Abhishek Sharma Powers India Past Afghanistan
Abhishek Sharma smashed a blistering 82 off 32 balls as India cruised to a seven-wicket victory over Afghanistan in the first T20I in New Delhi, chasing down 157 with 38 balls remaining to take a 1-0 lead in the three-match series.
Abhishek Sharma Blasts 82 in India Chase
India lost Sanju Samson early, but Abhishek immediately took control of the chase with an aggressive display at the Arun Jaitley Stadium.
The left-hander struck seven fours and seven sixes, racing to his half-century in just 22 deliveries. His assault ensured Afghanistan’s bowling attack never gained control despite having Rashid Khan, Mohammad Nabi and Mujeeb Ur Rahman among its options.
Ishan Kishan provided valuable support with 42 off 33 balls as India reached 157 for three in only 13.4 overs.
Omarzai Rescues Afghanistan After Early Collapse
Earlier, Afghanistan endured a disastrous start after being asked to bat first, slumping to 43 for five as India’s bowlers dominated the opening stages.
Azmatullah Omarzai led the recovery with an unbeaten 64 off 44 deliveries. He combined with veteran Mohammad Nabi, who scored 33, in a crucial 83-run partnership that gave Afghanistan a competitive total.
Their resistance lifted the visitors to 156 for eight from 20 overs.
Arshdeep Singh Leads India Bowling Attack
Arshdeep Singh was the standout Indian bowler, finishing with three wickets for 19 runs.
Jasprit Bumrah struck early, while Axar Patel and Varun Chakravarthy also contributed with wickets as Afghanistan struggled to build momentum outside the Omarzai-Nabi partnership.
India’s emphatic chase ensured the hosts opened the series with a comfortable victory ahead of the second T20I.
