Abhishek Sharma’s 22-ball fifty, Arshdeep lead India by three for seven-wicket win over Afghanistan in 1st T20I

India beat Afghanistan by seven wickets (ANI Photo) Abhishek Sharma produced a breathtaking batting display as India opened their three-match T20I series against Afghanistan with an impressive seven-wicket win at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi.Chasing 157, India reached 157/3 in just 13.4 overs with Abhishek smashing 82 off just 32 balls to take the game away from Afghanistan. His innings featured seven fours and seven sixes, while Ishan Kishan provided valuable support with a 42-run knock.

Afghanistan stumbles before Omarzai-Nabi rescue act

After being asked to bat, Afghanistan suffered a dramatic collapse at the top. India’s pace attack struck early, with Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh and supporting bowlers putting the visitors under pressure. With Afghanistan down to 43/5, their innings was in serious danger of collapsing to a modest total.However, Azmatullah Omarzai and Mohammad Nabi launched a counter-attack to revive Afghanistan’s innings. The pair added 83 runs, took the visitors past 150 and gave their bowlers plenty to defend.Omarzai finished unbeaten on 64 off 44 balls while Nabi contributed 33 as Afghanistan eventually posted 156/8.The Indian bowlers gave Afghanistan a hard time for most of the innings. Arshdeep Singh was selected into the attack, finishing with 3/19, while Bumrah also effected his return to the T20I side. Axar Patel and Varun Chakravarthy chipped in with a wicket each. A disciplined bowling effort meant that India needed only 157 to take the lead in the series.

Abhishek Sharma turns the chase into a one-sided affair

India’s chase suffered an early setback when Sanju Samson was dismissed for 10, but Afghanistan’s hopes of a defensive total vanished almost immediately. Abhishek Sharma launched a spectacular counter-attack and reached his half-century in just 22 balls.The left-hander continued his onslaught against Afghanistan, eventually smashing 82 off 32 deliveries at a strike rate of 256. His seven sixes and seven fours turned what could have been a tricky chase into a parade.While Abhishek delivered the fireworks, Ishan Kishan played an ideal supporting role. Kishan scored 42 off 33 balls to help India build a commanding partnership and maintain a huge advantage in the course. In the end, Abhishek didn’t even reach a century, but by then India were already within reach of victory.Captain Shreyas Iyer and Tilak Varma completed the chase as India reached 157/3 in just 13.4 overs.

India lead 1-0

India’s seven-wicket victory came in 38 balls to give them a 1-0 lead in the three-match series. The second T20I will be played in Delhi on September 15 before the series ends on September 17.Brief scores: Afghanistan: 156/8 (Azmatullah Omarzai 64*, Mohammed Nabi 33, Arshdeep Singh 3/19) beat India: 157/3 in 13.4 overs (Abhishek Sharma 82, Ishan Kishan 42, Mohammad/28).