Record-breaking outing for Afghanistan's Gurbaz against India in first ODI
Dharamsala, June 14
Afghanistan batter Rahmanullah Gurbaz overtook Ibrahim Zadran to become the fourth-highest run-getter for the team in international cricket and also became the first Afghan batter to reach the milestone of 10 international centuries.
Despite a defeat, the first ODI against India at Dharamsala was a memorable one for Gurbaz, having scored a counter-attacking 102 in 51 balls, with eight fours and sixes each after his team were reduced to 26/3. His century, in 48 balls, was the fastest one for Afghanistan in ODI cricket.
Now in 143 international matches, Gurbaz has scored 4,403 runs in 146 innings at an average of 30.36 and a strike rate of 106.55, with 10 centuries and 20 fifties, with a best score of 151. Ibrahim has 4,337 runs in 113 matches, with seven centuries and 29 fifties.
The top run-getter for Afghanistan is their veteran all-rounder, Mohammed Nabi, with 6,252 runs in 332 matches and 301 innings at an average of 24.71, with two centuries and 25 fifties.
After Nabi (246 sixes), Gurbaz became the second Afghanistan batter to complete 200 international cricket sixes, now sitting at 204 sixes.
Coming to the match, it was reduced to 25-overs-per-side due to rain. India opted to bowl first and reduced Afghanistan to 26/3. Gurbaz continued to smack fours and sixes, particularly against spin from one side in an amazing counter-attack, stitching a 116-run partnership with skipper Hashmatullah Shahidi (27 in 30 balls, with three fours). Afghanistan was skittled out for 194/10 in 24.5 overs.
Debutants Gurnoor Brar (3/27 in 4.5 overs) and Harsh Dubey (3/47) were impressive on debut, with Arshdeep Singh and Nitish Kumar Reddy also getting two wickets.
In the run-chase, India lost Rohit Sharma (16 in 16 balls, with two fours and a six) just when a 46-run stand with Shubman Gill was taking off. Gill (84* in 66 balls, with 11 fours and two sixes) stayed towards the end, stitching partnerships of 70 runs for the second wicket with Ishan Kishan (34 in 22 balls, with three fours and a six) and 55 runs for the fourth wicket with KL Rahul (39* in 19 balls, with four boundaries and three sixes). India chased the total in 22.5 overs, taking a 1-0 lead in the three-match series.
Gill secured the 'Player of the Match' award.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Gurbaz is truly a joy to watch. That counter-attacking innings was full of fearless strokeplay. However, I feel Afghanistan's batting order collapsed too easily after his dismissal. They need more consistency from their top order if they want to challenge top teams regularly.
Shubman Gill is just too good! 84* off 66 in a rain-reduced chase – he makes it look so easy. And KL Rahul finishing with 39* off 19! That's the kind of depth we have in our batting lineup. But seriously, Gurbaz's 10 international centuries at just 23 years old? He's going to break all Afghan records! 🔥🔥
Love seeing associate nations produce such talent. Gurbaz hitting 200 international sixes already – that's serious power! The way Afghanistan cricket has grown is remarkable. India winning is no surprise, but credit to the Afghans for making it entertaining. Hope they continue to get more matches against top teams!
I know he scored a brilliant century, but Gurbaz needs to work on his consistency. He gets out trying to dominate too early sometimes. That said, 102 off 51 against India's attack in Dharamsala is no joke. Hats off! Also, great to see Gurnoor Brar and Harsh Dubey shine on debut – Indian cricket's bench strength is unreal. 🏏
Rain playing spoilsport again – but turned into an exciting T20-like contest! Gurbaz was the real star, showing how to counterattack under pressure. For
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