IND vs AFG 1st ODI LIVE Gill And Kishan Stabilise India After Rohit Sharma’s Departure
India chase 195 vs Afghanistan in rain-shortened 1st ODI.
India are chasing a revised target of 195 runs against Afghanistan in the first ODI of the series, which is being played in a rain-shortened 25-over contest at the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium in Dharamsala on Saturday.
Afghanistan were bowled out for 194 in 24.5 overs after opting to bat first, despite a strong resistance led by opener Rahmanullah Gurbaz. The Afghan batter played a blazing innings of 102 runs off just 51 deliveries, striking eight fours and eight sixes in a counterattacking knock that revived his side after an early collapse. At one stage, Afghanistan were under severe pressure at 25 for 3 in 4.3 overs before Gurbaz anchored the recovery.
India’s bowling attack made early inroads, with debutants Gurnoor Brar and Harsh Dubey sharing the spotlight by taking three wickets each. Dubey finished with figures of 3 for 47, while Brar impressed with 3 for 27, applying consistent pressure through disciplined bowling. Their breakthroughs ensured Afghanistan were unable to fully capitalise on Gurbaz’s century and were eventually bundled out short of a bigger total.
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In response, India began their chase confidently, with captain Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill providing a steady start at the top of the order. The pair looked to settle into the innings while maintaining a healthy scoring rate under revised conditions. Gill continued to anchor the innings as India aimed to stay on course in the reduced-overs chase.
Afghanistan’s early bowling efforts focused on restricting boundaries and building pressure through tight lines, but India’s openers rotated strike effectively to keep the scoreboard moving. With the target adjusted due to rain interruptions, the match situation demanded a balanced approach between caution and aggression from the Indian batting unit.
As the chase progressed, Shubman Gill and Ishan Kishan kept India on track after the departure of Rohit Sharma, ensuring stability in the middle phase of the innings. The contest remained evenly poised, with both sides still in contention depending on how India handled the remaining overs and Afghanistan’s bowling response under pressure.
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