India vs Afghanistan 1st T20I: India Win by 7 Wickets, Abhishek Sharma Blasts 82 Off 32 Balls

India defeated Afghanistan by 7 wickets in the first T20I at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi, chasing down a target of 157 runs in just 13.4 overs. Abhishek Sharma produced a stunning attacking innings of 82 runs off 32 balls to power India's emphatic victory.

Abhishek smashed 7 fours and 7 sixes during his explosive knock and played a key role in India's dominant run chase. He shared a 121-run partnership with Ishan Kishan, who contributed 42 runs before being dismissed.

India's successful chase gave the team a 1-0 lead in the three-match T20I series.

Abhishek Sharma Smashes 82 Off 32 Balls

Abhishek Sharma was the star of India's run chase. The left-handed batter attacked the Afghanistan bowling attack from the beginning and raced to 82 from only 32 deliveries.

His innings included seven boundaries and seven sixes, helping India reach the 157-run target with 38 balls to spare.

Ishan Kishan provided strong support during the chase, scoring 42 runs and combining with Abhishek for a crucial 121-run partnership.

Afghanistan Post 156/8

Earlier, Afghanistan scored 156/8 in their 20 overs after being sent in to bat.

Azmatullah Omarzai top-scored for Afghanistan with an unbeaten 64, providing the late impetus to take his side to a competitive total.

However, India's bowlers kept the Afghanistan batting lineup under control for much of the innings. Arshdeep Singh was India's leading bowler with three wickets.

The total ultimately proved insufficient as India's batters chased it down comfortably.

Vande Mataram Sung Before India-Afghanistan T20I

The match in Delhi also featured a rendition of Vande Mataram before the national anthems.

The sequence was followed by the Indian national anthem, Jana Gana Mana, and the Afghan national anthem.

This follows Union Ministry of Home Affairs guidance issued on January 28 regarding the order when both Vande Mataram and Jana Gana Mana are performed at an event.

India vs Afghanistan Playing XI

India Playing XI

Sanju Samson (wicketkeeper), Abhishek Sharma, Ishan Kishan, Shreyas Iyer (captain), Tilak Varma, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel, Arshdeep Singh, Jasprit Bumrah and Varun Chakravarthy.

Afghanistan Playing XI

Ibrahim Zadran (captain), Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wicketkeeper), Sediqullah Atal, Darwish Rasooli, Azmatullah Omarzai, Gulbadin Naib, Mohammad Nabi, Rashid Khan, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Noor Ahmad and Fazalhaq Farooqi.

India Take 1-0 Lead

With a seven-wicket victory in the opening T20I, India have taken a 1-0 lead over Afghanistan in the three-match series.

Abhishek Sharma's explosive 82 and India's clinical chase ensured the hosts completed the run chase well before the end of their allotted 20 overs.

The second T20I will be the next opportunity for Afghanistan to level the series, while India will look to extend their advantage.