New Delhi, 14 Sep (Sports Desk)
India vs Afghanistan, 1st T20I — Match Report
India produced a dominant performance against Afghanistan in the opening match of the three-match T20I series, winning by 7 wickets with 38 balls to spare at the Arun Jaitley Stadium, New Delhi. India now lead the series 1–0.
Match Details
- Series: Afghanistan in India, 3 T20Is, 2026
- Match: 1st T20I
- Date: 13 September 2026
- Venue: Arun Jaitley Stadium, New Delhi
- Result: India won by 7 wickets
- Series: India lead 1–0
- Player of the Match: Abhishek Sharma
- India: 157/3 in 13.4 overs
- Afghanistan: 156/8 in 20 overs
Afghanistan Innings — 156/8
Afghanistan were in serious trouble early after losing wickets during the powerplay. Jasprit Bumrah struck in the opening over, while India’s disciplined bowling kept the Afghan batters under pressure.
At one stage, Afghanistan were struggling badly, but Azmatullah Omarzai and Mohammad Nabi launched a superb recovery. The pair added 83 runs, bringing Afghanistan back into the contest. Omarzai top-scored with an unbeaten 64 off 44 balls, while Nabi made 33 off 27 balls.
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India’s bowling:
- Arshdeep Singh: 3/19
- Jasprit Bumrah: 1 wicket
- Axar Patel: 1 wicket
- Varun Chakaravarthy: 1 wicket
Afghanistan eventually finished on 156/8, setting India a target of 157 runs.
🇮🇳 India Chase — 157/3 in 13.4 Overs
India’s reply was explosive, led by Abhishek Sharma.
After Sanju Samson was dismissed for 10, Abhishek took control of the chase and tore into the Afghan bowling attack. He smashed 82 runs from just 32 balls, hitting 7 fours and 7 sixes at a strike rate of 256.25. He reached his half-century in only 22 balls.
Ishan Kishan provided excellent support with 42 off 33 balls, helping India build a commanding partnership and keeping the required rate under complete control.
India reached 157/3 in just 13.4 overs, winning with 38 balls remaining. Captain Shreyas Iyer and Tilak Varma finished the chase unbeaten.
Player of the Match — Abhishek Sharma
Abhishek Sharma: 82 off 32 balls
- 7 fours
- 7 sixes
- Strike rate: 256.25
- Fifty in 22 balls
His breathtaking innings completely changed the complexion of the chase and earned him the Player of the Match award.
Final Score
Afghanistan — 156/8 (20 overs)
Azmatullah Omarzai 64*, Mohammad Nabi 33
Arshdeep Singh 3/19
India — 157/3 (13.4 overs)
Abhishek Sharma 82, Ishan Kishan 42
India won by 7 wickets.
Series Situation
With this victory, India take a 1–0 lead in the three-match series. The second T20I is scheduled for 15 September, with the third on 17 September; all three matches are being played at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi
