The rain-swept, picturesque HPCA Stadium in Dharamsala set the stage for an explosive start to the bilateral series on 13 June 2026. Curtailed by rain, the encounter was reduced to 25 overs each. India registered a 7-goal advantage over Afghanistan in his first ODI. While the high-octane action on the field kept fans on the edge of their seats, there was a heartwarming, unscripted moment off the field during the post-match press conference that captured the internet’s attention.
Nitish Reddy interrupts the press conference after the first ODI to answer his mother’s call
There was a fond moment with the Indian all-rounder during the post-match presser after the first India-Afghanistan ODI. Nitish Kumar Reddy After his team’s victory, he attended his mother’s phone call while facing questions from the media.
Reddy, who played a crucial role in breaking Afghanistan’s most dangerous partnership, was addressing reporters when his phone started ringing. Seeing “Mother” on the screen, the young man did not hesitate at all. He apologized to the media panel with a smile and said:Excuse me, it’s my mother’s call,” and replied shortly to let her know he would call her right back.
The cute gesture quickly went viral on social media platforms, with fans praising the rising star for keeping his priorities straight despite his reputation for playing at the highest level. It was a double celebration for Reddy, putting in a solid performance on the field before receiving the ultimate stamp of approval from home.
We present the video:
The post-match presser can wait, but mom’s call just can’t#TeamIndia | #INDvAFG | @IDFCFIRSTBank | @NKReddy07 pic.twitter.com/23OUBNZvYH
— BCCI (@BCCI) June 13, 2026
India outclassed Afghanistan to seal victory in the opening ODI
India’s captain earlier in the day Shubman Gill won the toss and elected to field under cloudy skies. Due to morning showers, the match was restricted to 25 overs per side, turning the ODI opener into a virtual T20-style toss.
Afghanistan’s innings was a one-man masterclass led by the opener Rahmanullah Gurbaz. The dynamic wicketkeeper-batsman cruised to a sensational century, scoring 102 runs off just 51 deliveries, studded with 8 boundaries and 8 powerful sixes. Gurbaz single-handedly anchored the visitors to a formidable position at 142/3. However, Reddy Gurbaz provided a major breakthrough with his clean-bowling and led to the collapse of a magnificent innings.
From a comfortable position, Afghanistan scored 194 in 24.5 overs and lost 7 remaining wickets for just 52 runs. India’s bowling attack put on a clinic in the conditions; Tough Dubey He was the pick of the bowlers with figures of 3 for 47 Gurnoor Brar (3/27) deleted tail. Arshdeep Singh also chipped in with a disciplined 2 for 27.
Chasing the target of 195 required at 7.8 overs, India never looked confused. Player of the match Gill led the way with a flawless unbeaten 84 off 66 balls, anchoring the chase with elegant shots. found able support from Ishan Kishiwho smashed 34 off 22 balls and KL Rahulhe provided the final flourish with 39* off just 19 deliveries at a strike rate of 205.26.
India comfortably crossed the finish line at 195/3 in 22.5 overs, a comprehensive 7-wicket win with 13 balls to spare and a 1-0 lead in the series.
Also WATCH: Shubman Gill takes a stunning catch to remove Allah Ghazanfar in the first ODI
