Gurbaz's fiery ton goes in vain as Gill guides India to victory

Captain Shubman Gill’s unbeaten 84 secured a seven-wicket win for India over Afghanistan on Saturday as the hosts chased down a ​target of 195 with 13 balls to spare in a rain-delayed ‌one-day international in Dharamshala that was shortened to a 25-over contest.

The visitors’ innings was anchored by opener Rahmanullah Gurbaz, who scored a century in 48 balls, the fastest by an Afghan ​batter in ODIs, but his teammates crumbled under pressure in the ​first of the three-match series.

“It was kind of a Twenty-20 game,” ⁠said Gill.

“Gurbaz batted brilliantly… but I think the way we pulled back (the game) ​in the middle and the death overs was brilliant.”

After India chose to bowl, Gurbaz ​hit Arshdeep Singh (2-27) for a six and a four in the first over and refused to slow down even as three Afghan batters fell early, scoring four runs between them.

Eight sixes ​and eight boundaries helped Gurbaz to complete his ninth ODI century in the 15th over, ​with Afghanistan at 135-3.

Gill, Rahul tons power India to 368-3 in Afghanistan Test

But Nitish Kumar Reddy (2-31) knocked over Gurbaz’s (102) middle stump in the next ‌over and ⁠a patient knock from captain Hashmatullah Shahidi (27) ended soon after, taking away the visitors’ momentum.

Azmatullah Omarzai scored a quick 26 off 16 balls but no other Afghan batter reached double figures as the visitors were all out for 194 with ​a ball to spare, ​with India debutant ⁠Gurnoor Brar taking three wickets.

Wicketkeeper Gurbaz and Rashid Khan combined to get Indian opener Rohit Sharma (16) run out in the ​sixth over, but they could not put the hosts under ​pressure as ⁠Gill and Ishan Kishan (34) kept the runs flowing.

Gill completed his half-century in 37 balls and took few risks as he scored 84 in 66 deliveries, hitting 11 fours ⁠and ​two sixes along the way. He was helped ​by KL Rahul’s unbeaten 39 off 19 balls in getting India over the line.

The second match is ​set for Wednesday in Lucknow.