Gill Slams 84 as India Beat Afghanistan in Rain-Hit ODI Openerm

DHARAMSALA, India — India’s captain Shubman Gill led from the front with a majestic, unbeaten 84 to guide India to a comfortable seven-wicket victory over Afghanistan on Saturday, June 13, 2026. The rain-marred encounter at the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium saw a spectacular opening performance from Afghanistan's Rahmanullah Gurbaz, whose blistering 102 went in vain. Persistent weather disruptions delayed play, forcing officials to reduce the match to a rapid 25-overs-a-side contest, kicking off a fresh bilateral series cycle for both squads.

Gurbaz Hits Record Century Before India Fights Back

After India won the toss and opted to bowl, Afghanistan suffered an early collapse, slipping to 26 for 3 within the first five overs under heavy clouds. Indian pace debutant Gurnoor Brar and seasoned swing bowler Arshdeep Singh extracted significant movement from the damp pitch to remove the top order rapidly.

However, opener Rahmanullah Gurbaz countered with extreme aggression, manufacturing a historic recovery. Gurbaz reached his century in just 48 deliveries, registering the fastest One Day International (ODI) hundred by an Afghanistan batter. His high-quality 102 off 51 balls included eight boundaries and eight sixes, single-handedly carrying the visiting side's offensive momentum.

The Indian bowling unit recovered in the middle overs through debutant spinner Harsh Dubey and all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy. Dubey shook off an expensive opening over to clean up the lower order, matching Brar's debut figures of 3 wickets. The collaborative bowling squeeze forced Afghanistan's remaining batsmen into rash choices, bowling the visitors out for 194 runs in exactly 24.5 overs.

Gill Guides India to Victory with Composed Chase

Chasing a demanding revised target of 195 from 25 overs, India required a scoring rate of nearly eight runs per over right from the start. Opening batsman Rohit Sharma contributed 16 runs off 16 balls, including a signature pull shot for six, before a costly misunderstanding resulted in a run-out in the sixth over.

Shubman Gill stabilized the innings, rotating strike efficiently and dispatching boundaries with standard precision. Gill found an able partner in Ishan Kishan, who hit 34 off 22 deliveries during his highly anticipated ODI comeback before falling to a sharp googly from Rashid Khan.

Gill took control against Afghanistan's acclaimed spin trio of Rashid Khan, Mohammad Nabi, and Allah Ghazanfar, punishing short deliveries and clearing the ropes twice. Following Kishan's departure, wicketkeeper-batsman KL Rahul stepped up with a rapid cameo, smashing 39 not out off 19 balls, which featured a brilliant extra-cover six off Ziaur Rahman. Gill finished the game with a fine boundary, remaining unbeaten on 84 off 66 balls as India cruised to 195 for 3 with 13 balls remaining.

Official Sources Section

According to official match data released by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and the International Cricket Council (ICC), India now holds a 1-0 lead in the three-match bilateral ODI series. Match officials confirmed that play was delayed twice by rain for four and 15 minutes, respectively, triggering the standard dynamic overs reduction protocol.

Quote Section

"We did exceptionally well to pull things back after Rahmanullah Gurbaz started hitting those extraordinary shots," India captain Shubman Gill stated during the post-match presentation ceremony. "Our debutants Gurnoor Brar and Harsh Dubey showed great character to bounce back. The middle overs are always crucial in limited-overs cricket; if you rotate the strike well and preserve your wickets, you set up the game nicely."

Why It Matters

This opening fixture signals the formal beginning of tactical adjustments for both nations looking ahead to the 2027 ODI World Cup. For India, the flawless integration of fresh bowling talent like Gurnoor Brar and Harsh Dubey provides crucial depth. For Afghanistan, the ability to put up a competitive total against a top-tier bowling line-up despite a top-order collapse indicates clear growth in their white-ball capabilities.

Key Facts at a Glance

• The Result: India won by seven wickets, chasing down 195 runs in 22.5 overs to take a 1-0 lead.

• The Standout: Rahmanullah Gurbaz scored 102 off 51 balls, achieving the fastest ODI century by an Afghan cricketer.

• Captain's Knock: Player of the Match Shubman Gill anchored the chase successfully with an unbeaten 84 off 66 balls.

• Debuts: Indian bowlers Gurnoor Brar (3/27) and Harsh Dubey (3/47) claimed three wickets each on their international debuts.

FAQ Section

What was the final score of the India vs Afghanistan 1st ODI?

Afghanistan scored 194 all out in 24.5 overs. India chased down the revised target, scoring 195 for 3 in 22.5 overs to win by seven wickets.

Why was the match reduced to 25 overs per side?

Persistent rainfall at the Dharamsala venue delayed the start of the match twice, causing a loss of time that required match officials to reduce the contest to 25 overs per team.

Who won the Player of the Match award?

India's captain Shubman Gill won the award for his match-winning, unbeaten knock of 84 runs along with a critical catch in the field.

Where and when will the next match of this ODI series take place?

The second ODI between India and Afghanistan is scheduled to take place on June 17, 2026, at the Ekana International Cricket Stadium in Lucknow.

Source: Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) Regulatory Media Release, International Cricket Council (ICC) Match Statistics Database, Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium Ground Official Briefing.