Shubman Gill's unbeaten 84 steered India to a seven‑wicket win over Afghanistan on 13 Jun 2026, clinching the rain‑shortened 1st ODI at Dharamshala.

What happened in the match?

India chased down Afghanistan's 194 in just 22.5 overs after rain reduced the game to 25 overs a side. Gill, captaining for the first time, smashed 84 off 66 balls, anchoring the run‑chase. K. L. Rahul added a quick 39* off 19, while Rohit Sharma was run‑out for 16. Afghanistan’s Rahmanullah Gurbaz struck a rapid 102 off 51 balls, the fastest ODI century for his side, but the bowlers ripped through the middle order.

How did the bowlers support Gill’s effort?

Debutants Gurnoor Brar and Harsh Dubey each claimed three wickets. Brar, standing 6‑ft‑5, bowled 4.5 overs for 27 runs, clocking over 145 km/h and dismissing Ibrahim Zadran early. Dubey, a spinner, settled after a costly first spell to finish with 3/47. Their early breakthroughs kept Afghanistan at 16/2, setting a manageable target for Gill’s innings.

Why does this win matter for Shubman Gill?

The victory comes as India fine‑tunes its squad for the 2027 ODI World Cup. Gill’s 84* demonstrates his ability to balance aggression with composure under pressure, especially after being handed the captaincy for the first time. His partnership with Rahul, a 19‑ball cameo, showed flexibility in the shortened format. The win also marks Gill’s first win as captain, boosting his leadership credentials ahead of the upcoming global tournament.

What’s next for India and Afghanistan?

India will face Afghanistan again in the second ODI of the series, hoping to build on the momentum and test more combinations before the World Cup build‑up. Afghanistan, despite Gurbaz’s century, will look to tighten their bowling after conceding 194 in a rain‑affected game. Both sides have a week to regroup, and the sub‑air drainage at HPCA Stadium ensures weather won’t linger as a spoiler.

Who else shone in the contest?

Gurbaz’s 102 off 51 balls was a highlight, making him the fastest Afghan to reach a hundred in ODIs. His aggressive stroke‑play included a flurry of boundaries against India’s pacers. Ishan Kishan contributed 34 off 22 in his comeback at number three before falling to a Rashid Khan googly. The match also featured a rare run‑out of Rohit Sharma after Gill turned down a risky single, adding a dramatic twist to an already eventful game.