Gautam Gambhir (Video)
New Delhi: India coach Gautam Gambhir could not hide his admiration as KL Rahul produced a first-class moment in the first ODI against Afghanistan, with his lively reaction from the dugout quickly becoming a talking point during the seven-wicket win in Dharamsala on Saturday.A video shared by the BCCI captured Gambhir’s mouth and eyes wide open after Rahul launched Ziaur Rahman Sharifi to make a stunning six over extra cover in the 22nd over of the chase. The stunning strike left the former India opener visibly stunned as India edged closer to victory.
The maximum came on the last ball when Rahul stooped to a slanting delivery outside off stump and produced a brilliant soaring drive that sailed over the ropes.
The shot capped a 20-run over and took India to 182/3, effectively deciding the contest. Rahul finished the chase five deliveries later with a boundary.Watch: Gambhir’s reaction to Rahul’s six
Gill and Rahul complete a relaxing chase
Chasing 195 against a rain-reduced 25-sided over, India recovered from a run-out by Rohit Sharma to ease home in 22.5 overs.captain
Shubman Gill
He led from the front with 84 off 66 balls, carrying his impressive form across the formats in the ODI series opener.
Ishan Kishan marked his return to the format with a fluent 34, while Rahul finished unbeaten with 39 off just 19 deliveries.Gill and Rahul added a sustained partnership that ensured there were no further hiccups after Rashid Khan dismissed Kishan with a trademark googly.
Beginners shine despite a hundred gurbaz
Earlier, Afghanistan editorial
Rahman Allah Gurbaz
He played a sensational knock of 102 off just 51 balls to rescue his team from 26/3 after India elected to bowl first.The aggressive right-hander smashed eight fours and eight sixes and looked set to take the game away from the hosts before the Indian bowlers fought back strongly.New players Gurnor Brar and Harsh Dubey have made an impressive start to their international careers, taking three wickets each. Brar’s pace and movement with the new ball worried the Afghan batsmen, while left-arm spinner Dubey recovered from an expensive start to finish with figures of 3/47.Nitish Kumar Reddy scored with 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.
