Abhishek blast secures Indian win over Afghanistan: 1st T20 (Delhi)

Abhishek Sharma's rapid fifty was the highlight as India began the three-match T20I series against Afghanistan with a commanding seven-wicket victory in New Delhi.

Afghanistan, reduced to 43/5, recovered to post 156/8 after Azmatullah Omarzai anchored the innings with an unbeaten 64 from 44 balls, supported by Mohammad Nabi’s 33. Arshdeep Singh was India’s leading bowler with 3/19.

India made light work of the chase, reaching 157/3 in just 13.4 overs. Abhishek produced the match-winning performance, smashing 82 from only 32 balls, including seven fours and seven sixes, while Ishan Kishan added 42. India’s explosive batting ensured victory with 38 balls to spare and a 1–0 lead in the series.

India 157 for 3 (Abhishek 82, Kishan 42, Nabi 2-28) beat Afghanistan 156 for 8 (Omarzai 64, Nabi 33, Arshdeep 3-19) by seven wickets.

Sept 2026