Captain Shubman Gill led from the front with an unbeaten 84 as India defeated Afghanistan by seven wickets in a rain-affected first ODI at Dharamshala on Saturday, chasing down 195 with 13 balls to spare in a 25-over contest.

India’s chase began with early drama when Rohit Sharma was run out for 16 following a sharp mix-up with Gill. The former captain, looking in good touch, departed after a hesitant single as Afghanistan briefly sensed an opening.

Gill, however, steadied the innings with controlled aggression. He first built a 68-run stand with Ishan Kishan (34), who fell to Rashid Khan after playing a promising knock. Shreyas Iyer added 12 before falling to a catch at mid-on, but KL Rahul ensured India stayed ahead of the asking rate.

Rahul finished unbeaten on a brisk 39 off 19 balls, providing the late flourish alongside Gill. The pair added a decisive partnership that took India home comfortably, with Rahul finishing the contest in style with a boundary.

Earlier, Afghanistan were bowled out for 194 in 24.5 overs after a blistering century from Rahmanullah Gurbaz. The opener smashed 102 off 51 balls, striking eight fours and eight sixes, and briefly threatened to take the game away.

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However, India’s debutants turned the match around. Gurnoor Brar and Harsh Dubey picked up three wickets each, while Nitish Kumar Reddy also struck at crucial moments. Dubey dismissed both Hashmatullah Shahidi (27) and Azmatullah Omarzai (27), breaking Afghanistan’s middle-order resistance.

Brar’s late burst, including two wickets in the final over, ensured Afghanistan collapsed from a strong position despite Gurbaz’s heroics.

The match was reduced to 25 overs per side after persistent rain delayed the start in Dharamshala. India used the conditions effectively after opting to bowl first, exploiting early movement and maintaining discipline in the middle overs.

The game also marked notable debuts for Brar and Dubey, both of whom made an immediate impact with three-wicket hauls each, strengthening India’s bowling depth ahead of a packed international season.

India now lead the three-match series 1–0.

Brief scorecard

Afghanistan – 194 all out (24.5 overs)

Rahmanullah Gurbaz 102, Azmatullah Omarzai 26; Harsh Dubey 3/37, Gurnoor Brar 3/39, Nitish Kumar Reddy 1/28, Arshdeep Singh 2/31

India – 195/3 (22.5 overs)

Shubman Gill 84*, KL Rahul 39*, Ishan Kishan 34; Rashid Khan 1/32, Omarzai 1/29

Result: India won by 7 wickets

Series: India lead 3-match series 1–0