Categories: Cricket

Fans react as Abhishek Sharma’s blistering knock propels India to dominating win over Afghanistan in 1st T20I



India began their Afghanistan vs India in India 2026 campaign in emphatic fashion, defeating Afghanistan by seven wickets in the opening T20I at the Arun Jaitley Stadium. After India won the toss and opted to bowl first, Afghanistan posted 156/8 in their allotted 20 overs, but the hosts made light work of the target, reaching 157/3 in just 13.4 overs.

The contest saw Afghanistan recover from a difficult start through a crucial partnership between Azmatullah Omarzai and Mohammad Nabi, while India’s chase was dominated by an explosive innings from Abhishek Sharma. The left-hander smashed 82 off only 32 deliveries to ensure India secured victory with plenty of overs to spare.

Afghanistan recover after early setbacks

Afghanistan endured a challenging beginning after being asked to bat first. Rahmanullah Gurbaz departed for a two-ball duck, while Ibrahim Zadran managed only 11 off 10 deliveries. Sediqullah Atal added 13 from 13 balls before Gulbadin Naib and Darwish Rasooli fell for two runs apiece, leaving Afghanistan in serious trouble during the early stages.

India’s bowlers maintained the pressure with disciplined spells, with Arshdeep Singh emerging as the standout performer. The left-arm seamer claimed three wickets while conceding just 19 runs from his four overs. Jasprit Bumrah also kept things tight, returning figures of 1/26, while Varun Chakaravarthy picked up 1/16 in his four-over spell.

Azmatullah Omarzai and Mohammad Nabi lead Afghanistan’s fightback

With Afghanistan struggling for momentum, Omarzai produced a superb counter-attacking knock to revive the innings. The all-rounder struck 64 runs from 44 deliveries, hitting four fours and four sixes to provide the foundation for a competitive total. Nabi complemented Omarzai brilliantly, scoring 33 off 27 balls with two fours and two sixes. Their efforts helped Afghanistan recover from a precarious position and push the total to 156/8 after 20 overs.

Rashid Khan endured a rare struggle with the bat, managing only one run from 10 deliveries. Mujeeb Ur Rahman provided a late boost with an unbeaten nine off just three balls, including two boundaries, but Afghanistan ultimately finished with a target that India were able to chase down comfortably.

Also WATCH: AFG vs IND – Abhishek Sharma’s fielding brilliance removes Rahmanullah Gurbaz in the first T20I

Abhishek Sharma turns chase into a one-sided contest

India’s response was aggressive from the outset, although Sanju Samson departed after scoring 10 off eight balls. Abhishek, however, immediately took control of the chase and produced one of the most destructive innings of the match.

Abhishek smashed 82 runs from just 32 deliveries, finding the boundary seven times and clearing it on seven occasions. His extraordinary strike rate put Afghanistan’s bowlers under relentless pressure and rapidly shifted the momentum in India’s favour.

Ishan Kishan provided valuable support at the other end, contributing 42 off 33 deliveries with five fours and a six. The pair ensured that India remained comfortably ahead of the required rate throughout the chase.

Afghanistan’s bowling attack struggled to slow India’s scoring rate. Nabi was the only bowler to make a significant impact, claiming two wickets for 28 runs from his three overs, while Omarzai picked up the other wicket. Fazalhaq Farooqi conceded 38 runs from his two overs, while Rashid finished with 34 runs from 3.4 overs without taking a wicket.  India eventually reached 157/3 in 13.4 overs, completing a seven-wicket victory with 38 balls remaining.

Here’s how fans reacted:

Also READ: Naveen-ul-Haq reveals toughest batter he faced in international cricket



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