Abhishek Sharma's explosive 82 leads India to dominant seven-wicket victory over Afghanistan in 1st T20I
India takes a 1-0 lead in the three-match T20I series, with the second match scheduled for September 15.
The story
The Arun Jaitley Stadium witnessed a commanding performance from India as they defeated Afghanistan by seven wickets in the first T20I. Chasing Afghanistan's total of 156/8, India romped home in just 13.4 overs.
Abhishek Sharma was the architect of the chase, smashing a blistering 82 runs off only 32 balls, an innings studded with seven boundaries and as many sixes. He was well-supported by Ishan Kishan, who contributed 42 runs from 33 deliveries.
Earlier, Afghanistan, after a shaky start, managed to post a respectable total thanks in part to Azmatullah Omarzai's fifty, but Arshdeep Singh's incisive spell of 3/19 helped restrict their scoring. India's clinical batting ensured a comfortable win and an early lead in the series.
Latest results
| Match | Format | Result | Star |
|---|---|---|---|
| Afghanistan vs India | T20I | India won by 7 wickets | Abhishek Sharma 82 (32) & Arshdeep Singh 3/19 |
| Malaysia vs United Arab Emirates | T20I | United Arab Emirates won by 6 wickets | Khuzaima Tanveer 68 (29) & 2/22 |
| Botswana vs Rwanda | T20I | Rwanda won by 6 runs (DLS Method) | Hamza Khan 93 (48) |
Series in play
Afghanistan vs India T20I Series. India leads 1-0 in the three-match series
United Arab Emirates tour of Malaysia T20I Series. United Arab Emirates leads 1-0 in the three-match series
Africa Continental Cup 2026. Group stage matches in progress
Tables that matter
| Competition | Position | Note |
|---|---|---|
| ICC Men's T20I Team Rankings | #1 India | Rankings last updated on September 13, 2026. |
| ICC Men's ODI Team Rankings | #1 India | Rankings as of August 22, 2025. |
| ICC Men's Test Team Rankings | #1 Australia | Rankings last updated on July 8, 2025. |
| ICC World Test Championship 2025-27 | #1 Australia, #5 India | Australia leads the standings with India in fifth place. |
What we'll be watching
- September 15, 07:30Z: Sierra Leone vs Uganda, 13th Match, Africa Continental Cup 2026, Gahanga International Cricket Stadium
- September 15, 07:30Z: Zimbabwe vs Australia, 1st ODI, Harare Sports Club
- September 15, 14:00Z: Afghanistan vs India, 2nd T20I, Arun Jaitley Stadium
- September 15, 17:30Z: England vs Sri Lanka, 1st T20I, The Rose Bowl
- September 16, 02:00Z: Malaysia vs United Arab Emirates, 2nd T20I, Bayuemas Oval
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