Afghanistan’s middle order produced a strong recovery, but India completed a seven-wicket victory in the first T20I at Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi on Sunday.
After being sent in to bat, Afghanistan suffered a severe early collapse and slipped to 43 for five. Azmatullah Omarzai and Mohammad Nabi then rebuilt the innings with an 83-run sixth-wicket partnership, giving Afghanistan a competitive total after the difficult start.
Omarzai finished unbeaten on 64 from 44 balls, while Nabi contributed 33. Afghanistan closed on 156 for eight from their 20 overs. Arshdeep Singh was India’s most successful bowler with three wickets for 19 runs.
India lost Sanju Samson early in the chase, but Abhishek Sharma quickly took control. He struck 82 from 32 balls, including seven sixes and seven fours, while Ishan Kishan added 42. India reached 157 for three in 13.4 overs to secure the win with 38 balls remaining.
The result gives India a 1–0 lead in the three-match series and leaves Afghanistan needing a stronger start with the bat and tighter control during the powerplay in the second match.
