In the first T20 of the three-match series against Afghanistan, India's fringe players, led by Shivam Dube, showcased their skills to secure a convincing six-wicket victory. Despite a competitive total of 158/5 posted by Afghanistan, India comfortably chased down the target in 17.3 overs.
Mohammad Nabi's experienced innings of 42 off 27 and Azmatullah Omarzai's contribution of 29 off 22 lifted Afghanistan after India dominated the powerplay. However, the total proved insufficient in favorable batting conditions.
Dube, playing his first T20 since the Asian Games, played a crucial role with an unbeaten 60, while Tilak Varma contributed 26 in their 44-run partnership. India faced an early setback when openers Rohit Sharma (0) and Shubman Gill (23) were involved in a mix-up that resulted in Rohit's run-out. Despite the early hiccup, Varma and Dube steered the innings forward, with Dube finishing the game in style with a straight six and four.
Jitesh Sharma (31 off 20) and Rinku Singh (16 not out off 9) also played significant roles as India secured the win. The fringe players' performances bode well for India, especially considering the absence of opener Yashasvi Jaiswal, who was unavailable due to a sore right groin.
In Afghanistan's innings, Axar Patel stood out as the standout bowler for India, registering figures of 4-0-23-2. Despite chilly conditions at the PCA Stadium, Nabi and Omarzai's stroke-filled partnership provided Afghanistan with a competitive total.
India's victory in this match and the team's strategic experimentation, as mentioned by Rohit Sharma, set the tone for their preparations ahead of the T20 World Cup in June.
(With Agency Inputs)
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