India started the Afghanistan Tour of India 2026 ODI series with an impressive victory, defeating Afghanistan by seven wickets in a rain-affected contest at the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium in Dharamsala.
After weather interruptions reduced the match to 25 overs per side, Afghanistan posted a competitive total of 194 runs. The visitors were powered by an outstanding century from Rahmanullah Gurbaz, who played an aggressive innings and kept Afghanistan in the contest despite regular wickets at the other end.
India’s bowling unit delivered crucial breakthroughs throughout the innings. Harsh Dubey and Gurnoor Brar played important roles with the ball, while Arshdeep Singh and Nitish Kumar Reddy also contributed key wickets to restrict Afghanistan’s scoring opportunities.
Chasing 195 for victory, India produced a composed batting performance. Captain Shubman Gill anchored the innings with an unbeaten match-winning knock, guiding the hosts towards the target with confidence and control.
KL Rahul provided valuable support with a quick unbeaten innings, while Ishan Kishan added momentum during the chase. Despite losing a few wickets, India never allowed the required run rate to become a concern and comfortably crossed the finish line with overs to spare.
Gill’s leadership and batting excellence earned him the Player of the Match award as India secured a 1-0 lead in the three-match ODI series.
Match Summary
Match: India vs Afghanistan, 1st ODI
Series: Afghanistan Tour of India 2026
Venue: HPCA Stadium, Dharamsala
Result: India won by 7 wickets
Afghanistan Innings
Afghanistan: 194 all out (24.5 overs)
India Innings
India: 195/3 (22.5 overs)
Player of the Match
Shubman Gill
Key Performances
India
- Shubman Gill: 84* runs
- KL Rahul: 39* runs
- Ishan Kishan: 34 runs
- Harsh Dubey: 3 wickets
- Gurnoor Brar: 3 wickets
Afghanistan
- Rahmanullah Gurbaz: 102 runs
- Hashmatullah Shahidi: 27 runs
- Azmatullah Omarzai: 26 runs
Series Situation
With this victory, India take a 1-0 lead in the three-match ODI series and will look to continue their momentum heading into the second ODI. Afghanistan, meanwhile, will aim to bounce back and level the series in the upcoming match.
