IND vs AFG 2026: India vs Afghanistan Highlights & Review – 1st ODI

How did the 1st ODI go between India and Afghanistan? — Review, Turning Points & more

Despite the threat of rain, India delighted the Dharamshala crowd by beating Afghanistan by seven wickets in the first ODI, in a game reduced to 25 overs per side. The Men in Blue have taken a 1-0 lead in this three-match series. 

After being put into bat by the hosts, Afghanistan went on to score 194, with Rahmanullah Gurbaz being the star of the show with the bat. The wicketkeeper-batter scored an outstanding century to take his side to the lofty total. The opener, however, lacked much support from the other end, with the visitors losing their way a little once Nitish Kumar Reddy got the better of Gurbaz. 

In reply, India chased down the total with more than two overs to spare, mainly thanks to captain Shubman Gill. The right-hander returned to his captaincy duties by scoring an unbeaten 84 off 66 deliveries, scoring at a strike-rate of 127.27. He was partnered brilliantly towards the end by KL Rahul, who applied the finishing touch, hitting 39 not out at a strike-rate of 205.26. 

Top batting performance of the match: Rahmanullah Gurbaz

Rahmanullah Gurbaz was the best batter on display during the ODI in Dharamshala despite Afghanistan ending up on the losing side. The right-handed batter was the main reason behind his side posting a respectable total in a rain-curtailed game. Gurbaz scored 102 off just 51 balls, an innings comprising eight fours and as many sixes to strike at exactly 200.

Top bowling performance of the match: Gurnoor Brar

Gurnoor Brar had a few voices before the series, but has silenced them in the best possible manner. The debutant was India's best bowler in the first innings, ending with figures of 3 for 27 from 4.5 overs. He took crucial wickets of Ibrahim Zadran and the dangerous Rashid Khan towards the backend of Afghanistan's innings. It is also worth mentioning that another debutant, Harsh Dubey, also ended up with three wickets of his own. 

Records Broken and Major Milestones Achieved:

• Rohit Sharma became the oldest cricketer to represent India in international cricket. (39 years, 44 days).
• Rohit Sharma: Surpassed 16,000 runs as an opener in international cricket. 
• Shubman Gill: Fastest Indian to 3,000 runs in ODI (62 innings). 
• Harsh Dubey and Gurnoor Brar made their international debuts for India.
• Gurnoor Brar: Third-best bowling returns for India on ODI debut (3/27).
• Rahmanullah Gurbaz: Scored his ninth ODI century for Afghanistan. 

Who won the Player of the Match?

Shubman Gill was declared Player of the Match in the first ODI in Dharamshala. The Indian captain scored an unbeaten 84 off just 66 balls to help his side cross the finishing line. 

When is the next match?

The second ODI in this three-match series takes place on Wednesday, June 17, at the Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow.