India beats Afghanistan by seven wickets in first T20I

India defeated Afghanistan by seven wickets in the first T20 International on Sunday, taking a 1-0 lead in the three-match series at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi. The victory was secured with 38 balls to spare, driven by a dominant batting performance led by opener Abhishek Sharma. Chasing a target of 157, India reached 157 for three in just 13.4 overs. After Sanju Samson was dismissed early for 10, Abhishek Sharma and Ishan Kishan forged a decisive 121-run partnership for the second wicket off only 53 balls. Sharma was the standout, scoring 82 runs from 32 balls, an innings that included seven sixes and seven fours. He brought up his half-century in just 22 balls. Kishan contributed a solid 42 off 33 balls. Earlier, Afghanistan, having been put in to bat, was restricted to 156 for eight in its 20 overs. The innings suffered a dramatic collapse from 38 for one to 43 for five, a slide triggered by a mix-up that saw captain Ibrahim Zadran run out. Arshdeep Singh was the most effective bowler for India, taking three wickets for 19 runs in his four overs.