India secured a seven-wicket victory over Afghanistan in the opening match of their inaugural bilateral ODI series at Dharamsala on Saturday. The game was reduced to 25 overs per side due to a delay of over four hours caused by persistent rain.

Batting first, Afghanistan posted a total of 194 all out in 24.5 overs. Their innings was anchored by opener Rahmanullah Gurbaz, who scored a commanding 102 off 51 balls, featuring eight fours and eight sixes. Gurbaz’s century, his ninth in ODI cricket, came off 48 deliveries and provided a strong counterattack after Afghanistan lost three early wickets for just 26 runs. He shared a 118-run partnership with captain Hashmatullah Shahidi, who contributed 27 runs. However, the rest of the batting order struggled to build momentum, with late wickets falling in quick succession. Indian debutants Gurnoor Brar, a fast bowler, and Harsh Dubey, a left-arm spinner, were instrumental, each taking three wickets. Arshdeep Singh also claimed two wickets, while Brar wrapped up the innings with his third dismissal. A notable moment came when Shubman Gill took a remarkable one-handed catch at first slip to dismiss one Afghan batter.

Chasing 195, India successfully reached the target with 13 balls to spare, finishing at 195 for three. Skipper Shubman Gill led the charge with an unbeaten 84 runs off 66 balls, earning him the player of the match award. He formed important partnerships during the chase, initially adding 46 runs with Rohit Sharma, who scored 16 before being run out. Sharma's appearance marked a milestone as he became the oldest Indian male cricketer to play in an ODI at 39 years and 44 days, surpassing Mohinder Amarnath’s record from 37 years ago. After Sharma’s departure, Gill combined with wicketkeeper-batter Ishan Kishan for a 70-run stand; Kishan made 34 runs before India lost two quick wickets. Gill then joined KL Rahul, who contributed a rapid 39 off 19 balls, to guide India home with an unbeaten 53-run partnership.

Afghanistan’s captain Shahidi acknowledged his team fell short, stating they were about 30 runs behind needed pace and expressed hope for improvement in the next match. The second ODI is scheduled to be played on Wednesday in Lucknow. This series marks the first time India and Afghanistan have faced each other in the 50-over format.