Gurbaz Lights Up Dharamsala with Stunning Century
Afghanistan suffered an early collapse after losing Ibrahim Zadran, Sediqullah Atal, and Rahmat Shah cheaply. At 26/3, the visitors were under immense pressure.
However, wicketkeeper-batter Rahmanullah Gurbaz produced a sensational counterattack. Playing fearless cricket, Gurbaz smashed 102 runs from just 51 deliveries, including eight fours and eight sixes. His innings completely changed the momentum and gave Afghanistan a fighting chance.
Captain Hashmatullah Shahidi contributed a steady 27, while Azmatullah Omarzai added a quick 26 from 16 balls. Mohammad Nabi also chipped in with useful runs in the latter stages.
Afghanistan were eventually bowled out for 194 in 24.5 overs.
India's Bowlers Share the Workload
India's young bowling attack delivered a disciplined performance after the Gurbaz storm.
Gurnoor Brar impressed with three wickets, while Harsh Dubey also claimed three crucial scalps. Arshdeep Singh and Nitish Kumar Reddy picked up two wickets each, ensuring Afghanistan could not build on Gurbaz's heroics.
India Start Positively in Chase
Chasing 195 in a shortened 25-over contest, India lost Rohit Sharma after a brisk 16 runs, but the hosts never looked troubled.
Captain Shubman Gill anchored the innings beautifully, mixing elegance with aggression. He remained unbeaten on 84 from 66 balls, striking 11 boundaries and two sixes.
Ishan Kishan played an entertaining innings of 34 from 22 deliveries, helping India maintain a healthy run rate during the middle overs.
Rahul Finishes the Job
After Shreyas Iyer's departure for 12, KL Rahul joined Gill and accelerated the chase.
Rahul played a blistering unbeaten knock of 39 runs from just 19 balls at a strike rate of over 205. His innings included four boundaries and three sixes, ensuring India crossed the finish line comfortably with more than two overs to spare.
India reached 195/3 in just 22.5 overs to take a 1-0 lead in the series.
Match Highlights
Afghanistan – 194 All Out (24.5 Overs)
Rahmanullah Gurbaz – 102 (51)
Hashmatullah Shahidi – 27 (30)
Azmatullah Omarzai – 26 (16)
Mohammad Nabi – 9 (14)
India Bowling
Gurnoor Brar – 3/27
Harsh Dubey – 3/47
Arshdeep Singh – 2/27
Nitish Kumar Reddy – 2/31
India – 195/3 (22.5 Overs)
Shubman Gill – 84* (66)
KL Rahul – 39* (19)
Ishan Kishan – 34 (22)
Rohit Sharma – 16 (16)
Afghanistan Bowling
Rashid Khan – 1/37
Ziaur Rahman – 1/39
Player of the Match
Shubman Gill – 84* (66)
The Indian captain controlled the chase perfectly, combining composure and strokeplay to guide his team home without any panic.
Turning Point
Rahmanullah Gurbaz's explosive century briefly put Afghanistan in a strong position, but India's bowlers quickly wrapped up the lower order. During the chase, the partnership between Shubman Gill and Ishan Kishan ensured India stayed ahead of the required rate throughout.
Conclusion
The Dharamsala crowd witnessed an entertaining ODI filled with attacking cricket from both sides. Rahmanullah Gurbaz produced one of the finest innings of his career, but India's batting depth proved too strong. Shubman Gill's unbeaten captain's knock and KL Rahul's explosive finishing gave India a comfortable victory and an early advantage in the series.
With Afghanistan showing flashes of brilliance and India displaying their depth, fans can look forward to an exciting remainder of the ODI series.
India began their ODI series against Afghanistan with a convincing seven-wicket victory in the first...
MATCH HIGHLIGHTED
June 13, 2026
IND vs AFG- 1st ODI, 13 June 2026- Shubman Gill's Unbeaten 84 Powers India to Comfortable Victory at Dharamsala
India began their ODI series against Afghanistan with a convincing seven-wicket victory in the first match at Dharamsala on June 13, 2026. Despite a breathtaking century from Rahmanullah Gurbaz, India chased down the target of 195 with ease thanks to a classy unbeaten knock from captain Shubman Gill and explosive support from KL Rahul and Ishan Kishan.
Author: System Administrator
