India Nears Opening ODI Win Over Afghanistan After Strong Chase in Dharamsala

The first One-Day International between India and Afghanistan is underway at the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium in Dharamsala on June 13. Afghanistan, batting first, was bowled out for 194 runs in 24.5 overs. India reached 133 for 2 in 15.3 overs in reply, needing 62 more runs to win the opening match of the three-game series.

Two Indian players made their ODI debuts in the match: left-arm spinner Harsh Dubey and fast bowler Gurnoor Brar. Both were included in the playing XI announced before the start.

The match forms part of Afghanistan's tour of India, a bilateral series scheduled after the two nations agreed to additional cricketing fixtures. Afghanistan's innings was curtailed by a reduced over count, though no official explanation for the shortened game has been released yet.

India's chase has been steady, with the hosts losing only two wickets so far. The required run rate remains manageable, and India is well positioned to take a 1-0 lead in the series.

The second ODI is scheduled next in the series, though the exact date and venue have yet to be confirmed. The immediate focus remains on the outcome of the current match in Dharamsala.