New Delhi, Sept 2026 : Abhishek Sharma produced a breathtaking display of power-hitting as India chased down Afghanistan’s 157-run target with ease, securing a seven-wicket victory in the first T20I at the Arun Jaitley Stadium here on Sunday.
Abhishek smashed a scintillating half-century off just 22 balls and went on to score 82 from 32 deliveries, laying the foundation for a dominant Indian victory. His explosive innings, combined with a crucial 121-run second-wicket partnership with Ishan Kishan, helped India reach 157/3 in just 13.4 overs, with 38 balls to spare.
India thus took a 1-0 lead in the three-match T20I series after their bowlers had restricted Afghanistan to 156/8 in their allotted 20 overs.
Chasing 157, India made a flying start, with Sanju Samson setting the early tone by flicking and lofting Fazalhaq Farooqi for boundaries. However, Samson's aggressive approach eventually cost him his wicket. He was too early into a flick against Azmatullah Omarzai and was caught by the deep square-leg fielder.
That dismissal did little to slow India down as Abhishek Sharma walked in and immediately took charge. He opened his account with an inside-out loft against Mujeeb Ur Rahman before turning his attention to Omarzai and Farooqi.
After finding boundaries through lofted and pulled shots against Omarzai, Abhishek launched a spectacular assault on Farooqi. He first lofted the left-arm pacer over cover for six before smashing a slower bouncer into the deep midwicket stands.
The fifth over proved particularly damaging for Afghanistan. Farooqi conceded 26 runs as both Abhishek and Kishan attacked relentlessly. Kishan hammered a huge six into the second tier before backing away to carve another boundary over point.
Abhishek then continued his assault against Afghanistan's spinners. Mohammad Nabi was taken on as well, with the Indian opener producing a streaky slice past gully for four before swatting another delivery over mid-on for six.
India raced to 82 runs during the Powerplay, effectively taking the contest away from Afghanistan.
Abhishek reached his 12th T20I half-century in extraordinary fashion, bringing up the milestone from only 22 balls while also taking India past the 100-run mark. His fearless approach continued against star leg-spinner Rashid Khan.
Stepping out of his crease, Abhishek launched Rashid high over midwicket for a towering six before finishing the over with a flat-batted shot over deep extra cover for another boundary.
The 23-year-old continued to punish Afghanistan's bowling attack, pulling a skiddy delivery from Noor Ahmad over wide long-on for six. He followed it with a sumptuous lofted drive over deep extra cover for another maximum, while Kishan also drilled a Noor delivery through the field for four.
Abhishek then took on Nabi with a powerful slog sweep that cleared the boundary, leaving Afghanistan's fielders helpless as India moved rapidly towards victory.
His extraordinary assault finally ended when he failed to get enough elevation on a full toss and holed out to long-on. The fielder completed a reverse-cupped catch before sliding along the ground to hold on to the ball.
Abhishek's departure, however, came far too late to give Afghanistan any realistic hope of a comeback. He had already scored 82 from just 32 balls, including a barrage of boundaries that effectively decided the contest.
Kishan continued to guide India towards the finish before eventually holing out in the deep off Nabi after making a valuable 42 from 33 balls. Shreyas Iyer and Tilak Varma then completed the formalities as India reached 157/3 in 13.4 overs.
The result sent the Delhi crowd into a frenzy. Despite Afghanistan being the designated hosts for the match, the overwhelmingly supportive spectators reserved their loudest cheers for the Indian team and made them feel right at home at the Arun Jaitley Stadium.
Earlier, Afghanistan had been rescued from 43/5 by Omarzai, who remained unbeaten on 64 from 44 balls, while Mohammad Nabi contributed 33. Arshdeep Singh was India's standout bowler with 3/19, while Varun Chakaravarthy claimed 1/16.
For Afghanistan, Nabi finished with 2/28 and Omarzai took 1/14, but neither could prevent India from completing a comprehensive victory.
Brief Scores:
Afghanistan: 156/8 in 20 overs (Azmatullah Omarzai 64 not out, Mohammad Nabi 33; Arshdeep Singh 3/19, Varun Chakaravarthy 1/16).
India: 157/3 in 13.4 overs (Abhishek Sharma 82, Ishan Kishan 42; Mohammad Nabi 2/28, Azmatullah Omarzai 1/14).
Result: India won by seven wickets and lead the three-match series 1-0.
