Watch: Gautam Gambhir’s priceless reaction to KL Rahul’s stunning six steals the show in India’s win over Afghanistan

Gautam Gambhir (Video grab) NEW DELHI: India head coach Gautam Gambhir could not hide his admiration as KL Rahul produced a moment of sheer class in the first ODI against Afghanistan, his animated reaction from the stumps quickly becoming the talk of the town in the seven-wicket win in Dharamsala on Saturday.A video shared by BCCI captured Gambhir’s mouth and eyes wide open after Rahul dropped Zia Ur Rahman Sharifi for a breathtaking 6 over extra cover in the 22nd over of the chase. The stunning knock left the former Indian opener visibly stunned as India cruised to victory.The maximum came on the final ball of the over when Rahul leaned into a lofted delivery outside the off-stump and produced an excellent lofted cover that sailed over the ropes. The shot ended the 20 overs and took India to 182/3, effectively sealing the contest. Rahul ended the chase five deliveries later with a boundary.WATCH: Gambhir’s reaction to Rahul’s six

Gill and Rahul completed a comfortable chase

Chasing 195 in a rain-reduced 25-overs-a-side encounter, India recovered from Rohit Sharma’s run-out to ease home in 22.5 overs.Captain Shubman Gill led from the front with an unbeaten 84 off 66 balls and carried his fine form across formats into the ODI series opener. Ishan Kishan marked his return to form with a smooth 34 while Rahul finished unbeaten on 39 off just 19 deliveries.Gill and Rahul added an unbroken partnership that ensured there were no further hiccups after Rashid Khan dismissed Kishan with a trademark googly.

Debutantes shine despite Gurbaz hundred

Earlier, Afghanistan opener Rahmanullah Gurbaz played a sensational knock of 102 off just 51 balls to rescue his team from 26/3 after India opted to bowl first.The aggressive right-hander smashed eight fours and eight sixes and looked set to take the match away from the hosts before the Indian bowlers put up a strong defense.Debutants Gurnoor Brar and Harsh Dubey have made impressive starts to their international careers with three wickets each. Brar’s pace and movement with the new ball troubled the Afghan batsmen, while left-arm spinner Dubey recovered from a costly start to finish with figures of 3/47.Nitish Kumar Reddy chipped in with two wickets as Afghanistan were bowled out for 194 in 24.5 overs.India’s overall performance gave them a 1-0 lead in the three-match series.