Afghanistan batter Rahmanullah Gurbaz produced a record-breaking innings against India in the first ODI at Dharamsala, even as his team suffered a defeat in a rain-affected encounter on Sunday. Gurbaz struck a blistering 102 off just 51 balls, registering one of the most explosive centuries in Afghanistan’s ODI history and marking a major milestone in his international career.
The match, reduced to 25 overs per side due to rain interruptions, saw Afghanistan opt to bat first after India won the toss. However, the visitors found themselves under early pressure after losing quick wickets and collapsing to 26/3. Gurbaz, undeterred by the situation, launched a counter-attacking innings, targeting the bowling with aggressive strokeplay and keeping Afghanistan’s hopes alive.
Gurbaz reached his century in just 48 balls, making it the fastest ODI hundred by an Afghan batter. His innings included eight boundaries and six sixes, showcasing his ability to dominate both pace and spin. He also stitched a crucial 116-run partnership with captain Hashmatullah Shahidi, who supported the recovery with a steady 27 off 30 deliveries.
Also Read: Rahmanullah Gurbaz Hits 48-Ball ODI Century, Falls Short Of Afridi's Record
With this knock, Gurbaz surpassed Ibrahim Zadran to become Afghanistan’s fourth-highest run-getter in international cricket and also became the first Afghan batter to reach 10 international centuries. He now has 4,403 runs in 143 international matches, along with 10 centuries and 20 fifties, further strengthening his reputation as one of Afghanistan’s most reliable top-order batters.
Afghanistan eventually posted 194 in 24.5 overs, with India’s debutant bowlers making an impact. Gurnoor Brar and Harsh Dubey picked up three wickets each, while Arshdeep Singh and Nitish Kumar Reddy also contributed with key breakthroughs.
In reply, India chased down the target comfortably in 22.5 overs, led by a dominant unbeaten 84 from Shubman Gill, who anchored the innings after early support from Ishan Kishan and KL Rahul. Despite the loss, Gurbaz’s explosive century remained the standout performance of the match and a historic moment for Afghan cricket.
Also Read: Rahmanullah Gurbaz Hits 48-Ball ODI Century, Falls Short Of Afridi's Record