Abhishek Sharma's 82 Powers India to 7-Wicket Win Over Afghanistan in T20I Opener

India made a winning start to the three-match T20I series against Afghanistan, chasing down 157 with a 7-wicket win at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi, powered by a blistering 82 from Abhishek Sharma.

Put in to bowl after winning the toss, India's attack pegged Afghanistan back early when Jasprit Bumrah struck in his first over, before a middle-order collapse left the visitors 43/5 inside 10 overs. Azmatullah Omarzai then rescued the innings with a counter-attacking 64 not out off 44 balls, adding 47 with Mohammad Nabi (33) and a late 25 with Mujeeb Ur Rahman, dragging Afghanistan up to 156/8. Arshdeep Singh was the pick of India's bowlers with 3/19.

India's chase never looked in doubt. Abhishek Sharma tore into Afghanistan's bowling with 82 off just 32 balls, striking seven fours and seven sixes, sharing a 121-run stand with Ishan Kishan (42) that effectively settled the contest inside the first 11 overs. Both fell in quick succession to Mohammad Nabi, but Shreyas Iyer (8*) and Tilak Varma (3*) saw India home in just 13.4 overs.

The result gives India a 1-0 lead in the series, with the second T20I to be played at the same venue on September 15.