India continued their winning streak against the Afghanistan side courtesy a brilliant 82 by Abhishek Sharma. India won the first T20I convincingly by seven wickets at the Arun Jaitley Stadium, taking a 1-0 lead in the three match T20 series.

Bumrah strikes early, picks 350th wicket in T20Is

Boom Boom take a bow! Opening the bowling for India in the shortest format, JB struck in the first over itself, picking the crucial wicket of Rahmanullah Gurbaz. He was indeed foxed by a back of length delivery and Abhishek Sharma made no mistake to take a splendid low catch. Bumrah picked his 350th T20I wicket, the third Indian bowler to achieve this milestone after Chahal and Bhuvneshwar Kuwar. He ended with figures of 1/26.

India applies the brakes, reduce the hosts to 43/5

Afghanistan found themselves in trouble, as the Men in Blue executed their plans to perfection. Skipper Ibrahim Zadran was run out trying to take an extra run in the middle. India employed spin in the fourth over itself. The wickets of Sediqullah Atal, Gulbadin Naib and Darwish Rasooli fell quickly. They found themselves reeling at 43/5 in 6.6 overs as India indeed had the upper hand in the powerplay. Arshdeep Singh, Axar Patel and Varun Chakaravarthy picked a wicket each. 

Azmat smashes crucial half century, Arshdeep snaps up three wickets

Just when it looked like the recovery was difficult, Azmatullah Omarzai helped his side reach a respectable total of 156/8 in their 20 overs. He contributed a great 64 not out in 44 balls. En route he stitched an 83 runs partnership with the experienced Mohammad Nabi (33). They made sure they brought the Afghan ship back on track with some big hits. Arshdeep Singh was the stand out bowler for India, picking 3/19 in his four overs with an economy of 4.8.

Abhishek’s phenomenal half-ton, the Ishan-Abhishek show cause double trouble for Afghan bowlers

Opener Abhishek Sharma notched up his 12th T20I half ton in style, an entertaining knock which came in just 22 deliveries. He was breathing fire into the opposition smashing monster hits all over the park. He finished with 82 in just 32 balls, aced with seven fours and seven sixes.

Ishan Kishan brought the spark while at the other end Abhishek Sharma added the fire. Their partnership of 121 runs, turned the powerplay into pure party mode. Together they took the attack to the bowlers and put the Indian innings firmly on the front foot. Ishan ended up getting caught at the edge of the boundary rope on 42, as Rashid Khan nailed an outstanding catch. By that time the damage had already been done as India cruised to victory 157/3, winning the contest by seven wickets.

Brief Scores

Afghanistan: 156/8 in 20 overs (Azmatullah Omarzai 64*,Mohammad Nabi 33; Arshdeep Singh 3/19 lost to India: 157/3 in 13.4 overs (Abhishek Sharma 82, Ishan Kishan 42; Mohammad Nabi 2/28) by seven wickets.