Cricket

IND vs AFG LIVE Score, 1st T20I 2026: Abhishek Sharma misses century, powers India towards a big win in first match

September 13, 2026

India began their T20I series against Afghanistan with an emphatic victory, effectively chasing down a target of 157 runs. Despite an early setback when Sanju Samson was dismissed cheaply, Abhishek Sharma spearheaded the response alongside Ishan Kishan.

The dynamic left-handed pair dismantled the opposition attack, propelling the side to 82 runs within the initial six overs before both eventually fell after taking their team past the century mark in the chase, with Sharma narrowly falling short of three figures.

Earlier in the evening, Afghanistan's innings was anchored by Azmatullah Omarzai, who reached a half-century to help set a competitive score after contributions from Mohammad Nabi and late-order resistance from Rashid Khan. India's bowling unit, featuring Jasprit Bumrah returning from an injury layoff, Arshdeep Singh, and Varun Chakaravarthy, had chipped away with key dismissals throughout the initial innings to keep the Afghan side in check.