Abhishek Sharma produced a breathtaking batting display as India began their three-match T20I series against Afghanistan with a commanding seven-wicket
victory at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi on Sunday.
Chasing 157, India made light work of the target, reaching it in just 13.4 overs to take a 1-0 lead in the series. Abhishek was the architect of the chase, smashing 82 off 32 balls in an innings that featured seven fours and seven sixes.
India's chase suffered an early setback when Sanju Samson, making his return to the T20I XI, was dismissed for 10 off eight balls. However, Abhishek immediately shifted the momentum back in India's favour. He combined with Ishan Kishan to put Afghanistan's bowling attack under sustained pressure, with the pair adding 121 runs from 53 balls.
Ishan provided able support with a composed 42 off 33 balls, while India's chase remained comfortably ahead of the required rate throughout. Shreyas Iyer then finished the contest as India completed the chase inside 14 overs.
Earlier, Afghanistan recovered from a disastrous start to post 156/8 after being reduced to 43/5. Azmatullah Omarzai anchored the recovery with an unbeaten 64 off 44 balls, while Mohammad Nabi added 33 from 27. The pair shared an 83-run sixth-wicket partnership that briefly revived Afghanistan's hopes.
Arshdeep Singh was India's most successful bowler, finishing with 3/19, while Jasprit Bumrah marked his return with 1/26. Axar Patel and Varun Chakaravarthy also claimed a wicket each.
India now head into the second T20I with a 1-0 advantage, while Afghanistan will need a significantly stronger performance with both bat and ball to level the series.
India vs Afghanistan Award Winners: Full List of Awards in IND vs AFG 1st T20I
Have a look at the full award winners and prize money.
Kotak Mahindra Hausla Hai to Ho Jayega Award: Abhishek Sharma (IND) - Won Afghani 60,000
Valvoline Game Changer Award: Arshdeep Singh (IND) - Afghani 60,000
Player of the Match: Abhishek Sharma (IND) - Afghani 100,000
IND vs AFG 1st T20I Key Stats
- Abhishek Sharma became fastest Indian to 6000 T20 runs as he got to the mark in 3420 balls.
- Rahmanullah Gurbaz has 11 ducks in T20Is, now the 2nd most in the format after Ireland's Paul Stirling (14).
