Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi
New Delhi, Sep 14: India defeated Afghanistan by seven wickets in the first T20 International at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi on Sunday night to take a 1-0 lead in the three-match series.
After winning the toss and opting to bowl, India put Afghanistan under early pressure as the visitors slipped to 43 for five. Azmatullah Omarzai and Mohammad Nabi then steadied the innings with an 83-run partnership, helping Afghanistan post 156 for eight in 20 overs.
Arshdeep Singh was India's standout bowler, claiming three wickets for 19 runs.
India made light work of the target, reaching 157 for three in just 13.4 overs with 38 balls to spare.
Opener Abhishek Sharma produced a blistering knock of 82 off just 32 balls and was named Player of the Match. He shared a dominant 121-run partnership with Ishan Kishan to put India firmly in control of the chase.
The second and third matches of the series will also be played at the Arun Jaitley Stadium on Tuesday and Thursday respectively.