Gurbaz ton in vain as Gill inspires Indian win over Afghanistan: 1st ODI (Dharamsala)

Afghanistan posted a competitive 194 all out in 24.5 overs in the rain-shortened opening ODI at Dharamsala, thanks almost entirely to a breathtaking century from Rahmanullah Gurbaz, who smashed 102 from 51 balls.

The wicketkeeper-batter dominated the innings with aggressive strokeplay, while India’s debutants made an immediate impact, with Gurnoor Brar (3/41) and Harsh Dubey (3/42) sharing six wickets to prevent the visitors from building an even bigger total.

India chased down the target with impressive control, reaching 195/3 in 22.5 overs to secure a seven-wicket victory and a 1-0 lead in the series. Captain Shubman Gill anchored the innings with an unbeaten 84 from 66 balls, becoming the fastest Indian to reach 3,000 ODI runs in the process, while KL Rahul finished unbeaten on 39 from 19 balls.

The comfortable chase ensured India wrapped up the contest with more than two overs to spare.

India 195 for 3 (Gill 84*, Rahul 39*, Kishan 34, Rashid 1-37) beat Afghanistan 194 (Gurbaz 102, Gurnoor 3-27, Dubey 3-47, Arshdeep 2-27) by seven wickets.

June 2026.