India cruise past Afghanistan as Sharma blitz earns series lead
India claimed a dominant seven-wicket victory over Afghanistan in the first Twenty20 international in New Delhi on Sunday, taking a 1-0 lead in the three-match series after chasing down a victory target of 157 with 38 balls to spare. After Sanju Samson fell in the third over, Abhishek Sharma launched a blistering counterattack, smashing 82 off 32 balls, while Ishan Kishan contributed 42 as the…
India secured a commanding seven-wicket triumph over Afghanistan in the opening Twenty20 international of a three-match series in New Delhi on Sunday, setting up a 1-0 series lead. Chasing a target of 157, India reached the finish line 38 balls ahead of schedule. After Sanju Samson's early exit in the third over, Abhishek Sharma orchestrated a powerful response, demolishing the opposition with 82 runs off just 32 balls.
Ishan Kishan added 42 crucial runs, solidifying India's dominance. Despite Afghanistan's late resistance, Mohammad Nabi struck twice late in the innings to dismiss both Sharma and Kishan. Captain Shreyas Iyer and Tilak Varma then led their team to victory, with Iyer holding out unbeaten on eight from five deliveries. Bumrah, returning from a knee injury, troubled Afghanistan early by dismissing Rahmanullah Gurbaz for a duck.
Afghanistan's innings was plagued by early wickets, with captain Ibrahim Zadran and Sediqullah Atal falling in the powerplay. Azmatullah Omarzai offered some consolation with a 64-ball innings, but it was not enough as Nabi ensured the win with three crucial wickets in the death overs. India will face Afghanistan again on Tuesday.
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