In a historic clash marking the onset of the first-ever international T20I series between India and Afghanistan, Shivam Dube emerged as the hero, steering India to a resounding victory in the 1st T20I. His explosive unbeaten 60* off 40 balls played a pivotal role in India’s successful chase of 159 runs.
Dube’s fiery innings not only showcased his versatile batting skills but also underscored India’s dominance in the inaugural encounter of this landmark series, leaving an indelible mark on the historical narrative between the two cricketing nations.
For scorecards, please visit espncricinfo.IND vs AFG: India’s Batting Highlights
India’s Powerplay Drama Unfolds at 36/2
India secured a comfortable win in the first T20I, overcoming Afghanistan by 25 runs. The Indian innings began with a dramatic powerplay, witnessing the early loss of skipper Rohit Sharma for a duck and Shubman Gill’s aggressive yet impactful play. Despite Gill’s impressive boundaries, the Afghan spin duo of Mujeeb Ur Rahman and Mohammad Nabi applied pressure, resulting in a challenging powerplay score of 36/2.
Afghan Spin Dominates: Maiden Over Adds to India’s Woes
Afghanistan’s spin dominance continued, with Mujeeb Ur Rahman’s clever variations earning him key wickets and Nabi maintaining a tight line. India faced challenges as the Afghan spinners controlled the run rate. The dramatic run-out of Sharma and occasional lapses in the field by Afghanistan added to India’s woes. As Afghanistan set up a challenging target, India found itself navigating through a formidable spin web.
Dube and Singh Steer Ship Amidst Fall of Wickets
In the challenging chase of 159, India showcased a resilient batting performance between overs 7 to 15. Shivam Dube’s composed 41* and Rinku Singh’s quickfire innings stabilized the innings after key wickets fell. Dube’s ability to rotate the strike and capitalize on loose deliveries played a crucial role. Despite the dismissal of Jitesh Sharma, India remained well-positioned for a thrilling finish, needing 28 runs off the last five overs.
Bowlers Struggle as India Consolidates: Missed Chances
Afghanistan’s bowlers faced difficulties as India dominated the middle overs. Fazalhaq Farooqi and Mujeeb Ur Rahman struggled to contain runs, with Farooqi conceding 10 in the 14th over. Missed chances, including a dropped catch by Karim Janat, added to Afghanistan’s challenges. Dube’s dominance, supported by Singh, capitalized on misfields and boundaries, keeping India in control. Afghanistan needed breakthroughs to stay competitive.
Dube’s Fiery Fifty Seals India’s Dominant Chase
Shivam Dube’s explosive innings, an unbeaten 60* off 40 balls, guided India to a comprehensive victory. The left-hander showcased versatility with a mix of delicate strokes and powerful boundaries. His 2nd T20I half-century, complemented by Singh’s contribution, secured India’s successful chase of 159. Dube’s dominance, evident in perfectly executed shots, solidifies his reputation as a match-winner, highlighting India’s batting depth and resilience under pressure.
Bowlers Struggle as Dube Decimates Afghan Attack
Shivam Dube’s onslaught led India to victory, leaving the Afghanistan bowlers struggling to contain him. Naveen-ul-Haq faced the brunt of Dube’s aggression, conceding 11 runs in the 17th over, including a powerful six.
Azmatullah Omarzai’s variations momentarily troubled Dube, but a misjudgment allowed the Indian batsman to capitalize. The missed opportunity in the 16th over added to Afghanistan’s bowling challenges. Dube’s calculated assault ensured India’s convincing victory, posing questions for Afghanistan in the upcoming matches.
Afghanistan Set A Target of 159 runs: Highlights
Axar Patel’s Cold Challenge: Bowling Focus in Challenging Weather
Axar Patel, despite the cold weather affecting his grip on the ball and the mic during a post-match chat, showcased a resilient bowling effort for India. Patel emphasized the team’s awareness of the challenging weather conditions and discussed the need to focus on putting the ball in the right areas.
India, despite some lapses in the field, displayed clinical bowling overall. The new ball pair of Arshdeep Singh and Mukesh Kumar impressed with accurate lines and lengths, while Axar Patel’s controlled bowling inside the Powerplay added pressure. Patel, with figures of 2 for 23, stood out as India’s top bowler, contributing to restricting Afghanistan to a competitive total.
Afghanistan’s Aggressive Start Sets Tone for Dominant Powerplay
In a display of aggressive intent, Afghanistan’s openers, Ibrahim Zadran and Rahmanullah Gurbaz, showcased their prowess in the first six overs. Their balanced approach set the stage for a potentially high-scoring innings, accumulating 33 runs without losing a wicket. Despite lapses in the field by India, the Afghan openers capitalized on loose deliveries, displaying a mix of calculated aggression and sensible singles. The aggressive running between the wickets and well-timed shots laid a solid foundation for Afghanistan, posing a challenge for the Indian bowlers in the subsequent overs.
Indian Bowlers Struggle Amidst Missed Opportunities
India faced challenges containing Afghanistan’s aggressive openers during the powerplay. Mukesh Kumar and Washington Sundar failed to break the opening partnership, with a crucial dropped catch by Shivam Dube costing India. The absence of early wickets allowed Afghanistan to continue their aggressive approach.
Despite Mukesh Kumar’s efforts, India’s bowlers struggled to create breakthroughs, requiring a strategic change in bowling plans. Missed chances, including a dropped catch by Rohit Sharma, added to the excitement and pressure on the Indian bowlers to regain control in the middle overs.
Nabi and Omarzai Shine in Explosive 6 to 15 Overs
Afghanistan showcased aggressive yet controlled batting between the 6th and 15th overs, with Mohammad Nabi and Azmatullah Omarzai dominating the Indian bowlers. Their partnership propelled Afghanistan to a commendable total of 105/3, with Nabi’s calculated aggression and Omarzai’s impactful strokes.
The duo’s middle-order resurgence highlighted Afghanistan’s batting depth and set the stage for a challenging target. The spin duo of Bishnoi and Patel struggled to check Afghanistan’s acceleration, leaving India with bowling vulnerabilities to address in the latter part of the innings.
Zadran’s Late Onslaught Propels Afghanistan to 158/5
Najibullah Zadran’s late onslaught propelled Afghanistan to their highest total against India in T20Is, reaching 158/5. Zadran’s aggressive approach and striking prowess added valuable runs, capitalizing on loose deliveries and a dropped catch. The explosive display in the final overs showcased Afghanistan’s ability to capitalize on missed opportunities. Despite crucial breakthroughs by Mukesh Kumar, India’s bowlers struggled in the death overs, allowing Afghanistan to reach a formidable total. The missed chances haunted India, emphasizing the need to address bowling vulnerabilities for a successful second innings.