The generous Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium witnessed high-octane drama. India started the long-awaited work Afghanistan visit to India with a convincing victory. India lost the match which was shortened to 25 overs due to continuous rain and wet pitch. Afghanistan On 13 June 2026 with 7 wickets with 13 balls to spare. While the explosive batting display kept the Dharamsala crowd on their toes, it was an incredibly dynamic attacking moment from the Indian captain. Shubman Gill it was definitely the highlight of the first ODI.
Shubman Gill screams to send Allah Ghazanfar packing in the first ODI
The defining figure of the match came in Afghanistan’s 22nd over. Left arm spinner Tough Dubey was in action in the middle of an impressive spell, executing a tight length to stifle the lower order. In the fourth delivery, Dubey bowled a slow back length delivery that spun sharply outside the off stump.
Desperate to break the shackles and find the frontier, Afghanistan’s low-level corpse Allah Ghazanfar throwing his bat at him, he tried to hit a big hit in the cover region. But the lack of pace completely deceived Ghazanfar. The ball took a thin edge on the bat and looped towards the slip cordon.
At the crease, Gill displayed lightning-quick reflexes and extraordinary athleticism. As the ball bounced away from him, Gill threw his body to the side, sticking his left hand well above shoulder height as he fell backwards. He neatly scooped the ball out of the air and cradled it safely as it tumbled to the turf. Realizing he had produced an absolute world-class screamer, Gill was lifted to his feet by his ecstatic team-mates with a massive smile. Ghazanfar was sent packing for a two-ball duck and Dubey reeled off Afghanistan at 182/8 as he celebrated his third wicket of the afternoon.
We present the video:
What. A. Catch 🤯
Captain Shubman Gill with a complete stunner 🫡
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— BCCI (@BCCI) June 13, 2026
India beat Afghanistan in the first ODI
Chasing a target of 195 runs, India managed the chase with great composure. Sensational, blistering century at the start of the day, opening the batter Rahmanullah GurbazHitting 102 off just 51 deliveries that included 8 fours and 8 sixes, he threatened to take the game away from the hosts. However, the Indian bowlers pulled things back brilliantly. Tough Dubey Completed with impressive figures of 3/47 Gurnoor Brar Took the tail to register 3/27, bowling Afghanistan out for 194 in 24.5 overs.
India’s reply was provided by a masterclass from Man of the Match Gill. after Rohit Sharma unfortunately run out for 16, Gill took complete control of the stadium. Showing no signs of weariness from a brilliant fielding display, he struggled through the innings with an unbeaten 84 off 66 balls, 11 elegant fours and a powerful six.
Useful contributions Ishan KishiA quick-fire 34 off 22 balls and an explosive finish KL Rahul (39* off just 19 balls) ensured that India did not face any major hiccups. Despite tight bowling spells Rashid Khan (1/37) and Ziaur Rahman (1/39), India chased down the 195-run target in 22.5 overs to finish at 195/3 to secure a 1-0 lead in the three-match ODI series.
Also READ: IND vs AFG: Morne Morkel reveals India’s long-term plans ahead of Afghanistan ODIs
