just 51 balls in the first ODI against India at HPCA Stadium, Dharamshala on 13 June. It was his ninth ODI century and the fastest by an Afghan batter in the format.
Why did Gurbaz credit Gautam Gambhir after his innings?
Gurbaz said a conversation with India head coach Gautam Gambhir after the recent Test match in New Chandigarh helped him work on his shot selection. He applied those ideas in the nets and credited Gambhir's guidance for his improved approach in the ODI.
What was Afghanistan's total in the first ODI at Dharamshala?
Afghanistan were bowled out for 194 in 24.5 overs in a match reduced to 25 overs per side due to rain. Despite Gurbaz's century, the lower order could not capitalise further.
Which Indian bowlers took wickets in the first ODI against Afghanistan?
Debutants Gurnoor Brar and Harsh Dubey took three wickets each, while Arshdeep Singh claimed two wickets as India bowled Afghanistan out for 194.
What record did Gurbaz set with his century against India?
Gurbaz's century in 48 balls is the fastest ODI hundred by an Afghanistan batter and the second fastest century scored against India in ODIs.
