India have started the T20I series in style! 🇮🇳💥
India produced a dominant performance against Afghanistan in the 1st T20I, chasing down Afghanistan’s 156-run target in just 13.4 overs to seal a convincing 7-wicket victory.
The biggest talking point of the match was Abhishek Sharma’s sensational 82 off just 32 balls. 💣🔥 His explosive batting completely changed the momentum of the chase and helped India finish the game with plenty of overs to spare.
But before the fireworks with the bat, India’s bowlers had already put Afghanistan under pressure. Arshdeep Singh picked up 3 wickets for just 19 runs, while India’s bowling attack kept from posting a bigger total.
🏆 India vs Afghanistan: Match Result
| 🇦🇫 Afghanistan | 🇮🇳 India |
|---|---|
| 156/8 (20 Overs) | 157/3 (13.4 Overs) |
| Azmatullah Omarzai – 64* | Abhishek Sharma – 82 |
| Mohammad Nabi – 33 | Ishan Kishan – 42 |
🚨 INDIA WIN BY 7 WICKETS!
India successfully chased 157 runs in only 13.4 overs, winning with 38 balls remaining.
💥 Abhishek Sharma Turns the Chase Into a One-Sided Contest
If there was one player who stole the spotlight, it was Abhishek Sharma.
The opener smashed 82 runs from only 32 deliveries, combining powerful sixes with attacking strokeplay. 🚀
His innings gave India exactly the kind of explosive start needed in a T20 chase.
🔥 Abhishek Sharma
- 🏏 82 runs
- ⚡ 32 balls
- 7️⃣ Fours
- 7️⃣ Sixes
His partnership with Ishan Kishan, who contributed 42 runs, completely put in control.
🎯 Arshdeep Singh Strikes With the Ball
India’s victory was not only about batting.
Arshdeep Singh delivered an impressive spell, finishing with:
⭐ Arshdeep Singh – 3/19
Afghanistan struggled early and found themselves under serious pressure before Azmatullah Omarzai and Mohammad Nabi helped rebuild the innings.
Omarzai eventually finished unbeaten on 64, giving a competitive total of 156/8.
📊 Full Match Scorecard
🇦🇫 Afghanistan – 156/8 (20 Overs)
Top Performers:
- ⭐ Azmatullah Omarzai – 64*
- 🏏 Mohammad Nabi – 33
- 🏏 Mujeeb Ur Rahman – 9*
India’s bowling attack kept taking wickets at crucial moments, preventing from reaching a much larger total.
🇮🇳 India’s Bowling Highlights
- 🔥 Arshdeep Singh – 3/19
- 🎯 Jasprit Bumrah – 1 wicket
- 🎯 Axar Patel – 1 wicket
- 🎯 Varun Chakravarthy – 1 wicket
🇮🇳 India – 157/3 (13.4 Overs)
Top Performers:
- 💥 Abhishek Sharma – 82
- 🏏 Ishan Kishan – 42
- Shreyas Iyer – 8*
- Tilak Varma – 3*
India needed only 13.4 overs to complete the chase.
🔥 5 Biggest Moments From the Match
1️⃣ Afghanistan’s Early Collapse
India’s bowlers made an immediate impact and kept Afghanistan under pressure.
2️⃣ Omarzai’s Fightback
Azmatullah Omarzai’s unbeaten 64 helped Afghanistan recover and post 156/8.
3️⃣ Arshdeep’s 3-Wicket Spell
His 3/19 proved crucial in restricting Afghanistan.
4️⃣ Abhishek Sharma’s Power-Hitting 💣
The 82 off 32 balls was the highlight of India’s chase.
5️⃣ India Finish the Game Early 🏆
India reached 157/3 in just 13.4 overs to win by 7 wickets.
📈 India Take a 1-0 Series Lead
With this victory, India now lead the three-match T20I series 1-0.
Afghanistan will now have to make a strong comeback in the second T20I, while India will be looking to continue their winning momentum and take control of the series.
🗓️ What’s Next?
2nd T20I: September 15, 2026
The next match could be crucial for Afghanistan. A win would level the series, while another Indian victory would give India an unbeatable lead.
