Abhishek Sharma’s 82-Run Blitz Powers India to Crushing Win Over Afghanistan

Abhishek Sharma and Arshdeep Singh starred as India opened their three-match T20I series against Afghanistan with a convincing seven-wicket victory at the Arun Jaitley Stadium on Sunday.

After restricting Afghanistan to 156 for eight, India chased down the target in just 13.4 overs to take a 1-0 lead in the series. Abhishek led the charge with a sensational 82 off 32 balls, smashing seven fours and seven sixes at a strike rate of 256.25.

The left-hander, who had struggled to make an impact in his previous six T20I innings, responded in emphatic fashion. He brought up his 12th T20I half-century in only 22 balls and tore into Afghanistan's pace and spin attack.

Abhishek added 121 runs for the second wicket with Ishan Kishan, who contributed a composed 42 off 33 balls. Sanju Samson made 10 before being dismissed, while captain Shreyas Iyer remained unbeaten on eight and Tilak Varma on three as India completed the chase comfortably.

Earlier, Afghanistan were reduced to 43 for five after opting to bat, with India's bowlers maintaining relentless pressure. Arshdeep was the standout performer, returning figures of 3/19 and bowling 16 dot balls in his four overs.

Jasprit Bumrah claimed one wicket for 26 runs, while Varun Chakravarthy and Axar Patel took one wicket each. Varun was particularly economical, conceding just 16 runs in his four overs.

Afghanistan's innings was rescued by Azmatullah Omarzai, who remained unbeaten on 64 off 44 balls, and Mohammad Nabi, who scored 33 off 27. The pair added 83 runs for the sixth wicket, lifting Afghanistan beyond the 150-run mark.

Omarzai later conceded 14 runs while taking Abhishek's wicket, but by then India needed only 17 runs for victory.

The result gives India a strong start to the series, while Afghanistan will look to bounce back in the next encounter.