Afghanistan opener Rahmanullah Gurbaz wrote himself into the history books with a sensational 48-ball century against India in the first ODI at Dharamsala on Saturday (June 14).

The blistering knock became the fastest ODI century ever by an Afghanistan player and stands as the second-fastest century scored against India in the 50-over format.

The opening match of the three-match series, which was severely rain-affected and reduced to 25 overs per side, saw the Indian bowlers heavily rattle the Afghan top order. Despite the visitors slumping to 26/3 inside the first powerplay, Gurbaz took the attack directly to the hosts.

The wicketkeeper-batter went on to smash 102 off 51 balls with 8 fours and as many sixes before being dismissed.

Speaking at the mid innings break, Gurbaz credited the India head coach, Gautam Gambhir, for his strategic guidance and the behind-the-scenes work that helped him master this destructive innings.

Having shared the dressing room during their time together at the Kolkata Knight Riders, the young Afghan batter sought out Gambhir’s guidance one-off Test match in New Chandigarh.

"After the Test match I had a very good conversation with GG sir. The discussion we had really helped me, and I worked on those points during the net sessions. I'm very grateful because after the Test match, I went to Gautam Gambhir sir and told him that I wanted to improve my shot selection," Gurbaz said at the mid innings interview.

"He gave me some positive advice and areas to work on, and I benefited from that today. I tried to play positively, and it helped me," Gurbaz added.

Thanks to Rahmanullah Gurbaz’s whirlwind knock, Afghanistan posted 194 on the board in their first-ever bilateral ODI against India.

After Gurbaz's hundred, the next highest score was 27 from 30 balls by captain Hashmatullah Shahidi.