Rahmanullah Gurbaz Achieves Milestone Despite Afghanistan's ODI Loss to India

Gurbaz Sets New Records in ODI Match

In Dharamsala, Himachal Pradesh, on June 14, Afghanistan's Rahmanullah Gurbaz made headlines by surpassing Ibrahim Zadran to become the fourth-highest run-scorer for his nation in international cricket. He also became the first Afghan player to notch up 10 international centuries.

Although Afghanistan faced defeat in the first ODI against India, Gurbaz's performance was a highlight. He scored a remarkable 102 runs off just 51 balls, hitting eight fours and six sixes, after his team found themselves struggling at 26 for 3. His century, achieved in just 48 balls, marked the fastest for Afghanistan in ODI history.

With 143 international matches under his belt, Gurbaz has accumulated 4,403 runs in 146 innings, boasting an average of 30.36 and a strike rate of 106.55, including 10 centuries and 20 fifties, with a top score of 151. In comparison, Ibrahim Zadran has 4,337 runs from 113 matches, with seven centuries and 29 fifties.

The leading run-scorer for Afghanistan remains veteran all-rounder Mohammed Nabi, who has amassed 6,252 runs in 332 matches and 301 innings, averaging 24.71 with two centuries and 25 fifties.

Following Nabi, who has hit 246 sixes, Gurbaz is now the second Afghan player to reach 200 international sixes, currently sitting at 204.

The match itself was shortened to 25 overs per side due to rain. India chose to bowl first, quickly reducing Afghanistan to 26 for 3. Gurbaz's aggressive batting, particularly against spin, led to a 116-run partnership with captain Hashmatullah Shahidi, who contributed 27 runs off 30 balls. Ultimately, Afghanistan was bowled out for 194 in 24.5 overs.

On the bowling front, debutants Gurnoor Brar (3 wickets for 27 runs in 4.5 overs) and Harsh Dubey (3 for 47) made impressive debuts, while Arshdeep Singh and Nitish Kumar Reddy each took two wickets.

In response, India lost Rohit Sharma early for 16 runs off 16 balls, just as he was building a partnership with Shubman Gill. Gill, who scored an unbeaten 84 off 66 balls with 11 fours and two sixes, played a crucial role in partnerships of 70 runs with Ishan Kishan (34 off 22 balls) and 55 runs with KL Rahul (39 not out off 19 balls). India successfully chased down the target in 22.5 overs, taking a 1-0 lead in the three-match series.

Gill was awarded the 'Player of the Match' for his outstanding performance.