Delhi, 13 September 2026 (Nosheen): Abhishek Sharma starred with the bat as India defeated Afghanistan by eight wickets in the opening T20I of the series at the Arun Jaitley Stadium on Sunday. Chasing a target of 157 runs, India comfortably reached the target while losing just three wickets. Abhishek Sharma top-scored with a blistering 82 off 43 balls, smashing seven sixes and seven fours, while Ishan Kishan scored 42 off 33 balls, including five fours and a six. The pair shared a 121-run partnership for the second wicket. For Afghanistan, Mohammad Nabi claimed two wickets. Earlier, Azmatullah Omarzai’s unbeaten 64 off 44 balls helped Afghanistan post 156 for eight in their 20 overs despite a difficult start. Omarzai struck four sixes and four boundaries. India’s bowlers made an explosive start, reducing Afghanistan to 43 for five by the end of the powerplay. Mohammad Nabi and Omarzai then steadied the innings with an 83-run partnership, taking Afghanistan past the 100-run mark. Nabi scored 33 off 27 balls, including two sixes and two fours, before being bowled in the 17th over, leaving Afghanistan at 126 for six. Afghanistan lost two more wickets in the final over to finish at 156 for eight, while Omarzai remained unbeaten to give his side a competitive total. For India, Arshdeep Singh was the pick of the bowlers, claiming three wickets. India’s playing XI comprised Sanju Samson (wicketkeeper), Abhishek Sharma, Ishan Kishan, Shreyas Iyer (captain), Tilak Varma, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel, Arshdeep Singh, Jasprit Bumrah and Varun Chakaravarthy.