IND vs AFG: India Register Third 50+ Score During Powerplay In T20Is At Home

IND vs AFG: Indian batters wasted no time in their quest for Afghanistan's total of 156. Sanju Samson opened the innings with Abhishek Sharma. However, the CSK star fell early, scoring 10(8), which gave a jolt to the Indian innings early on in their innings.

After the departure of Samson, Ishan and Abhishek Sharma took matters into their own hands and scored 121 runs off 53 balls. The duo scored 82 runs, which is also the third 50+ score for the men in blue at home. Team India had enjoyed a brilliant run of form in the 5 T20Is during the Powerplay, getting past the 50-run mark every time.

Last five Powerplay scores for India at home

• 80/1
• 53/2
• 67/1
• 92/0
• 82/1 *

India made light work of Afghanistan's 156-run target in the first T20I, powered by a blistering start from Abhishek Sharma and a composed unbeaten knock from Ishan Kishan.

Abhishek Sets The Tone

Abhishek Sharma immediately put Afghanistan's bowlers under pressure, taking the attack to both pace and spin during the Powerplay. The left-hander's aggressive strokeplay propelled India to 82/1 in the opening six overs, giving the hosts complete control of the chase. Abhishek smashed 82 off just 32 balls, clearing the ropes seven times during a sensational display of hitting.

While Abhishek provided the fireworks, Kishan played the perfect supporting role. The left-hander remained unbeaten on 42 from 33 deliveries, rotating the strike efficiently and ensuring Afghanistan were unable to build pressure through Rashid Khan.

Sanju Samson was the only Indian batter to depart during the chase. He struck two boundaries before attempting to attack Azmatullah Omarzai, only to miscue the delivery towards Darwish Rasooli.

With the target well within reach, captain Shreyas Iyer came in at the finish and quickly put the result beyond doubt with a boundary.

India's aggressive Powerplay effectively ended Afghanistan's hopes of defending their total, with the hosts completing a commanding chase behind Abhishek's explosive innings and Kishan's assured contribution.