The first T20I of the three-match series between India and Afghanistan got underway at Mohali on January 11, 2024. This is the first time the two sides are playing a bilateral international series.
India captain Rohit Sharma won the toss and chose to bowl first. India had some changes as Yashasvi Jaiswal was ruled out due to a groin injury. Shubman Gill was slotted as an opener, with Tilak Varma in the XI and Jitesh Sharma preferred as a keeper over Sanju Samson. India also went in with only two main pacers and three spinners.
Meanwhile, Afghanistan batters, despite early struggles, did well to take the team to a decent total of 158/5 in 20 overs. Mohammad Nabi top-scored with 42 runs, while Azmatullah Omarzai (29), Ibrahim Zadran made (25) and Rahmanullah Gurbaz made 23 runs.
For India, Mukesh Kumar and Akshar Patel took two wickets each, while Shivam Dube took one.
India was set 159 to win and take the lead in the series and Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill opened the innings. But tragedy struck on the second ball. Rohit Sharma played a straightish drive and set off for a quick single. But Shubman Gill was ball-watching and completely ignored his captain.
Rohit was run out for a duck and was extremely angry at Shubman Gill while walking back to the pavilion.
Here is the video:
