India registered a comprehensive seven-wicket victory over Afghanistan in the rain-truncated first ODI at HPCA Stadium, Dharamsala on Saturday (June 13).
In a contest which was reduced to 25 overs per side, Afghanistan posted 194/10 on the board thanks to Rahmanullah Gurbaz’s blazing 102 off 51 balls.
The hosts replied with 195 for 3 in 22.5 overs. While skipper Shubman Gill remained unbeaten on 84 off 66 balls, Ishan Kishan contributed 22-ball 34 and KL Rahul scored 19-ball 39* during the chase.
After the game, legendary Sunil Gavaskar praised the Indian team's selfless culture, highlighting Rahul's aggressive approach despite Gill being within touching distance of a century.
"Before that over from Zia Ur Rahman, he had bowled three overs for just 19 runs. Then KL Rahul took 20 runs off that over. Up until that point, Shubman Gill needed 21 runs to reach his hundred, with about 30 still needed for the team to win. But then Rahul took charge," Gavaskar said while speaking on JioStar.
"That tells you everything about this team. It's not about personal milestones. It's about what each player can do for the team. To win the match in the 23rd over shows how clinical the chase was. It was a stiff target, not an easy one at all. But they made it look so ridiculously simple because they put the team first," he added.
Beyond the batting unit, Gavaskar also lauded the tactical flexibility offered by all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy and the impressive pace and control shown by debutant Gurnoor Brar.
Nitish’s steady bowling spell of 2 for 31 proved vital in breaking Afghanistan's momentum after an explosive century from Gurbaz. He dismissed Gurbaz on 51-ball 102, and followed it with the wicket of Mohammad Nabi.
“Nitish Kumar Reddy picked up a huge wicket of Rahmanullah Gurbaz with a perfect yorker. If you can nail yorkers like that, you become a valuable asset,” Gavaskar stated.
“Every time he tried something fancy, it went for runs. But every time he went back to the yorker, it worked. So, here's the takeaway. India now have a player in Nitish Kumar Reddy who can fill the role of a fifth or sixth bowler. Depending on the pitch and match situation, he gives the captain and selectors flexibility. 'Pick me as a batter, pick me as a bowler, I am ready.' That is a huge plus for any team," he remarked.
Gurnoor needed only five deliveries in international cricket to claim his maiden wicket, removing Afghanistan opener Ibrahim Zadran.
Operating consistently at speeds above 145 kmph and touching close to 150 kmph, the 6-foot-5-inch speedster heavily troubled batters with steep bounce. He closed out his spell beautifully by picking up two more wickets (Rashid Khan and Zia-ur-Rehman) in the final over of the innings.
“I was very impressed with Gurnoor Brar. He bowled a tight line and length. His pace was good, and he got the ball to move just a little, not too much. You don't need extravagant swing on debut. Control is more important. For a debutant, his control was excellent,” Gavaskar said.
“What he has done is unbelievable. He looks a very good prospect. His first ball was around mid-140s, moving away from the right-hander. Anyone will tell you, if you can bowl at that pace with the ability to take the ball away, that's gold. Add decent control, good height, and the ability to hit the splice of the bat – you deserve that first wicket. He showed all those qualities. Very promising start," he concluded.
(With IANS Inputs)
