India secured a seven-wicket victory over Afghanistan in a rain-reduced 25-overs-a-side one-day international in Dharamsala on Saturday, taking a 1–0 lead in the three-match series.
Afghanistan were bowled out for 194 in 24.5 overs after being put in to bat. Rahmanullah Gurbaz struck a commanding 102, but regular wickets halted the innings after a delayed start caused by persistent rain.
Gurbaz shared a 118-run stand with captain Hashmatullah Shahidi, who made 27, after Afghanistan had slipped to 26 for 3. Debutant Gurnoor Brar and left-arm spinner Harsh Dubey claimed three wickets each, while Arshdeep Singh and Nitish Kumar Reddy also struck at key moments.
In reply, India reached the target of 195 in 21.3 overs, finishing on 195 for 3. Skipper Shubman Gill led the chase with an unbeaten 84 from 66 balls, anchoring the innings with composed stroke play.
India were given a solid start through Rohit Sharma and Gill, but Rohit was run out for 16 following a mix-up. Gill then added 70 with Ishan Kishan, who scored 34, before Kishan was dismissed by Rashid Khan.
Shreyas Iyer fell for 12, but KL Rahul’s rapid unbeaten 39 from 19 balls ensured a comfortable finish alongside Gill. Afghanistan’s bowling effort was led by Rashid Khan, while Ziaur Rahman and Mohammad Saleem took a wicket each, but lacked sustained control at the death.
The match was the first 50-over bilateral meeting between the two sides.
