HIGHLIGHTS India vs Afghanistan, Afghanistan in India 3 ODI Series 2026, 1st ODI- Result, Scorecard

We are back for the run chase! The umpires are back out in the middle and the Afghan players can be seen forming a huddle before taking their places on the field. Skipper Shubman Gill and former skipper Rohit Sharma will open the innings for India. Azmatullah Omarzai will take the new ball for Afghanistan. Let's go...

... The Run Chase ...

Looking ahead - India will be pleased with the effort they put in with the ball and will back themselves to chase this target down. Rahmanullah Gurbaz did make batting look relatively easy at times with the way he swung through the line, but taking pace off and bowling into the pitch proved effective, while the spinners also found a bit of turn. However, Graeme Swann informs on air that there is a bit of dew around and feels the ball should come onto the bat nicely under lights. It should be an interesting chase. Stay tuned as the chase is coming up shortly.

A quick chat with the centurion - Rahmanullah Gurbaz says that he is grateful to have performed well, and his approach was the same, which was to play positive cricket. He adds that he puts in the hard work and gets the result for it, and feels that a century against India in India is a big deal. He also mentions that he had a chat with Gautam Gambhir after the Test match, which helped him. Ends by saying that there is something in it for the spinners, and if they bowl well, they can get the win.

Promise turned to disappointment - Having played second fiddle in the 116-run partnership with Gurbaz, Hashmatullah Shahidi needed to kick on and make his start count, but he was unable to do so. From there, India chipped away at the wickets. For the hosts, the two debutants, Gurnoor Brar and Harsh Dubey, picked up three wickets apiece, while Prasidh Krishna, after taking a bit of punishment early on, fought back strongly later in the innings. Arshdeep Singh was a bit unlucky, with India opting against a review when he had Gurbaz trapped in front early in the innings.

Gurbaz took centre stage - Despite the amount of rain around and the fact that the pitch spent a long time under covers, there was not a great deal of movement on offer with the new ball. Afghanistan, in their bid to make the most of the first Powerplay, lost three wickets, but that did little to deter Rahmanullah Gurbaz. Having been handed a reprieve on 14 when India chose not to review an LBW appeal, he made the most of that let-off. He blazed his way to a 48-ball ton, the fastest for Afghanistan in ODI cricket.

Afghanistan bowled out for 194 - The Afghanistan innings rather fizzled out after the dismissal of Rahmanullah Gurbaz. In the 56 balls that followed his dismissal, the tourists lost 6 for 52 and have been kept under 200. India started well and finished strongly too, but to be fair, they looked a little short of answers when Gurbaz was in full flow.

Gurnoor Brar to Ziaur Rahman, OUT! CAUGHT! Struck firmly but not wide enough from the fielder in the deep, and Afghanistan finish with 194 runs on the board. Gurnoor Brar goes short and at the batter, banging it into the deck. Ziaur Rahman goes deep in the crease and pulls it flat and hard towards wide long on. Arshdeep Singh moves to his right and brings out the reverse cup to take a fine catch as Afghanistan get bowled out with one ball to go and both debutants for India finish with 3 wickets apiece.

Gurnoor Brar to Mohammad Saleem, Full and on off, hammered down to long off for a single.

Mohammad Saleem is the last man in.

Gurnoor Brar to Rashid Khan, OUT! TIMBER! Wicket number 2 in international cricket for Gurnoor Brar. Bowled at a fiery 144.2 kph, on a good length and darted in from around middle. Rashid Khan stays leg side of the ball, gets a bit low and looks to swing it leg side but the ball skids on and beats him for pace. The ball eventually goes on to knock the leg pole out of the ground.

Gurnoor Brar to Ziaur Rahman, Slower one, over the stumps. Ziaur Rahman plays and misses, and Rashid calls him through for a quick bye.

Gurnoor Brar to Ziaur Rahman, FOUR! Back of a length and outside off, smacked away over wide mid off. KL Rahul chases the ball and pulls it back in as the batters only take a single. However, replays suggest that Rahul's foot was in contact with the boundary rope when the ball was still in contact with his hands, and Ziaur Rahman is off the mark in ODI cricket with a boundary.

Time for the final over. It will be the debutant to close out the innings. Here is Gurnoor Brar.

Prasidh Krishna to Rashid Khan, That's good bowling. A wide yorker now, Rashid Khan goes after it but gets an inside edge back to the keeper.

Prasidh Krishna to Rashid Khan, Oh, nearly too high. A high bumper on the bodyline, Rashid Khan instinctively helps it down to fine leg, but it's actually thudded the thigh pad and rolled down to fine leg. No single taken, a bit surprising, given it is the fifth ball of the over.

Prasidh Krishna to Rashid Khan, Krishna sees Khan charging at him and he jams in a perfect yorker at the toes. Khan fails to jam it out and is well beaten.

Prasidh Krishna to Rashid Khan, WIDE! A slower bumper, dug in over middle, but that's too high and Rashid just sways away from the line of the ball.

Prasidh Krishna to Rashid Khan, FOUR! Rashid Khan does get one away. Banged in short over middle, pace on as well. Khan goes deep in the crease and drags the pull to the left of deep backward square leg for a boundary.

Prasidh Krishna to Rashid Khan, Another good slower ball, a tad shorter and into the bodyline. Khan rocks back to pull but the ball goes off the thigh guard and back to the keeper.

Prasidh Krishna to Rashid Khan, Deceptive bowling from Prasidh. Slower one, bowled back of a length and around off, this one stays low as well. Rashid Khan swings wildly across the line but is beaten by the lack of pace and bounce.

Prasidh Krishna (4-0-30-0) returns for his final over.

Arshdeep Singh to Ziaur Rahman, And it stays that way. A yorker around off, Rahman stays leg side of the ball and squeezes it away to extra cover. Can Afghanistan get to 200 from here?

Arshdeep Singh to Ziaur Rahman, Singh goes wider on the crease and angles in a full ball, well into the pads. Ziaur Rahman fails to get it away and the ball hits the inner part of the pad, rolling to the left of the keeper. Just one off this over so far.

Arshdeep Singh to Ziaur Rahman, Back of a length, bowled into the pitch a bit and over off stump. Ziaur Rahman hops back to defend.

Arshdeep Singh to Rashid Khan, This is angled into the batter, Rashid Khan tries to play a no-look helicopter behind square on the leg side but miscues it over short fine leg and takes the single this time around.

Arshdeep Singh to Rashid Khan, And again, no run taken. Full again, angled into the legs, Khan whips across the line and the ball races away to deep square leg.

Arshdeep Singh to Rashid Khan, Rashid isn't going to take the single this early in the over. Full and wide outside off, squeezed away to deep point by Rashid Khan.

Arshdeep Singh to bowl out now. 4-0-26-2 so far for Arshdeep.

Harsh Dubey to Ziaur Rahman, Flatter one, attacking middle. Ziaur Rahman presses back and defends it down the pitch.

Harsh Dubey to Ziaur Rahman, Angled in with the arm, Rahman backs away and plays it back to the bowler.

Ziaur Rahman walks out to the middle on debut.

Harsh Dubey to AM Ghazanfar, OUT! TAKEN! An absolute blinder of a catch from Shubman Gill and Harsh Dubey has another wicket to his name. Dragged length around off, the ball grips a bit and turns away. AM Ghazanfar has a big hoick across the line but gets a thick outside edge past the keeper. Gill at first slip just flings himself to his left and sticks out the left hand to grab it out of thin air.

Harsh Dubey to AM Ghazanfar, Good length on off, pushed down towards cover.

AM Ghazanfar walks in next. Shubman Gill has positioned himself at slip for the new batter.

Harsh Dubey to Azmatullah Omarzai, SIX AND OUT! STUMPED! Harsh Dubey comes back strongly after being hit for a six and gets his second wicket on debut. Dubey flattens it up and darts it in a bit, fuller and just outside off. Azmatullah Omarzai skips down the pitch to go big down the ground, but ends up almost yorking himself and is completely beaten in the flight. Ishan Kishan whips off the bails in a flash as Afghanistan continue to lose wickets at regular intervals.

Harsh Dubey to Azmatullah Omarzai, SIX! A risk to bowl a spinner at the death and Omarzai starts the over with a bang. On a length and outside off, sits up for the batter. Omarzai makes room and uses those big guns to wallop it over long off for a biggie.

Harsh Dubey (4-0-41-1) comes back on.

Nitish Kumar Reddy to Rashid Khan, Just back of a length, skids through towards the hips. Rashid tucks it off the inside edge behind square leg.

Nitish Kumar Reddy to Rashid Khan, Oh, that could easily have been a run out. Back of a length, angling back in towards off. Rashid Khan dabs it in front of covers and Azmatullah Omarzai at the other end sets off for the sun. Rashid sends him back and Omarzai is lucky that the fielder missed his direct hit at the bowler's end.

Nitish Kumar Reddy to Rashid Khan, FOUR! Crisp from Rashid Khan, what a shot! Overpitched delivery around off, Rashid stays compact and just punches it wide of mid off and the ball races away into the fence.

Rashid Khan comes out to bat. We are currently in the third Powerplay, with India allowed 5 fielders outside the 30-yard circle from the start of this over.

Nitish Kumar Reddy to Mohammad Nabi, OUT! CAUGHT! Nitish Kumar Reddy answers right back and Mohammad Nabi has to walk back here. Reddy goes pace on this time, and gets the length fuller on middle. Nabi hangs back and backs away to go downtown but ends up slicing it to the right of long off. Arshdeep Singh covers a bit of ground in the deep and pouches it safely. Afghanistan are 172/6 now.

Nitish Kumar Reddy to Mohammad Nabi, SIX! Mohammad Nabi had to go here, and he gets a hold of one. Slower one, pitched up on off, and Nabi picks it nicely. He clears the front leg and clobbers it over wide long on and onto the roof. The ball nearly goes out of the ground, but rolls back in off the roof.

Nitish Kumar Reddy to Azmatullah Omarzai, A yorker, on the money and this one tails in towards middle as well. Azmatullah Omarzai jams it through the off side and picks up a single.

Prasidh Krishna to Mohammad Nabi, Slanted in at the sticks, on a length. Mohammad Nabi pats it down the deck.

Prasidh Krishna to Mohammad Nabi, On the fuller side, on middle. Nabi digs it out back to Krishna.

Prasidh Krishna to Azmatullah Omarzai, It could have been interesting had the throw hit. Pushes the length up, on middle. Omarzai squeezes it to backward point and sets off for the run. Rohit Sharma moves to his left and has a shy at the batting end but misses. The ball catches Nabi on the left thigh.

Prasidh Krishna to Azmatullah Omarzai, A big swing and a miss! At 134.8 kph, on a back of a length, just outside the off stump. Azmatullah Omarzai swings with all his might but there is a bit of nip back into the right-hander and the batter is beaten on the inside edge.

Prasidh Krishna to Mohammad Nabi, Half a shout for LBW, turned down. Fractionally short, on middle. Nabi pivots on the back foot for the pull but the ball goes under the blade and catches Nabi high on the thigh pad. It rolls behind to deep third for a leg bye.

Prasidh Krishna to Mohammad Nabi, Attacking the front pad with a length delivery. It skids through and Nabi is a bit rushed but manages to defend it out.

Harsh Dubey to Azmatullah Omarzai, On the off stump, pushed to cover.

Harsh Dubey to Azmatullah Omarzai, SIX! Straight as an arrow. This is bowled quicker through the air, on a good length, around off. Omarzai charges down the track, and even though he is not entirely to the pitch of the ball, he uses his reach to good effect. Extends his hands and slams it back over the bowler's head for half a dozen.

Harsh Dubey to Mohammad Nabi, Offers flight, fuller and on middle. Mohammad Nabi lunges and eases it to long off for another single.

Harsh Dubey to Mohammad Nabi, Darted in at the sticks, on a length. Nabi hangs on the back foot and keeps it out.

Harsh Dubey to Azmatullah Omarzai, Bowled flatter now, on a nagging length. Azmatullah punches it past cover and crosses over.

Harsh Dubey to Azmatullah Omarzai, SIX! Lovely extension of the arms. Floated up by Dubey, on a length, outside off. Omarzai makes room to go inside out. Not much turn and Azmatullah launches it high and handsome over cover for a biggie. Afghanistan's 150 is up.

Nitish Kumar Reddy to Azmatullah Omarzai, Another slower one, full and on off. Omarzai pushes out in front but is early into the stroke. Chips it uppishly through mid on for one more.

Nitish Kumar Reddy to Mohammad Nabi, Aerial but safe! Reddy dishes out the off-cutter, fuller and wider on off. Nabi throws his hands at the ball. It goes off the outer half to the left of backward point. They cross.

Nitish Kumar Reddy to Azmatullah Omarzai, Drags the length back a bit, on off. Omarzai punches it on the up between cover and mid off. Harsh Dubey is quick to move to his left from mid off and makes a tumbling stop. Just a single.

Nitish Kumar Reddy to Mohammad Nabi, Keeps the sticks in play, Nabi works this full ball towards long on and opens his account with a single.

Nitish Kumar Reddy to Mohammad Nabi, Full and straight, attacking the stumps. Nabi shows the full face of the bat and drives it down the strip. Reddy makes a half-stop to his right.

Nitish Kumar Reddy to Azmatullah Omarzai, Hits the back of a length, outside off. Omarzai punches it on the up through covers for a single.

Harsh Dubey to Mohammad Nabi, Stays flat and short, on middle. Mohammad Nabi pushes it to mid-wicket.

Harsh Dubey to Mohammad Nabi, Shorter and quicker, on middle. Nabi nudges it to mid-wicket off the back foot.

Harsh Dubey to Mohammad Nabi, Nearly another! Bowled at 80.7 kph, shorter and on off. Nabi stays back to deal with it but the ball turns away with a bit of extra bounce. Fends it off the outer half to backward point.

The next batter is Mohammad Nabi.

Harsh Dubey to Hashmatullah Shahidi, OUT! IN THE AIR AND GONE! First international wicket for Harsh Dubey. Going across the off stump from around the wicket, on a length. Hashmatullah Shahidi was better off going through the side with the angle, but he opted to go big on the leg side. He gets down on a knee and attempts the slog sweep. Skies it high towards deep mid-wicket, where KL Rahul settles under it and takes the catch close to his chest. One brings two for India, and Afghanistan are now 144/5.

Harsh Dubey to Azmatullah Omarzai, Pushed through, fuller and on middle. Omarzai knocks it to long off and crosses over.

Harsh Dubey to Azmatullah Omarzai, Sliding on with the arm from around the wicket, short and on middle. Azmatullah Omarzai punches it to the left of the bowler.

Nitish Kumar Reddy to Hashmatullah Shahidi, Hits the top of off from over the wicket, Shahidi dabs it from the crease to backward point.

Nitish Kumar Reddy to Azmatullah Omarzai, Short and wide on off, Omarzai reaches out with his hands and slaps it aerially but wide of backward point to his right. Single taken.

Nitish Kumar Reddy to Azmatullah Omarzai, Beaten! On a hard length, over off. Azmatullah Omarzai has a poke at it and is beaten on the outside edge.

Azmatullah Omarzai walks out to bat next.

Nitish Kumar Reddy to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, OUT! TIMBER! With the way Rahmanullah Gurbaz was striking the ball today, it had to take a ball of high quality, and Nitish Kumar Reddy has produced just that. Maiden ODI wicket for Reddy. Seam-up ball, a yorker, on middle. Gurbaz makes room and swings through the line, but the ball is a bit too full for the shot. It dips under the willow and shatters the stumps. End of a top knock from the Afghan opener. End of a 116-run stand. Afghanistan are now 4 down for 142.

Nitish Kumar Reddy to Hashmatullah Shahidi, Angled away, on a good length. Shahidi drops it with soft hands in front of point for a quick single.

Nitish Kumar Reddy to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Gets the yorker in, following the batter. Gurbaz squeezes it out an inside edge to short fine leg for a single.

Gurnoor Brar to Hashmatullah Shahidi, FOUR LEG BYES! Oh, that's a poor delivery to end the over. Hammered in on a hard length but slanted down the leg side. Hashmatullah Shahidi looks to tuck it fine but the ball brushes the pads and beats the keeper to race away into the fine leg fence.

Gurnoor Brar to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Full and straight, driven down to long on for a single.

Gurnoor Brar to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Hashmatullah Shahidi manages to make his crease and that will be century number 9 in ODIs for Rahmanullah Gurbaz. What a knock this has been. He punches the air in delight and then takes off his helmet, bowing down and kissing the ground, as everyone in the Afghanistan dugout gives him a big round of applause. Back of a length, tucked away off the hips and towards deep mid-wicket for a couple of runs. Gurbaz has made 100 out of the 135 runs that Afghanistan have scored so far and it is also the fastest hundred by an Afghan in ODIs, as mentioned by the on-air commentators.

Gurnoor Brar to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, WIDE! The slower bumper now, over middle, but a bit too short for the umpire's liking.

Gurnoor Brar to Hashmatullah Shahidi, Back of a length on middle, angling in and cramping the batter for room. Shahidi gets an under edge past off stump and pinches an easy single.

Gurnoor Brar to Hashmatullah Shahidi, That's well bowled. Short of a length, bowled from around the stumps, and cutting back in from outside off. Hashmatullah Shahidi leans well back to ramp it away but is well beaten.

Gurnoor Brar to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Short of a good length, angled in from outside off. Gurbaz strides across and gets an inside edge off the pads. The ball rolls behind square leg and they pick up a single.

Gurnoor Brar is back. 3-0-16-1 so far for the debutant.

Nitish Kumar Reddy to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Another good yorker, angled in at the pads. Gurbaz squeezes it across through mid-wicket and picks up a single.

Nitish Kumar Reddy to Hashmatullah Shahidi, Nice and full again, attacking the toes. Shahidi takes the front leg out and punches it down to long on for one more.

Nitish Kumar Reddy to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Yorker-length delivery on middle, jammed down to long off for a single.

Nitish Kumar Reddy to Hashmatullah Shahidi, Unnecessary from Nitish Kumar Reddy. Fullish length on off, Hashmatullah Shahidi dabs it into the off side, looking to set off for the single, but he is quick to retreat. NKR gets to the ball quickly and fires in a wide throw at the stumps, which ends up resulting in an overthrow.

Nitish Kumar Reddy to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Full ball, jammed in at the toes. Rahmanullah Gurbaz digs it out to deep mid-wicket and looks for two straightaway. Gurbaz turns back quickly after the first run, but is sent back by his skipper. The 100-run stand comes up between these two batters.

Nitish Kumar Reddy to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, WIDE! Slower one, sprayed full and down the leg side.

Nitish Kumar Reddy to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, SIX! That's a shot and a half from Rahmanullah Gurbaz. A regulation length ball, targeting the top of the stumps. Gurbaz gets his hands through the line of the ball quickly and pummels it high and handsome over long off for a mammoth six. Gurbaz is into the 90s now.

Will Washington Sundar continue? Nope, Nitish Kumar Reddy has been brought into the attack now.

Arshdeep Singh to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, A direct hit, but Gurbaz is well in. Attempted slower one, ends up being a low full toss. Rahmanullah Gurbaz pushes it down to mid off and pinches a quick single. Shubman Gill hits the bullseye at the bowler's end.

Arshdeep Singh to Hashmatullah Shahidi, Hard length on off, dabbed in front of covers for a quick single by Shahidi.

Arshdeep Singh to Hashmatullah Shahidi, FOUR! Edged away deliberately by Hasmat. Good length, in the channel and straightening down the line. Hashmatullah Shahidi hangs back, plays it really late and just opens the bat face to guide it down to the deep third fence for four runs.

Arshdeep Singh to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Another slower ball, dug in well short over off. Gurbaz reaches for it and toe-ends the pull in front of square leg for a single.

Arshdeep Singh to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, A slower bumper, angled across off and left alone by Gurbaz.

Arshdeep Singh to Hashmatullah Shahidi, Oh, a bit of a mix-up and again, Rahmanullah Gurbaz seems too eager to get back on strike. Good length on off, Hashmatullah Shahidi stays compact and plays it with short hands towards point. Gurbaz calls him through for a single and eventually, Shahidi has to put a dive in. The fielder also missed the direct hit at the bowler's end.

Arshdeep Singh (3-0-18-2) returns to the attack.

Washington Sundar to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, SIX! That's a real freebie, 20 off that over. A juicy full toss, around off. Rahmanullah Gurbaz keeps a still head and swats it flat back over the bowler's head for a biggie.

Washington Sundar to Hashmatullah Shahidi, Floated up around off, pushed towards cover for a single.

Washington Sundar to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, India are out of reviews! Not the best of judgements from the keeper, Ishan Kishan. Washington Sundar flattens it up, turning it in from around middle. Rahmanullah Gurbaz goes down to sweep but falls over a bit and misses, getting struck on the pads. There is a prolonged appeal for LBW, which is turned down, but Shubman Gill reviews it. Nothing on UltraEdge and Ball Tracking shows it to be turning well down leg. The batters also get a leg bye, as the ball rolls behind square on the off side.

Review taken by India for LBW. Ishan Kishan convinces Shubman Gill to send this uptstairs. The front-on replay suggests that the ball may go down leg. Yep, the Ball Tracking confirms the same.

Washington Sundar to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Two is the initial call from Gurbaz, and he gets it with ease. Floated up on a dragged length around middle, Gurbaz lunges and works it through the big gap at mid-wicket and races back for the second.

Washington Sundar to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, SIX! That's gone many a mile. Floated up on the stumps, Rahmanullah Gurbaz skips down the track and whacks it a long way over long on for a biggie. 100 up for Afghanistan now.

Washington Sundar to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, FOUR! Gurbaz is on fire out there. A bit of a half-tracker, outside off. Gurbaz backs away early and cuts it in front of point for a boundary.

Washington Sundar replaces Harsh Dubey.

Prasidh Krishna to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Hit hard but straight to the man in the deep. Slightly short and wide, sitting up for the batter. Rahmanullah Gurbaz scythes it to deep point for a single.

Prasidh Krishna to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, SIX! Wow, Rahmanullah Gurbaz is providing some top-tier entertainment here. Length ball at the stumps, Gurbaz goes across and down on one knee, getting inside the line and he flicks it handsomely over deep fine leg for a huge six.

Prasidh Krishna to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Back of a length and outside off, played off the back foot but straight to the fielder at point.

Prasidh Krishna to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Better length, not all that full and attacking middle. Gurbaz pushes it down to mid on.

Prasidh Krishna to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, FOUR! That's not great bowling from Prasidh. Banged in a bit short and outside off, Rahmanullah Gurbaz backs away slightly and slaps it up and over backward point for a boundary.

Prasidh Krishna to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Fuller than a good length, pitching it on off. Gurbaz prods forward and eases it to mid off.

Harsh Dubey to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Just short! Nice and full, on middle. Rahmanullah Gurbaz makes room to go inside out. Ends up hitting it a lot straighter down to long off, where Gurnoor Brar charges in off the ropes and slides but the ball does not carry. Just a single.

Harsh Dubey to Hashmatullah Shahidi, Shorter and around leg, this is turned behind square leg for one more.

Harsh Dubey to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Serves it full and at the sticks, Gurbaz eases it to long off for a single.

Harsh Dubey to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Rapped on the pads! Seems to be going down leg and the appeal is turned down. Full and attacking the front pad from around the wicket. Rahmanullah Gurbaz hangs low for the sweep but misses and gets hit on the pads.

Harsh Dubey to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, SIX! Rahmanullah Gurbaz gets to his FIFTY in style. Intent on display right from the outset from the talented Afghan opener. Dubey drops it a bit short, on middle. Rahmanullah Gurbaz goes on the back foot quickly and unleashes the pull over mid-wicket for a flat six. Rahmanullah brings up a 25-ball half-century, which is the second fastest for Afghanistan in this format, informs Murali Kartik. The 50-run stand also comes up.

Harsh Dubey to Hashmatullah Shahidi, Across the off stump, flat and short. Hashmatullah Shahidi flat bats it down to long on for a single.

Prasidh Krishna to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, FOUR! Hit with absolute authority. Overcorrection from Prasidh. He looks to go full but ends up serving it right in the slot, on off. Gurbaz holds his shape and goes inside out with the lofted hit for four more. Moves to 49, does Rahmanullah. 9 runs off the over. 34 off the last 3.

Prasidh Krishna to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, FOUR! Smartly done! Not a great option with third man up inside the circle. This is dug in short, outside off. Gurbaz arches back and plays the upper cut over the short third fielder for a four.

Prasidh Krishna to Hashmatullah Shahidi, Hits the back of a length, outside off. Hashmatullah runs it down to deep third and crosses over.

Prasidh Krishna to Hashmatullah Shahidi, On a hard length, on middle. Hashmatullah hops and keeps it out.

Prasidh Krishna to Hashmatullah Shahidi, Just outside the off stump, on a short of a length. This is cut to backward point.

Prasidh Krishna to Hashmatullah Shahidi, Hurls it on a back of a length, on middle. Hashmatullah Shahidi stabs it down on the off side.

Harsh Dubey to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Just in! Stays around the wicket, fuller and speared into the right-hander. Gurbaz clears the front leg and swings to go big down the ground. The ball goes past the inside edge and the keeper, Ishan Kishan gathers the ball to his left. He is a bit late in getting the ball close to the sticks and then whipping the bails off. The third umpire is summoned for a check. The replays confirm that Gurbaz did enough to get back in. He managed to slide his back leg just beyond the crease before the bails were taken off. Rahmanullah seems to have tweaked his back in the process but after receiving treatment from the physio, he is ready to resume.

Is that stumped? Quick glovework from Ishan Kishan behind the stumps and Rahmanullah Gurbaz could be in trouble. The third umpire is called into action, and it seems like a close call. The third umpire concludes that Gurbaz has just about enough of his boot behind the line and that saves him big time. NOT OUT!

Harsh Dubey to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, SIX! Deposited into the stands! Fractionally short, on middle and leg. Gurbaz picks the length early and is quick to get on the back foot. He clears the front leg and pummels it way over mid-wicket for a biggie.

Harsh Dubey to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, FOUR! Too straight and Gurbaz makes Dubey pay. Full and sprayed down leg, Gurbaz gets down on a knee and sweeps it fine of the short fine leg fielder for a four.

Harsh Dubey to Hashmatullah Shahidi, Shorter and on leg, that is flicked off the back foot behind square leg for a single. The 50 is up for Afghanistan.

Harsh Dubey to Hashmatullah Shahidi, FOUR! Gets it through! Fired across the off stump, fuller in length. Hashmatullah Shahidi springs onto the front foot and powers it down the ground. Not a lot of ground to cover for Washington Sundar at mid off but he is still beaten to his left and his slide goes in vain.

Harsh Dubey to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, A bit of turn. Dubey begins from around the wicket and spots Gurbaz backing away. He follows him with a good-length delivery. Rahmanullah stays back and plays it down to long off for a single.

The other debutant, Harsh Dubey, to have a bowl now.

Prasidh Krishna to Hashmatullah Shahidi, In the channel, bowled on a good length. Hashmatullah Shahidi drives it on the up but picks out Nitish Kumar Reddy at backward point.

The physio is out to have a look at Rahmanullah Gurbaz. It seems like Gurbaz landed heavily while putting in the dive and is getting a bit of whiplash. Hopefully, he is fine. Thankfully, Gurbaz is all set to continue.

Prasidh Krishna to Hashmatullah Shahidi, Nearly chopped it back onto the stumps and there was a run out chance at the other end. From around the wicket, targeting the top of off. Shahidi hops back to deal with it. Ekes out an inside edge and it rolls to the right of the keeper. Rahmanullah Gurbaz is keen for a single and is nearly halfway through before being sent back. Ishan Kishan charges across, picks the ball up and has a shy at the bowling end. His throw sails well over the stumps. Gurbaz was not even in the frame despite the desperate dive.

Prasidh Krishna to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Keeps the stumps in play, full in length. Gurbaz makes room to force it through the off side. Miscues it off the inner half to the left of mid on. They cross.

Prasidh Krishna to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, FOUR! Misjudgement by the debutant. Krishna stays full, around off. Gurbaz leaves nothing in the tank and swings for the hills. It goes square of the wicket on the leg side off an inside edge. Harsh Dubey moves to his right in the deep but the ball bounces and spins away, beating him to his left.

Prasidh Krishna to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Even fuller this time, in line with the off stump. Rahmanullah punches it to cover.

Prasidh Krishna to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, FOUR! Nearly went the distance. Prasidh starts with a full ball, just outside the off stump. Gurbaz puts his head down and swings through. Clubs it over wide mid on and the ball just bounces in front of the ropes.

Time for a bowling change? Yes. Prasidh Krishna comes in to replace Arshdeep Singh.

Gurnoor Brar to Hashmatullah Shahidi, From around the wicket now, very full, outside off. Shahidi goes hard on the drive but is beaten for pace.

Gurnoor Brar to Hashmatullah Shahidi, FOUR! Width offered and Shahidi cashes in. Gurnoor bowls it on the shorter side. Hashmatullah arches back and flays at it. Hits its over backward point and picks up a boundary.

Gurnoor Brar to Hashmatullah Shahidi, Beaten! Going away with the angle, on a back of a length. Hashmatullah stands tall to punch it away but the ball kisses the deck and zips past the outside edge.

Gurnoor Brar to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Not in control but safe! Brar bends his back and hits the deck hard. Gurbaz gives the bowler the charge premeditately but is tucked up for room. He swings across for the pull but is rushed. Gets it away to the right of mid on for a single.

Gurnoor Brar to Hashmatullah Shahidi, Fractionally short, on off. Fast hands from Hashmatullah Shahidi as he slaps it away to backward point on the bounce. Nitish Kumar Reddy flings himself to his left and makes a half-stop. Just a single.

Gurnoor Brar to Hashmatullah Shahidi, Full and pushed across the left-hander. Shahidi hangs back and plays a crispy drive to the left of deep point for a couple of runs.

That's the first Powerplay done. Powerplay 2 will last until the end of the 20th over. India are allowed to have a maximum of 4 fielders outside the 30-yard circle in this phase of the game.

Arshdeep Singh to Hashmatullah Shahidi, On a good length, tight line around off, Shahidi opens the bat face and just angles it down to deep third for a single. Afghanistan are 27/3 after the end of the first Powerplay.

Arshdeep Singh to Hashmatullah Shahidi, Tentative from Shahidi. Back of a length, in the channel and just a hint of away movement on it. Hashmatullah Shahidi hangs back and has a poke at it but gets beaten on the outside edge.

Arshdeep Singh to Hashmatullah Shahidi, Pitched very full and on middle, Hashmatullah Shahidi tries to walk inside the line but nearly gets undone, as he squirts out a leading edge into the off side.

Afghanistan's captain, Hashmatullah Shahidi is the new batter.

Arshdeep Singh to Rahmat Shah, OUT! CAUGHT! Another debutant gets in the mix as Harsh Dubey takes a fine catch, and that's three down now for Afghanistan inside the first 5 overs. Arshdeep Singh bowls it short on middle, angling it away. Rahmat Shah stands tall and looks to take on the pull, but it's not the ideal ball to go for it. Shah ends up getting rushed and miscues the pull over mid-wicket, where Dubey turns back, runs a bit and takes the catch.

Arshdeep Singh to Rahmat Shah, Fuller now, in and around off, driven on the up but straight to mid off.

Arshdeep Singh to Rahmat Shah, Good-looking shot, and it just about clears the in-field. Good length on off, Rahmat Shah leans forward and lofts it away, doesn't get the best timing and gets it over mid off. Shubman Gill puts in a valiant effort, going after it and putting in a big lunge over his shoulder, but can't reach it. Two taken.

Gurnoor Brar to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, SIX! That's been smoked! A short-pitched delivery now, over middle and at 145.2 kph. Gurbaz lines it up nice and early and muscles the pull over deep square leg for a biggie.

Gurnoor Brar to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Nearly beat Gurbaz for pace there. Full and straight, angled into the pads at 148.2 kph. Gurbaz is late on the flick and just about manages to get it away to mid-wicket.

Gurnoor Brar to Rahmat Shah, Angled in from wider on the crease at 147 clicks. Shah fails to get it away and the ball thuds into the pads, rolling away behind square leg for a leg bye.

Gurnoor Brar to Rahmat Shah, Full and wide outside off, Shah squirts the drive towards the point fielder.

Gurnoor Brar to Rahmat Shah, Nicely bowled. Bashed halfway into the deck and shaping away from outside off. Rahmat Shah hops up and plays inside the line.

Gurnoor Brar to Rahmat Shah, Full and angling into the pads, Shah misses the flick but gets a leading edge in front of point.

We are going to have a change of ball as the leather has come off. The fourth umpire is out with the box of balls. The replacement has been picked, and we are all set to resume.

Arshdeep Singh to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, That should have been a single. Back of a length, angled across off, Gurbaz hops up and dabs it to the left of covers, setting off for the single, but Rahmat Shah sends him back.

Arshdeep Singh to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Oh, half an appeal for LBW again, turned down. The three-quarter length now, on middle and leg, shaping back in a bit. Gurbaz misses the flick and gets hit on the pads. Might have been an inside edge, but replays suggest that the height might have been the crucial factor. No review taken. Ball Tracking later shows that had India reviewed, it would have been curtains for Gurbaz. Ishan Kishan and Rohit Sharma gestured from behind the wicket that there was an inside edge, but the two noises were from the ball brushing the front pad first and then hitting the back pad. Opportunity missed by the hosts. Arshdeep Singh is not happy one bit after looking at the replays on the big screen.

Arshdeep Singh to Rahmat Shah, Hard length, around leg stump, worked away behind square leg for a single and Rahmat Shah is off the mark.

Sediqullah Atal walks off, feeling hard done by the call. It was a decision that could have gone either way, but it went the bowler's way. Rahmat Shah walks out to bat.

Arshdeep Singh to Sediqullah Atal, OUT! LBW! Another appeal for LBW, and this time the finger does go up. Sediqullah Atal has a long chat with Gurbaz and does go for the review on the very last second. Arshdeep Singh pitches the ball fuller around middle, naturally slanting it into the left-hander. Atal looks to clip it away but misses again and wears it on the pads. The third umpire checks UltraEdge first and finds no bat involved. Ball Tracking then shows that the wickets are umpire's call, which means the on-field decision stands and Afghanistan lose their second wicket for just 16 runs.

Arshdeep Singh to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Arshdeep drags the length slightly short, attacking the bodyline. Rahmanullah Gurbaz swivels back and swings it over the mid-wicket region. The ball plugs in the outfield and the fielder from inside the ring is able to chase it down. They take three runs as well.

Arshdeep Singh to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Hard length on leg, nudged away with gentle hands, down to short fine leg.

Gurnoor Brar to Sediqullah Atal, Always looked like a stretch and India lose an early review. Gurnoor Brar serves this one just short of a good length and around leg stump, getting the ball to shape back into the pads. Sediqullah Atal looks to flick but misses and gets rapped on the pads. There is a huge appeal which is turned down and Shubman Gill is convinced to take the review. Nothing on UltraEdge but Ball Tracking shows that the ball pitched outside the line of the leg stump. NOT OUT.

Review time. LBW not given, but India have sent it upstairs. No bat involved. Where has this pitched? Oh, it has pitched just outside the line of the leg stump. The on-field call of NOT OUT stays.

Sediqullah Atal is in at number 3.

Gurnoor Brar to Ibrahim Zadran, OUT! CAUGHT! A wicket in his very first over in international cricket for Gurnoor Brar, and what a moment that is for the pacer. Brar pitches the ball up on off stump, keeping the pace up as well. Ibrahim Zadran goes for the lofted drive but miscues it badly towards mid off. Shubman Gill over there takes a few steps back to pouch it safely, and Afghanistan are 13/1 already.

Gurnoor Brar to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Back of a length, at a searing 148 kph and over middle. Gurbaz backs away and nudges it down to deep third for one more.

Gurnoor Brar to Ibrahim Zadran, A little too full, ends up being a low full toss on leg stump. Zadran clips it to mid on and picks up a quick single. There is also a direct hit at the bowler's end and the ball deflects away, but it doesn't cost India an extra run.

Gurnoor Brar to Ibrahim Zadran, Relatively full again and outside off, driven away from the body but straight to the fielder at cover-point.

Gurnoor Brar to Ibrahim Zadran, Good shape first up from Brar. Very full and outside off, shapes away. Zadran fails to drive it on the full and gets beaten.

It will be the tall debutant Gurnoor Brar to take the other new ball.

Arshdeep Singh to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, A dot to end, but an expensive start from Arshdeep Singh, 11 off the first over. Good length, targeting off and middle, Gurbaz defends it right under the eyes.

Arshdeep Singh to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, SIX! Up, up and away! Arshdeep tries to pitch it up, and look for some swing, but Rahmanullah Gurbaz negates that by advancing down the track. Gurbaz converts it into a slot ball and lifts it down towards the sightscreen for the first biggie of the game.

Arshdeep Singh to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Fullish length in the channel, shaping away. Gurbaz leaves it alone but the ball dies on its way to the keeper.

Arshdeep Singh to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, FOUR! In the air, but out of the fielder's reach, and Rahmanullah Gurbaz is off the mark with a fiery shot. Fractionally short, but well outside off, Gurbaz slaps it hard and to the right of Nitish Kumar Reddy behind point as the ball flies away to the fence.

Arshdeep Singh to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, This one goes the other way. Pitched up on off, swinging away, Gurbaz hops to the off side and shoulders arms.

Arshdeep Singh to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, WIDE! A hint of movement into the right-hander again, but this is sprayed down the leg side. Afghanistan are underway with an extra.

Arshdeep Singh to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Well, that's aggressive intent from Gurbaz. Good-length delivery, around off, shapes in a bit as well. Gurbaz gives the charge and swings across the line, but is well beaten.

4 hours and 15 minutes after the original start time, we are finally ready to get underway. The bell has been rung to signify the imminent start of play. The sun is out as Shubman Gill leads his troops out onto the park. Out walk the two Afghan openers, Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Ibrahim Zadran. Arshdeep Singh has the new ball in hand. Gurbaz to face the first ball. It is Ishan Kishan with the gloves for India instead of KL Rahul. There is a slip in place. Here we go...

We are moments away from the first ball, but before that, it is time for the national anthems. The match officials lead the way, followed by the two sets of players. It will be Afghanistan's national anthem first, followed by that of India.

India (Playing XI) - Shubman Gill (C), Rohit Sharma, Ishan Kishan, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul (WK), Nitish Kumar Reddy, Washington Sundar, Harsh Dubey (On debut), Arshdeep Singh, Prasidh Krishna, and Gurnoor Brar (On debut).

Afghanistan (Playing XI) - Ibrahim Zadran, Rahmanullah Gurbaz (WK), Sediqullah Atal, Rahmat Shah, Hashmatullah Shahidi (C), Mohammad Nabi, Azmatullah Omarzai, Rashid Khan, Mohammad Saleem, AM Ghazanfar and Ziaur Rahman (On debut).

The skipper of Afghanistan - Hashmatullah Shahidi says that they would have bowled first, but the toss is not in their hand, and they need to start well with the bat. Adds that they have done well in the recent past, but this is the first time they are playing India in a bilateral series, and they are excited about it. He ends by informing that they have gone with a combination of two pacers, three spinners and one pace-bowling all-rounder.

The captain of India - Shubman Gill says the overcast conditions and the possibility of another shower influenced his decision to bowl first. He expects a bit of seam movement early on before the pitch settles down and becomes better for batting. Shares that they will look to try out different combinations with a busy ODI schedule ahead. Informs about the two deubtants. Adds that Prince Yadav, Yashasvi Jaiswal and Kuldeep Yadav are the ones missing out today.

TOSS - Shubman Gill of India and Hashmatullah Shahidi of Afghanistan are out there in the middle for the all-important toss. Gill gives it a flick, and Shahidi calls incorrectly. India will BOWL first.

PITCH REPORT - Murali Kartik is pitchside. He says that the pitch has been under covers for more than 12 hours, but there's no moisture on the surface. He reckons that it is a high-scoring venue in the T20 games, and given the lesser amount of overs, the same can be expected in today's game. He ends by saying that the captain winning the toss will be looking to bowl first.

We are just a few minutes away from the toss and Harsh Dubey gets his maiden ODI cap from KL Rahul, along with a few words of inspiration. Also, Gurnoor Brar then gets his maiden ODI cap as well, from skipper Shubman Gill. A big moment for both debutants.

11.30 am GMT (5 pm IST) - Another huge update coming in from the ground, and the toss is scheduled to take place at 11.45 am GMT (5.15 pm IST), with the game scheduled to start at 12.15 pm GMT (5.45 pm IST). It will be a 25-overs-a-side contest. The Powerplay 1 will last five overs. A bowler can bowl a maximum of five overs. Grab a cup of coffee and strap in.

11.22 am GMT (4.52 pm IST) - Positive news coming in from Dharamsala. According to a few sources, the rain seems to have vanished and an update seems imminent, so stay tuned, as we might get a toss and start time soon. Also, the main cover is the only one still in place, with the others being peeled off.

11.02 am GMT (4.32 pm IST) - The broadcasters are back live to provide their half-hourly update, and it seems like the drizzle is still there. The floodlights are now on, but Graeme Swann on-air reckons that the clouds might start to clear out soon. Not sure whether that's wishful thinking or if the weather is actually starting to get a bit clearer. For now, the long wait continues.

10.31 am GMT (4.01 pm GMT) - The drizzle continues to fall, while the DJ continues to keep the crowd's spirits high. There is still a lot of anticipation that some sort of a game will take place, because it is more of an irritating drizzle rather than heavy rain, which would have really hampered the playing field a lot more. If and when the drizzle stops, the mop-up job might not take as long as one would think, given the excellent drainage system in place. Stick around for further updates.

10.01 am GMT (3.31 pm IST) - Nothing new to update from the venue as the broadcasters showcase the live visuals, which show the drizzle settled in and gloomy weather all around. We have started to lose overs already, and even if things get back on track, we would still lose a big chunk of overs. Let's keep our fingers crossed. Also, while the wait continues in Dharamsala, you can switch tabs and tune in to our coverage of the 2026 ICC Women's T20 World Cup, where currently Ireland and Scotland are battling it out in Manchester. Do make sure to check back in for further updates in this contest as well.

9.31 am GMT (3.01 pm IST) - The live visuals suggest that the drizzle is still steady, which is the big issue. Unless it comes to a complete halt, we won't be able to gauge the condition of the playing field and how much time it will take to get things ready. Let's hope for something more positive in the next update. Also, the broadcasters indicate that the cut-off time for a 20-overs-a-side contest is around 1.02 pm GMT (6.32 pm IST), which is still pretty far away. Stay tuned.

9.11 am GMT (2.41 pm IST) - The drizzle has reduced in intensity, but it hasn't stopped completely yet for the ground staff to begin removing the covers and start the clean-up operation. The good thing is that this ground boasts an excellent drainage system and is known for its quick turnaround time once the rain stops. Stay tuned for more news.

8.58 am GMT (2.28 pm IST) - Still drizzling in Dharamshala, and a few of the Indian players are keeping themselves occupied by playing some tennis-ball cricket in the dressing room. It's a scene many of us can relate to from our childhood days. We might have to ask them about the rules in play, though, and whether one-bounce-one-hand-out still applies. For now, that seems to be the closest thing to cricket happening at the ground.

8.27 am GMT (1.57 pm IST) - Not much has changed since the last update, as steady rain continues to fall and the skies remain gloomy. There has been no official word yet, but usually, there is an hour of buffer time before we begin losing overs. Stick around for further updates.

An action-packed Saturday - Plenty of cricket to look forward to in the Women's T20 World Cup, with three games lined up today. Scotland and Ireland kick things off before Australia and South Africa lock horns, while West Indies and New Zealand round off the day's action later on. Last night, Danni Wyatt-Hodge lit up the tournament opener with a blistering century as England launched their home World Cup campaign with a statement win over Sri Lanka.

8 am GMT (1.30 pm IST) - More covers are being brought on by the ground staff and spread across parts of the outfield. The Indian players certainly seem keen to get on the park, with a few of them regularly peeping out from the dressing room to check on the conditions and look for any signs of improvement.

Let's hear from Prasidh Krishna - Prasidh says that he has been working on his length and getting some game time helps as well, but the key is to push the length a bit fuller and make the batter think. Adds that before a Test match, mindset is key, and how you adapt from one format to another. He further mentions that the ODIs leading up to the World Cup are crucial, and as a team, they are trying to find the right combinations and the things that work for them. Ends by saying that there is no real seniority in terms of the bowlers, it's just that they try to learn from each other.

7.42 am GMT (1.12 pm IST) - It did seem like the rain was easing, but that respite didn't last long. The drizzle has picked up again. The forecast still suggests conditions should improve later in the day, but for now there is little the groundstaff can do other than sit tight and hope for a break in the rain.

Do you know? If we do get on the park today, Rohit Sharma will become the oldest player to represent India in ODIs. At 39 years and 44 days, he will surpass Mohinder Amarnath's long-standing record of 39 years and 36 days, which was set back in 1989.

7.19 am GMT (12.49 pm IST) - The official word is in. It continues to rain and, as a result, the toss has been delayed. Unlike some other grounds in India, such as Eden Gardens, where the entire playing area is covered, only the square has been protected here. Given the amount of rain we have had since last night, the outfield could take some time to dry even after the rain stops. Looking at the forecast, the weather is expected to clear over the next couple of hours, and let's hope that proves to be the case. For now, it's a waiting game in Dharamshala.

Spin royalty on show - Kuldeep Yadav needs six more wickets to reach the 200-wicket milestone, and no bowler has taken more ODI wickets than his 194 since 2017. On the other side is Rashid Khan, the number 1-ranked ODI bowler with 210 wickets at an astonishing average of 19.7. Although with rain around, the seamers could have a bigger role to play. At the moment, the covers are on, and we could be looking at a delayed start. Here's hoping the weather clears soon and allows us to get underway without too much delay.

Built to challenge - Afghanistan boast an impressive batting unit led by the opening pair of Ibrahim Zadran and Rahmanullah Gurbaz. Zadran arrives in exceptional touch with 578 runs in his last 10 ODI innings and is currently ranked number 3 in the world. The experienced middle-order duo of Rahmat Shah and Hashmatullah Shahidi add stability. Rahmat is Afghanistan's leading ODI run-scorer, and the pair shares 14 fifty-plus stands, the most for any Afghan pair in this format.

A reliable core - At the heart of India's challenge is the formidable opening partnership of Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill. Since 2022, no pair has scored more ODI runs than the duo's 2360. The middle order is equally strong, with KL Rahul averaging 61.58 at number 5 while Shreyas Iyer has scored nearly 2000 runs at number 4 at an average of 48.8. 

Hello, one and all! The one-off Test was a mismatch given the gulf in experience between these two sides in the longest format, but the white-ball arena has long been Afghanistan's strongest suit, and this three-match ODI series promises to be a much more competitive contest. The road to the 2027 World Cup begins today, and it all gets underway at the foothills of the Himalayas in Dharamshala, where the rain has been on and off since last night and threatens to play spoilsport.

... MATCH DAY ...

A historical bilateral debut - The Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium in Dharamsala has played host to countless memorable moments over the years, but this game, brings something entirely new. For the first time in ODI cricket, India and Afghanistan will meet in a bilateral series. Not in a World Cup. Not in a multi-nation tournament. This is a proper multi-match contest between two nations whose cricketing journeys have crossed paths time and again, but never quite like this. Set against the backdrop of the majestic Himalayas, the series opener carries significance for both sides. India are looking to rediscover their rhythm in the format after a run of inconsistent results, while Afghanistan arrive brimming with confidence, having quietly put together a remarkable five-series winning streak that has cemented their status as one of the most dangerous ODI teams outside the traditional powerhouses. Mixed results for the hosts - India's ODI form over the past year has been a study in inconsistency. They travelled to Australia and lost a tightly contested series 2-1. They returned home and beat South Africa 2-1, showing their dominance in familiar conditions. But then came New Zealand, a 2-1 series defeat at home that exposed familiar vulnerabilities, the top order's over-reliance on Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill, the middle order's inability to finish innings, and a bowling attack that sometimes lacks penetration on flat surfaces. Big return, big absence - The squad for this series has been selected with one eye on the immediate challenge and the other on the road to the 2027 World Cup. There is a welcome return for Rohit Sharma, who is back in the ODI setup after missing the latter stages of the IPL through injury. While he is not leading the side, his experience and ability to dominate attacks at the top of the order could prove invaluable, particularly against Afghanistan's spin-heavy bowling unit. India will, however, be without Virat Kohli, whose absence leaves a sizeable void in the batting lineup. Yashasvi Jaiswal has taken his place in the squad and will be eager to impress if given a chance. Experience meets competition - The wicketkeeping position appears far more settled. KL Rahul's remarkable ODI average of 50.9 makes him one of the most reliable batters in the format, and his ability to anchor an innings while accelerating when needed gives India tremendous balance. However, Ishan Kishan's presence adds an exciting dimension to the squad. Fresh off an outstanding IPL campaign, the left-hander has rediscovered his confidence and offers a more aggressive option should the management look for extra firepower. Shreyas Iyer remains a key pillar of the middle order, while India will also have to adjust to life without Hardik Pandya. In his absence, Nitish Kumar Reddy has a huge opportunity to establish himself, with the young all-rounder expected to contribute across departments and help fill the sizeable void left by one of India's most influential white-ball players. Fresh energy in the attack - The bowling attack presents an intriguing blend of experience and opportunity. With Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj rested, the pace burden is likely to fall on Prasidh Krishna and Arshdeep Singh. There is also excitement around Prince Yadav, who could be rewarded with an opportunity following an impressive IPL campaign, while Gurnoor Brar can be another option. In the spin department, Kuldeep Yadav remains India's trump card, while Washington Sundar and Harsh Dubey offer additional variety and depth. On paper, it is a bowling group with plenty of skill and potential, but Afghanistan's strong spin players will ensure they are tested throughout the series. The Gill factor - One player who will be firmly in the spotlight is Shubman Gill. The India captain has enjoyed a remarkable run of form across formats, underlining why he is regarded as one of the cornerstones of the team's future. He followed up a pair of fifties in the ODI series against New Zealand by leading Gujarat Titans to the IPL final while amassing more than 700 runs during the tournament. As if that was not enough, he then showcased his adaptability with a superb century in the one-off Test against Afghanistan. Whether opening the batting in white-ball cricket or anchoring an innings in the longest format, Gill continues to evolve into a complete batter. Add his growing maturity as a leader, and India will once again look to their captain to set the tone in what promises to be a significant series. A team growing in belief - While India have been searching for consistency, Afghanistan have quietly become one of the most impressive ODI teams in world cricket. Their ongoing five-series winning streak is no fluke. It includes a landmark 2-1 series victory over South Africa in the UAE, arguably the biggest bilateral ODI triumph in their history and a result that announced them as genuine contenders rather than merely dangerous outsiders. It also features a dominant 3-0 sweep of Bangladesh, where they outplayed the Tigers in every department, as well as series wins over Ireland and Zimbabwe. This is no longer the Afghanistan side that relies solely on its spinners to defend modest totals. They have developed a batting unit capable of posting imposing scores, learned how to win in different conditions, and built a belief that they can compete with and beat anyone on their day. Afghanistan's batting coming of age - For years, Afghanistan's success was built around their bowlers, but their batting has evolved into a genuine strength. Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Ibrahim Zadran form one of the most exciting opening combinations in ODI cricket, capable of both explosive starts and long innings. The emergence of Sediqullah Atal and Darwish Rasooli has added further depth, while captain Hashmatullah Shahidi and Rahmat Shah continue to provide the calm and stability around which the innings is built. Add the experience of Mohammad Nabi and the all-round brilliance of Azmatullah Omarzai, and Afghanistan now possess a batting lineup that can do far more than simply support their bowlers. Even at this stage of his career, Nabi remains a vital figure in the setup, bringing invaluable experience, tactical awareness and the ability to influence games with both bat and ball. Their recent success has been driven by their ability to post competitive totals and adapt to different match situations rather than relying solely on individual brilliance, with Shahidi's excellent leadership playing a major role in their rise. The skipper has quietly helped shape a side that knows how to absorb pressure, play smart cricket and consistently find ways to win. Spin remains their calling card - The bowling attack remains Afghanistan's biggest threat. Rashid Khan returns refreshed and will once again be the man India must watch most closely, but he is far from a one-man show. Young spinner AM Ghazanfar has rapidly emerged as one of the brightest prospects in world cricket, while Nangeyalia Kharote offers another quality spin option capable of controlling the middle overs. There is also a place in the squad for Mohammad Saleem, whose outstanding six-wicket haul against India in the recent one-off Test earned him an ODI call-up. Having already shown he can trouble a strong Indian batting lineup, the young seamer will be eager to carry that momentum into the white-ball format as well. The pace department, featuring Saleem alongside Fareed Ahmad, Bilal Sami and Ziaur Rahman, has shown encouraging signs, though it remains the least experienced area of the squad and could face its toughest examination against India's formidable batting lineup. If there is a concern for Afghanistan, it is that they still rely heavily on their top order to lay the foundation. But with Rashid, Nabi, Omarzai and a growing crop of young talent, this is a far more complete side than the one that first burst onto the international scene a decade ago. The Afghans have pushed India before - India may hold a 3-0 advantage in the ODI head-to-head, but the history between these sides is more competitive than it first appears. The most memorable meeting came in the 2018 Asia Cup, when Afghanistan stunned the cricketing world by tying a match against a full-strength Indian side. Even in their limited meetings, the Afghans have shown they are capable of matching the Men in Blue for long periods and pushing them deep into contests. Now, armed with greater experience, improved depth and a winning habit built over the last couple of years, they arrive in Dharamsala believing they can achieve something no Afghanistan side has managed before - defeat India in this format. The mountains bring their own challenge - Few venues in world cricket are as spectacular as the HPCA Stadium, but beneath the postcard views lies a ground that can be surprisingly challenging. Situated more than 1,400 metres above sea level, Dharamshala traditionally offers more assistance to fast bowlers than most Indian venues, with the cooler conditions and lively surface often producing movement through the air and off the seam. New-ball bowlers are likely to enjoy themselves, particularly during the opening spell, while batters who survive that period are usually rewarded for their patience. The ground has produced both high-scoring encounters and dramatic collapses over the years, making adaptability a key trait. With pace generally playing a bigger role than spin here, both teams' seam attacks could have a significant say in how the match unfolds. Weather watch - The one concern heading into the match is the weather. The forecast is far from encouraging, with persistent rain predicted throughout the day and the possibility of interruptions looming over the contest. A stop-start affair cannot be ruled out, and both teams may have to remain flexible with their plans. The hope, however, is that the showers stay brief enough to allow a meaningful game and prevent the weather from having the final say. Form (Last 5 completed ODIs, recent first) - IND - LLWWL | AFG - WWWWL. An intriguing battle awaits - One side is looking to regain momentum. The other is looking to continue it. India have the talent and home advantage, but Afghanistan have spent the last few years turning potential into results. Dharamshala now provides the stage for another examination of just how far they have come. The names may suggest a mismatch, but the cricket promises something far more intriguing.