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Recent Matches

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1st T20I, India in Afghanistan, 3 T20I Series, 2026

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England beat Pakistan by 8 wickets

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Afghanistan vs India, 1st T20I Commentary, Live Updates

AFG vs IND, 2026 - T20 Live Commentary

Afghanistan vs India Scorecard

Match Ended

1st T20I, Arun Jaitley Stadium, Delhi , Sep 13, 2026

Afghanistan

156/8 (20.0/20)

India

157/3 (13.4/20)

India beat Afghanistan by 7 wickets

Player of the Match

Abhishek Sharma

82(32)&0/8(1)

That's a wrap - Just a day's break and the two teams will meet again here in Delhi on Tuesday, 15th September. India will be keen to wrap up the series, while Afghanistan will be desperate for a response. They will need a much-improved showing with both bat and ball if they are to put Shreyas Iyer and his men under pressure and keep the series alive. The game will begin at 2 pm GMT (7.30 pm IST), but as always, you can join us early for the build-up. Until then, take care and goodbye!

The skipper of India - Shreyas Iyer, about the field placements and bowling execution, feels really happy to see the synergy on the field. He heaps praise on Jasprit Bumrah, calling him a great asset and a genuine match-winner. Continues by adding that the early breakthroughs set the tone and built momentum from the start. Also credits Arshdeep's bowling, saying he followed up with a brilliant spell of his own, with Axar and Varun continuing the pressure after him. Overall, Iyer calls this bowling performance a phenomenal effort. On handing Dube the final over, Iyer says there weren't many options left. Also admits it was a tough ask for him too, coming on fresh for the 20th over without a real feel for the pace of the wicket or how it was behaving. Details that he is not overly concerned, though, and adds that Dube will go back and work out exactly what needs fixing. On Abhishek's batting display and Kishan's form, Iyer starts by praising Abhishek, calling his strokeplay flawless and exemplary through the innings. Turning to Kishan, he says he is in excellent touch right now, and points to how settled he has looked both in the dressing room and during practice. Calls Kishan calm, relaxed, and clearly assured of his game.

The captain of Afghanistan - Ibrahim Zadran says it was not the result they wanted. He feels they got off to a good start but then lost a cluster of wickets, which put them under pressure. Ibrahim says they batted well through the middle phase but ultimately did not have enough runs on the board. Zadran also feels his run-out was a turning point in the innings. He says India are a top fielding side and praises Ishan Kishan for his accurate throw in the run-out. Mentions that Rahmanullah Gurbaz did not have his day, but backs him to come back stronger.

PLAYER OF THE MATCH - Abhishek Sharma takes home the award for his scintillating knock of 82 runs off 32 balls, studded with 7 fours and as many sixes. Abhishek says getting a catch in the first over, that too in the slips, makes one feel really confident. Mentions that when they face Bumrah during the net sessions, it feels like they are facing the first few overs of a Test match. Details that they are always on their toes in the slips when he bowls. On the team's consistency, Sharma points back two years to a clear decision to play an aggressive brand of cricket and dominate opponents ahead of the World Cup. He adds that while the results have largely gone their way, and a series or two shouldn't define them as a batting unit. Stresses that the team always comes first, and that a fast start usually puts them well ahead when chasing something in the 150 to 160 range.

Time for the presentation ceremony...

Recovered, but not enough - Returning to T20Is after a period away, India were not at their best with the ball upfront, but still managed to have Afghanistan 5 down inside 7 overs. At 43/5, two experienced campaigners, Mohammad Nabi and Azmatullah Omarzai, came together to steady the ship, putting on an 83-run stand for the 6th wicket. Nabi's departure was followed by a quiet period for the Afghans, but Omarzai batted through to provide the final flourish and give his side something to work with. Arshdeep Singh and Varun Chakaravarthy were among the pick of the bowlers for India, with both keeping things miserly. Arshdeep claimed 3 wickets, while Varun chipped in with one.

Sunday special from Sharma - The back of the chase was broken in the Powerplay itself, with Abhishek Sharma ensuring that, after a quiet tour of Zimbabwe, normal service resumed. Watchful at the start, the southpaw soon shifted gears and teed off, leaving Afghanistan scrambling for answers. They repeatedly missed their mark against Sharma and could not come up with a plan to contain him. A 121-run stand between Sharma and Ishan Kishan sealed the fate of the game, with the chase completed inside 14 overs.

India canter home - A chase of 157 was made to look ridiculously easy by the reigning T20I champions. India remain the only team Afghanistan are yet to beat in international cricket among the Full Members. Pegged back early with the bat, the Ibrahim Zadran-led unit were always playing catch-up from there, and India proved far too good for them.

End Of The Over 13.4 : 157/3

5 Runs

113.1
113.2
113.3
213.4

T. Varma

3 (4)

S. Iyer

8 (5)

R. Khan

3.4-0-34-0

13.4

Rashid Khan To Tilak Varma

Comfortably done. Afghanistan have been Abhi-shocked in Delhi! Length delivery outside off, Tilak rocks back and steers it toward backward point for a single. It comes off the toe end, though. And hang on, the fielder has a shy at the bowling end but misses, and there is an overthrow that gifts India the extra run and the triumph as well. India win by 7 wickets with 38 balls to spare! A thunderous batting display by the Men in Blue as they go 1-0 in the series.

13.3

Rashid Khan To Shreyas Iyer

Flat googly, full on the leg stump. Iyer gets across and tickles it to the right of short fine leg for a quick single. Iyer is not happy with Tilak not calling for the run.

13.2

Rashid Khan To Tilak Varma

Drops it short on off, Tilak rocks back and knocks it to long off for an easy run.

13.1

Rashid Khan To Shreyas Iyer

A touch shorter, on middle, Shreyas whips it off the back foot to deep mid-wicket for a single.

End Of The Over 13 : 152/3

6 Runs

412.1
112.2
112.3
W 12.4
012.5
012.6

T. Varma

0 (2)

S. Iyer

6 (3)

M. Nabi

3-0-28-2

12.6

Mohammad Nabi To Tilak Varma

The length is dragged back a bit, on off, Tilak backs away and punches it to cover.

12.5

Mohammad Nabi To Tilak Varma

The off-break, full and on middle, Tilak lunges and looks to flick across, but the ball grazes the leading edge and rolls into covers.

The new batter is Tilak Varma.

12.4

Mohammad Nabi To Ishan Kishan OUT!

OUT! CAUGHT BRILLIANTLY! Rashid Khan comes up with a top grab. On a length, shaping in from outside off. Kishan gets forward and hammers flat and hard back down the ground. It doesn't climb much, sailing flat towards Rashid stationed at long on. Right on the rope, he lifts one leg to stay inside the line and pouches the catch clean after balancing up. The umpires want to check whether Rashid came in contact with the boundary cushion while holding the ball. And the replay confirms that it is a legal catch. Kishan's fun ends, and India are 152/3, needing 5 runs to win.

12.3

Mohammad Nabi To Shreyas Iyer

In line of the stumps, full in length, Shreyas clips it along the ground to wide deep square leg for a single.

12.2

Mohammad Nabi To Ishan Kishan

Short and outside off, Ishan hangs back and cuts it powerfully to deep cover-point for a single.

12.1

Mohammad Nabi To Ishan Kishan

FOUR! In a hurry to get the job done. Too full from Nabi, very quick at 103 kph, outside off. Ishan responds with equal brute force and blasts that down the ground. Before long on can move a muscle, the ball crashes into the fence. India bring up their 150, and they need just 7 more runs to win.

Could be the last over of the game. India need 11 runs to win from 48 balls.

End Of The Over 12 : 146/2

7 Runs

011.1
011.2
111.3
411.4
111.5
111.6

I. Kishan

37 (30)

S. Iyer

5 (2)

R. Khan

3-0-29-0

11.6

Rashid Khan To Ishan Kishan

Full at 96 kph, on the pads. Kishan turns it away behind square leg and retains the strike with a single.

11.5

Rashid Khan To Shreyas Iyer

Short and wide on off. Iyer stays back and slaps it wide of deep cover. Kishan is keen for the second run but is sent back by his partner and rightly so, as the fielder in the deep was quick to get rid of the ball.

11.4

Rashid Khan To Shreyas Iyer

FOUR! In the gap. Flighted up, a bit of turn, on off. Iyer presses forward and plays it late as he angles the drive through point. Darwish Rasooli covers a lot of ground to his left and dives but in vain.

11.3

Rashid Khan To Ishan Kishan

Dropped short, on middle, Kishan pulls it to deep mid-wicket and gets to the other end.

11.2

Rashid Khan To Ishan Kishan

An optimistic shout for LBW! Full and around leg, Kishan lunges for the flick but is beaten on the inside edge and gets hit on the front pad. That has pitched outside the line of the leg stump.

11.1

Rashid Khan To Ishan Kishan

Down leg, full in length. Kishan fails to help it away as the ball clips his pads and drops on the deck.

Abhishek's overdrive finally switches off. No real celebration from Rashid and the others as they know the game has gone far away from them. Shreyas Iyer walks in at number 4.

End Of The Over 11 : 139/2

9 Runs

010.1
010.2
110.3
610.4
210.5
W 10.6

A. Sharma

82 (32)

I. Kishan

35 (26)

M. Nabi

2-0-22-1

10.6

Mohammad Nabi To Abhishek Sharma OUT!

OUT! CAUGHT! Abhishek Sharma holes out. End of the entertainment from the southpaw. Nabi tries to dart it in very full from around the wicket but ends up serving a full toss, on middle and leg. Sharma has a heave across the line but he does so early and the ball catches the toe end of the blade. It is skied towards wide long on, where Rashid Khan initially thinks that the deep mid-wicket fielder is closer to the ball and hence he does not commit to the catch. He later goes for it and slides to take a reverse cup catch at head height. End of a 121-run stand. India are 139/2, needing 18 more runs.

10.5

Mohammad Nabi To Abhishek Sharma

Shorter and on middle. Sharma clears the front leg and hangs deep in the crease as he smears it away to the right of deep mid-wicket for a couple of runs.

10.4

Mohammad Nabi To Abhishek Sharma

SIX! Picked up beautifully. Flighted up, aimed at the pads. Sharma gets the front leg out of the way and sinks to a knee as he swats it behind square leg. Gets just enough bat on it to clear the fence. 20 more needed for the win as well as for Sharma to reach his hundred.

10.3

Mohammad Nabi To Ishan Kishan

Low full toss, outside off. Kishan hangs low and drags it down to long on with the bottom hand coming off the bat handle. They cross.

10.2

Mohammad Nabi To Ishan Kishan

Dropped short, outside off. Kishan spanks it hard and picks out the bones out of it, only to find the cover fielder.

10.1

Mohammad Nabi To Ishan Kishan

Spears it in very full, on middle. Kishan steps out but ends up yorking himself. Jams it out back to the bowler.

DRINKS BREAK! We have witnessed ball-striking of the highest order, with Abhishek Sharma once again putting on a show. It has been one-way traffic in the second essay, with Afghanistan unable to come up with answers to contain the carnage from the southpaw. That has made the result a mere formality, and we are now left with the final rites to be written in this contest.

End Of The Over 10 : 130/1

17 Runs

49.1
19.2
69.3
69.4
09.5
09.6

A. Sharma

74 (29)

I. Kishan

34 (23)

N. Ahmad

2-0-25-0

9.6

Noor Ahmad To Abhishek Sharma

Out comes the googly, on a good length, around off. Abhishek takes a step across and punches it straight to cover-point.

9.5

Noor Ahmad To Abhishek Sharma

Flatter and shorter, tighter line, just outside the off pole. Abhishek tries to force it away but ends up chopping it down to the right of the bowler.

9.4

Noor Ahmad To Abhishek Sharma

SIX MORE! He is in a no-nonsense mood. Drops in a half-volley, right into the slot, outside off, Abhishek plants the front leg beside the ball and swings it over long off for another effortless six.

9.3

Noor Ahmad To Abhishek Sharma

SIX! Marvelous ball striking. Short of a length, angled in around off. Sharma rocks back in a flash and muscles a lofted pull high into the night sky, sailing it cleanly over deep mid-wicket.

9.2

Noor Ahmad To Ishan Kishan

Full on the stumps, a googly, seemingly. Ishan turns it into mid-wicket for a single which brings up the 100-run partnership between Ishan and Abhishek in a super-quick time.

9.1

Noor Ahmad To Ishan Kishan

FOUR! Quality shot! Flat and full, on off, Ishan takes a giant stride in front and strokes it powerfully down the ground for a boundary, beating long on to his right. Straight as an arrow.

End Of The Over 9 : 113/1

15 Runs

1 LB 8.1
18.2
18.3
28.4
68.5
48.6

A. Sharma

62 (25)

I. Kishan

29 (21)

R. Khan

2-0-22-0

8.6

Rashid Khan To Abhishek Sharma

FOUR! Hammered! No mercy for Rashid. Short and outside off, Abhishek Sharma stays put and effortlessly lifts it over extra covers for a cracking boundary.

8.5

Rashid Khan To Abhishek Sharma

SIX! High and handsome. A bit fuller on the stumps, drifting in. Abhishek Sharma skips down the track, converts it into a half-volley and hoists it over wide deep mid-wicket for a huge six.

8.4

Rashid Khan To Abhishek Sharma

Bowls a googly from around the stumps by using the wider angle. This is dropped a touch full and outside off, Abhishek slices it over cover-point and a slight fumble in the deep allows them to cross for the second run as well.

8.3

Rashid Khan To Ishan Kishan

Short and on off, Ishan whips it off the back foot to deep mid-wicket for a single.

8.2

Rashid Khan To Abhishek Sharma

FIFTY FOR ABHISHEK SHARMA! After a streak of low scores and a forgettable series in Zimbabwe, Abhishek has roared back in style with a 22-ball half-century. That's his 12th T20I fifty as well. Full on the leg stump, quicker too, this is worked down to long on for a single. This also brings up the 100 for India. In just 8.2 overs. This has been insane ball-striking by these two, especially Sharma.

8.1

Rashid Khan To Ishan Kishan

On the leg stump, full and quick at 96 kph. Ishan jumps out of the crease to flick but misses. The balll strikes his front pad and ricochets to the square leg region. They get a leg bye.

A slight hold-up in play as the umpire has a word with Ibrahim Zadran. Not quite sure what that is about.

End Of The Over 8 : 98/1

8 Runs

17.1
27.2
17.3
07.4
1 WD 7.5
1 WD 7.5
17.5
17.6

I. Kishan

28 (19)

A. Sharma

49 (21)

N. Ahmad

1-0-8-0

7.6

Noor Ahmad To Ishan Kishan

Pitched fuller and on the stumps, Ishan drills it straight back at the bowler. Noor sticks out his right leg to stop the ball on his follow-through but the ball deflects and rolls behind for a single. India need 59 runs from 72 balls.

7.5

Noor Ahmad To Abhishek Sharma

Outside off on a length, Abhishek hammers it to the left of the diving cover fielder for a single.

7.5

Noor Ahmad To Abhishek Sharma

WIDE! Action replay of the previous ball. Down the leg stump, quicker through the air, another wrong'un. Abhishek swings and misses.

7.5

Noor Ahmad To Abhishek Sharma

WIDE! Hurls in a googly now, short but it spins down leg. Abhishek swings his blade hard to mow it across but misses. Gurbaz moves to his right to collect the ball.

7.4

Noor Ahmad To Abhishek Sharma

Dishes out a fuller ball, in front of the stumps. Abhishek shows respect and leans forward to smother the spin.

7.3

Noor Ahmad To Ishan Kishan

Full and quick, outside off, Ishan comes ahead and powers it down to long off for a single.

7.2

Noor Ahmad To Ishan Kishan

A fraction fuller and sliding onto the pads, Ishan whisks it through square leg for a quick couple of runs. Oh hang on, the third umpire is checking whether there is a short run at the batting end. But the replay shows that Abhishek had tapped the bat inside the crease.

7.1

Noor Ahmad To Abhishek Sharma

Over the wicket. Begins with a very full ball, outside off, Sharma carves it away to deep backward point for a single.

More spin as Noor Ahmad has been handed the ball.

End Of The Over 7 : 90/1

8 Runs

06.1
16.2
46.3
16.4
16.5
16.6

A. Sharma

47 (18)

I. Kishan

24 (16)

R. Khan

1-0-8-0

6.6

Rashid Khan To Abhishek Sharma

Slides in a flatter length ball, outside off, Abhishek Sharma swings hard to pull but loses his shape a bit and the ball squirts off the inside edge to deep backward square leg for a single. 8 runs from Rashid's first over.

6.5

Rashid Khan To Ishan Kishan

From around the stump, on a length, on off, Ishan stabs into covers for a single.

6.4

Rashid Khan To Abhishek Sharma

Quicker and fuller, on leg, Abhishek heaves it off the inner half of the bat to deep mid-wicket for a single.

6.3

Rashid Khan To Abhishek Sharma

FOUR! He is just dealing in boundaries, is Abhishek. Shorter and outside off, another googly dished out by Khan. Abhishek Sharma picks the variation early, stands tall and pumps it over the covers for a boundary.

6.2

Rashid Khan To Ishan Kishan

A googly now, on a length, around off, Ishan hangs deep inside the crease and whips it down to long on for a single.

6.1

Rashid Khan To Ishan Kishan

Rashid starts with a leg break, tossing it fuller on the leg stump. Ishan tries to flick it off the pads, but misses and is struck on the front pad.

Rashid Khan comes on to bowl.

End Of The Over 6 : 82/1

13 Runs

05.1
05.2
45.3
15.4
45.5
45.6

A. Sharma

41 (15)

I. Kishan

22 (13)

M. Nabi

1-0-13-0

5.6

Mohammad Nabi To Abhishek Sharma

FOUR! Clean strike! Juicy half-volley on middle and leg, Abhishek moves leg side and launches it over the mid on fielder to pick up another four. He is into his 40s already. India finish their Powerplay with 82/1 on the board.

5.5

Mohammad Nabi To Abhishek Sharma

FOUR! Luck favors the brave, they say! Very full from Nabi, outside off, Abhishek Sharma keeps swinging his blade mercilessly, gets an outside edge but the ball flies over short third for a boundary.

5.4

Mohammad Nabi To Ishan Kishan

Darts it full and on the leg stump. Ishan shimmies down the track to whack it down the ground, but the ball gets sliced on the bounce to short third for a single.

5.3

Mohammad Nabi To Ishan Kishan

FOUR! Majestic batting! Not all that short from Nabi, on middle and it actually keeps very low on bounce. Still, Kishan hangs back and nails the pull shot, finding the gap at deep mid-wicket for a cracking boundary.

5.2

Mohammad Nabi To Ishan Kishan

Floated on a length, around off. Ishan backs away and slaps it to the cover fielder. The ball gets parried to the man at mid off as he half-stops.

5.1

Mohammad Nabi To Ishan Kishan

Around the stumps, quicker at 91 kph, full on middle. Ishan uses his feet and taps it to the left of the bowler.

Farooqi has been taken to the cleaners. It's one-way traffic in Delhi at the moment with India motoring through untroubled. And here comes Mohammad Nabi into the attack to wrap up the Powerplay.

End Of The Over 5 : 69/1

26 Runs

64.1
44.2
14.3
5 WD 4.4
04.4
64.5
44.6

A. Sharma

33 (13)

I. Kishan

17 (9)

F. Farooqi

2-0-38-0

4.6

Fazalhaq Farooqi To Abhishek Sharma

FOUR! No need to run for that. The 50-run stand comes up in just 19 balls. Banged into the deck again, on off. Sharma backs away to open up the off side and frees his arms to slap it over cover for yet another four. 26 runs off the over.

4.5

Fazalhaq Farooqi To Abhishek Sharma

SIX! Dispatched with disdain. 22 runs off the over, and there is still one ball left. Farooqi repeats the slower bumper but this time Abhishek is up to the task. He takes a step down the track and pummels it over deep mid-wicket. He plays it with a bit of flair too, lifting his front leg.

4.4

Fazalhaq Farooqi To Abhishek Sharma

Out comes the slower, short ball, at the bodyline of the batter. Sharma arches back to play the upper cut but fails to connect.

4.4

Fazalhaq Farooqi To Abhishek Sharma

FIVE WIDES! It is going from bad to worse for Fazalhaq Farooqi. Seam-up ball, trying to tuck the left-hander for room but it keeps going down leg.

4.3

Fazalhaq Farooqi To Ishan Kishan

Fazalhaq drags the length back and takes the pace off, on off and middle. Kishan shapes up to go for the pull but then adjusts to the slower one and checks his shot. Nudges it square on the leg side for a single.

4.2

Fazalhaq Farooqi To Ishan Kishan

FOUR! In the gap. India go past 50 in 4.2 overs. Farooqi attempts the yorker but it comes out as a low full toss, slanting in at the pads. Kishan hangs low and takes the ball on the full. Swipes it to the right of the man at deep square leg for a four.

4.1

Fazalhaq Farooqi To Ishan Kishan

SIX! That has gone back many a mile! Fazalhaq Farooqi errs with his line, as this is angled in at the hips from over the wicket. Ishan arches inside the line of the ball and he picks it up behind square leg with the angle for a six.

Abhishek is in a solid touch out there. He has galloped to 23 off just 10 balls. Fazalhaq Farooqi returns into the attack, replacing Azmatullah Omarzai.

End Of The Over 4 : 43/1

11 Runs

43.1
03.2
13.3
13.4
1 LB 3.5
43.6

A. Sharma

23 (10)

I. Kishan

6 (6)

Ur Rahman

2-0-16-0

3.6

Mujeeb Ur Rahman To Abhishek Sharma

FOUR! Up and over! Mujeeb so nearly gets it spot on in terms of the yorker, on middle and leg. Abhishek gets the front leg out of the way and gets the leverage to pump it back over the bowler's head. One bounce and into the fence.

3.5

Mujeeb Ur Rahman To Ishan Kishan

Shorter and angled in at the hips. Ishan fails to make any connection on the glance. The batters are quick to sneak in a leg bye as the ball dribbles towards square leg.

3.4

Mujeeb Ur Rahman To Abhishek Sharma

Full and darted in on middle, this is hit down to long off for a single.

3.3

Mujeeb Ur Rahman To Ishan Kishan

Fuller and on middle and leg. Kishan lunges and eases it to long on. They cross.

3.2

Mujeeb Ur Rahman To Ishan Kishan

Too straight, on the pads, helped to short fine leg by Ishan.

3.1

Mujeeb Ur Rahman To Ishan Kishan

FOUR! Width offered and Ishan cashes in. On the shorter side, enough width for Ishan to work with. Fast hands from the southpaw as he cuts it to the right of backward point for a four.

Despite a big wicket, Omarzai goes for 14 in his first. India need 125 runs from 102 balls. Mujeeb Ur Rahman continues...

End Of The Over 3 : 32/1

14 Runs

W 2.1
02.2
12.3
1 WD 2.4
62.4
22.5
42.6

A. Sharma

18 (8)

I. Kishan

1 (2)

A. Omarzai

1-0-14-1

2.6

Azmatullah Omarzai To Abhishek Sharma

FOUR! Put away with ease. Omarzai goes into the wicket but this sits up to be hit, on off. Abhishek hangs back and unleashes the pull over mid-wicket for a boundary.

2.5

Azmatullah Omarzai To Abhishek Sharma

Does not carry! Skidding through, on a short of a length, on off. Sharma has more of a jab at the ball rather than a full-blooded pull. Sharma does not get the width to get his hands through the line of the ball and is hurried as well. Spoons it wide of deep square leg, where Sediqullah Atal charges across to his right but the ball drops short of him. He does well to get his body behind the ball and even though it is parried away to his right, it only results in a couple.

2.4

Azmatullah Omarzai To Abhishek Sharma

SIX! High and handsome! Seam-up ball, going across the left-hander on a length. Abhishek puts his head down and with a clean swing of the arms, he tonks it over long off for a maximum.

2.4

Azmatullah Omarzai To Abhishek Sharma

Wide! Well wide on off. Abhishek lets it through.

2.3

Azmatullah Omarzai To Ishan Kishan

Fuller and on off, Kishan drills it back past the non-striker. The mid off fielder moves to his left and tumbles away to make the stop. Just a single.

2.2

Azmatullah Omarzai To Ishan Kishan

Hits the hard length, on off. Ishan hops back and punches it to mid off.

The evening just keeps getting better and better for Omarzai. Sanju's lean patch seems to know no end as for now. He was preferred over Sooryavanshi, but cannot hang in for long. In walks Ishan Kishan at number 3.

2.1

Azmatullah Omarzai To Sanju Samson OUT!

OUT! IN THE AIR AND GONE! Azmatullah Omarzai is having a special night. Impact with the bat earlier and now he has struck with his first ball. This is on a back of a length, on middle. Samson takes a step back in the crease and tries to pick it up over deep square leg, but he is early into the shot. Gets it right off the bottom half of the blade and, as a result, he only gets the height and not the distance. Darwish Rasooli moves to his left at deep square leg and takes a safe catch. India are 18/1, chasing 157.

Bowler number 3 in the third over for Afghanistan. Azmatullah Omarzai is introduced into the attack. He was instrumental with the bat. Can he produce the same brilliance with the ball? He replaces Fazalhaq Farooqi.

End Of The Over 2 : 18/0

6 Runs

01.1
1 WD 1.2
01.2
41.3
11.4
01.5
01.6

A. Sharma

6 (5)

S. Samson

10 (7)

Ur Rahman

1-0-6-0

1.6

Mujeeb Ur Rahman To Abhishek Sharma

This keeps a bit low and skids through, on a good length. Sharma makes room, trying to force it through the off side. Chops it down towards mid on due to the lack of bounce.

1.5

Mujeeb Ur Rahman To Abhishek Sharma

Angled in from around the wicket, on a good length. Sharma firms the drive to mid on.

1.4

Mujeeb Ur Rahman To Sanju Samson

This is fired in, full and on middle. Samson pushes at the ball with hard hands. Ekes out an inside edge onto the pads. The ball dribbles beside the strip on the off side and Rahmanullah Gurbaz goes after it but cannot prevent the batters from sneaking in a quick single.

1.3

Mujeeb Ur Rahman To Sanju Samson

FOUR! Stand and deliver. At 95 kph, fractionally short, around off. Samson plants his front foot forward and gets his hands through the line of the ball, powering it over wide mid off for a boundary.

1.2

Mujeeb Ur Rahman To Sanju Samson

Fuller and curving back in, on middle. Samson shapes up for the big shot but then adjusts and stabs it down on the off side.

1.2

Mujeeb Ur Rahman To Sanju Samson

Wide! Darted down leg, on a nagging length. Sanju misses out on the tickle. The ball deflects off the keeper's gloves and rolls to short fine leg.

1.1

Mujeeb Ur Rahman To Sanju Samson

Following the batter as he backs away a touch, on a good length. Samson taps it to the bowler's right. Mujeeb gets low to make the stop.

Two delicious hits to get India up and running in the chase. And an early introduction of spin. Here's Mujeeb Ur Rahman. Not unknown to operate with the new ball, though.

End Of The Over 1 : 12/0

12 Runs

00.1
40.2
10.3
00.4
1 WD 0.5
00.5
60.6

A. Sharma

6 (3)

S. Samson

5 (3)

F. Farooqi

1-0-12-0

0.6

Fazalhaq Farooqi To Abhishek Sharma

SIX! Into the stands! Farooqi stays on the fuller side and gets the ball to curve away. He ends up being a bit too full, and Abhishek takes full toll. Sharma collapses his back knee and extends his hands as he slams it over cover for a biggie.

0.5

Fazalhaq Farooqi To Abhishek Sharma

Closer to the off stump, nice and full, a hint of away shape. Abhishek knocks it to cover watchfully.

0.5

Fazalhaq Farooqi To Abhishek Sharma

Wide. Floated up, flirting with the tramline. Abhishek thinks about going after it but then lets it go as the ball drifts just outside the guideline.

0.4

Fazalhaq Farooqi To Abhishek Sharma

Hooping back in, full and on middle and leg. Abhishek plays around his front pad as he tucks it to mid-wicket.

0.3

Fazalhaq Farooqi To Sanju Samson

This is pushed across the right-hander, on a back of a length. Sanju runs it down to deep backward point with the angle and crosses over.

0.2

Fazalhaq Farooqi To Sanju Samson

FOUR! Lovely shot. Samson and India are underway. Shaping back into the right-hander, fuller and on the pads. Samson brings his wrists into play and flicks it well wide to the left of the deep square leg fielder for a boundary.

0.1

Fazalhaq Farooqi To Sanju Samson

Steams in from over the wicket, a bit of a loosener first up, on a back of a length, wide on off. Samson does not move his feet at all and mistimes it off the back foot to cover.