Abhishek Sharma produced a breathtaking batting display as India began their three-match T20I series against Afghanistan with a commanding seven-wicket victory at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi.Chasing 157, India raced to 157/3 in just 13.4 overs, with Abhishek smashing 82 off only 32 balls to take the game away from Afghanistan. His innings featured seven fours and seven sixes, while Ishan Kishan provided valuable support with a composed 42.
Afghanistan stumble before Omarzai-Nabi rescue act
After being asked to bat, Afghanistan endured a dramatic collapse at the top. India’s pace attack struck early, with Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh and the supporting bowlers putting the visitors under pressure. Afghanistan slipped to 43/5, leaving their innings in serious danger of folding for a modest total.However, Azmatullah Omarzai and Mohammad Nabi launched a counterattack to revive Afghanistan’s innings. The pair added 83 runs, taking the visitors past 150 and giving their bowlers something to defend.Omarzai finished unbeaten on 64 off 44 balls, while Nabi contributed 33 as Afghanistan eventually posted 156/8.India’s bowlers had Afghanistan in trouble for much of the innings. Arshdeep Singh was the pick of the attack, finishing with 3/19, while Bumrah also made an impact on his return to the T20I side. Axar Patel and Varun Chakravarthy chipped in with a wicket apiece. The disciplined bowling effort meant India needed only 157 to take the lead in the series.
Abhishek Sharma turns chase into a one-sided affair
India’s chase suffered an early setback when Sanju Samson was dismissed for 10, but Afghanistan’s hopes of defending the total disappeared almost immediately. Abhishek Sharma launched a spectacular counterattack, reaching his half-century in just 22 balls.The left-hander continued to take on the Afghanistan attack, eventually smashing 82 from 32 deliveries at a strike rate of 256. His seven sixes and seven fours turned what could have been a tricky chase into a procession.While Abhishek supplied the fireworks, Ishan Kishan played the ideal supporting role. Kishan scored 42 off 33 balls, helping India build a commanding partnership and maintain a huge asking-rate advantage. Abhishek eventually fell short of a century, but by then India were already within touching distance of victory.Captain Shreyas Iyer and Tilak Varma completed the chase, with India reaching 157/3 in only 13.4 overs.
India take 1-0 lead
India’s seven-wicket victory came with 38 balls to spare, giving them a 1-0 lead in the three-match series. The second T20I will be played in Delhi on September 15, before the series concludes on September 17.Brief Scores: Afghanistan: 156/8 (Azmatullah Omarzai 64*, Mohammed Nabi 33, Arshdeep Singh 3/19) beat India: 157/3 in 13.4 overs (Abhishek Sharma 82, Ishan Kishan 42, Mohammad Nabi 2/28).
