New Delhi: Head Coach of India Gautam Gambhir Couldn’t hide his admiration. KL Rahul He produced a moment of sheer class in the first ODI against Afghanistan, with his animated response from the dugout during Saturday’s seven-wicket victory in Dharamsala.A video shared by BCCI Gambhir’s mouth caught and his eyes widened as Rahul hit Zia-ur-Rehman Sharifi for a brilliant six over extra cover in the 22nd over of the chase. The brilliant stroke left the former India opener visibly stunned as India closed in on victory.The maximum came on the last ball of the over when Rahul leaned towards a pitched-up delivery outside the off-stump and produced a brilliant high cover drive that went over the ropes. The shot ended the 20-run over and took India to 182/3, virtually sealing the contest. Rahul followed up five balls later with a boundary.WATCH: Gambhir’s reaction to Rahul’s six
Gill and Rahul complete a leisurely pursuit.
Chasing 195 in the rain-shortened 25 overs, India eased through Rohit Sharma’s run out in 22.5 overs.Captain Shabman Gul Led from the front with an unbeaten 84 off 66 balls, carrying his superb form into the opening match of the ODI series. Ishan Kishan marked his return to form with a fluent 34, while Rahul remained unbeaten on 39 off just 19 balls.Gill and Rahul added an unbreakable partnership that ensured there were no further hiccups after Rashid Khan dismissed Kishan with a trademark googly.
The debutants shone despite Garbaz Soo.
Earlier, Afghanistan’s opener… Rahmanullah Garbaz He played a sensational innings of 102 runs off just 51 balls to save his team from 26/3 when India elected to bowl first.The aggressive right-hander hit eight fours and eight sixes and looked set to take the game away from the hosts before putting up a strong fight with India’s bowlers.Debutants Gurnor Brar and Harsh Dubey started their international careers brilliantly, taking three wickets apiece. 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 took two wickets as Afghanistan were bowled out for 194 in 24.5 overs.India’s all-round performance gave them a 1-0 lead in the three-match series.
