India posts 7-wicket win in rain-affected 1st ODI in Dharamshala
Captain Shubman Gill scored an unbeaten half-century (84 off 66 balls), while KL Rahul smashed 39 runs from just 19 deliveries on Saturday to help India chase down a target of 195 in only 22.5 overs and register a comprehensive seven-wicket victory over Afghanistan in the first ODI of the ongoing three-match series.
The visitors rode on wicketkeeper-batter Rahmanullah Gurbaz’s brilliant century (102 off 51 balls) to post 194 all out in 24.5 overs. However, India chased down the target with ease to take a 1-0 lead in the series.
For the hosts, debutants Gurnoor Brar and Harsh Dubey impressed with three wickets each, while left-arm pacer Arshdeep Singh and all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy claimed two wickets apiece.
The second ODI of the series will be played on Wednesday (June 17) at the Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow.
Initially, India skipper Shubman won the toss and opted to bowl in the first ODI in Dharamshala today (Saturday). Toss was delayed due to rain and it became a 25-over contest. The first innings began at 5:45 pm.
Azmatullah Omarzai hit a 16-ball 26 before the batting fell apart and Gurnoor wrapped up the innings with his third strike.
The second match is on Wednesday in Lucknow
