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Shubman Gill-led India started their ODI sequence in opposition to Afghanistan with a cushty seven-wicket win on the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Affiliation Stadium in Dharamsala on Friday, June 13.
Chasing a goal of 195 in a rain-curtailed 25-over contest, the hosts reached 195/3 in 22.5 overs to take a 1-0 lead within the three-match sequence.
India beat Afghanistan in 1st ODI
After opting to bowl first, India had been put beneath strain early by Rahmanullah Gurbaz, who produced one of many best ODI knocks of his profession. The Afghanistan opener smashed 102 runs off simply 51 balls, hammering eight fours and eight sixes at a strike charge of 200. His century got here off solely 48 deliveries, making it the quickest ODI hundred for Afghanistan and the second-fastest century ever scored in opposition to India within the format.
Nevertheless, as soon as Nitish Kumar Reddy ended Gurbaz’s innings with an excellent yorker, Afghanistan’s innings shortly misplaced momentum. Arshdeep Singh and debutant Gurnoor Brar picked up three wickets every, whereas Harsh Dubey claimed three scalps as properly. Nitish chipped in with two wickets as Afghanistan had been finally restricted to 194/9 of their allotted 25 overs regardless of Gurbaz’s heroics.
India’s chase received off to a constructive begin earlier than Rohit Sharma was run out for 16 following a mix-up with captain Shubman Gill. The dismissal ended Rohit’s seven-year streak with no run-out in ODI cricket and left him visibly annoyed as he walked again to the pavilion.
The setback, nonetheless, had little influence on India’s pursuit. Gill anchored the innings fantastically with an unbeaten 84 off 66 balls, putting 11 fours and two sixes. Ishan Kishan supplied sturdy assist with a quickfire 34 off 22 deliveries earlier than KL Rahul completed the job in model. The wicketkeeper-batter remained unbeaten on 39 from simply 19 balls, making certain India crossed the road with 13 balls to spare.
The way in which we began, they pulled the sport away from us – Shubman Gill
Shubman Gill received the Participant of the Match award for his heroics, and talking after the match, he lauded Rahmanullah Gurbaz for his ton and spoke about his personal catch to dismiss AM Ghazanfar.
“It was sort of a T20 sport. The way in which we began, they pulled the sport away from us. Gurbaz was good and took the sport away from us, however we fought again properly. It was an excellent wicket for batting. Once we had been bowling, there was a little bit of grip, nevertheless it got here on properly after we batted,” Shubman Gill mentioned.
“I’ve practiced loads taking catches at slip. I have not taken many good catches in my profession, so I am blissful,” Gill added.
He noticed the replays and mentioned it is high quality, he was run out within the final match too – Shubman Gill on Rohit Sharma
Shubman Gill additional opened up on Rohit Sharma’s run out and mentioned that the veteran batter was not upset over the incident.
“He noticed the replays and mentioned it is high quality, he was run out within the final match too. Gurnoor, the best way he bowled with the brand new ball after which got here again on the dying. Harsh as properly, the best way he got here again after conceding 16 runs in his 1st over,” Shubman Gill mentioned.
“In ODIs, center overs are essential, in bowling, you could maintain creating alternatives and keep strain. In batting, it is about discovering the gaps and rotating the strike.l That is precisely what we focus on within the staff conferences as properly.”
