India beat Afghanistan by seven wickets with 38 balls remaining in the first T20I, chasing 157 in just 13.4 overs after Abhishek Sharma blasted a match-winning 82. Ishan Kishan’s 42 provided powerful support as India took a 1-0 lead in the three-match Afghanistan tour of India 2026 series.
Afghanistan posted 156/8 from their 20 overs, with Azmatullah Omarzai leading the resistance through 64. Mohammad Nabi added 33, while Sediqullah Atal made 13, but India kept the visitors from building the kind of total that would have placed real scoreboard pressure on the home side.
Arshdeep Singh was India’s leading wicket-taker with three wickets, while Jasprit Bumrah and Varun Chakravarthy took one apiece. Bumrah’s listed figures of 1/18 from two overs and Arshdeep’s 1/8 underlined India’s early control, before the bowlers finished strongly to restrict Afghanistan to 156/8.
Abhishek sets up a ruthless chase
India’s response was emphatic. Abhishek dominated the pursuit with 82 and ensured the required rate never became a factor. Kishan’s 42 kept the pressure firmly on Afghanistan, with Sanju Samson contributing 10 as India reached 157/3 with more than six overs unused.
Mohammad Nabi claimed two wickets in India’s innings and Omarzai took one, but Afghanistan could not create enough breakthroughs to disrupt the chase. Noor Ahmad went wicketless as Abhishek’s attacking innings turned a competitive-looking target into a comfortable victory.
The decisive moment was India’s acceleration through the chase: once Abhishek and Kishan had seized control, Afghanistan had little room to force the match back into balance. Abhishek was duly named Player of the Match for his 82.
What the result means
India’s victory gives them a 1-0 advantage in the three-match T20I series. The second T20I is scheduled for Tuesday, September 15, with Afghanistan needing a win to level the contest and keep the series alive. The final match follows on Thursday, September 17.
NerdSports Stat: India needed only 82 legal balls to chase 157, exactly matching Abhishek Sharma’s individual score of 82 runs.
Frequently Asked Questions
India won the match by seven wickets with 38 balls remaining.
Abhishek Sharma was named Player of the Match for scoring 82 runs.
India lead the three-match T20I series 1-0 after winning the opening match.
Abhishek Sharma top-scored with 82 runs.
The next T20I between India and Afghanistan is on Tuesday, September 15, 2026.
