Shubman Gill’s Jaw-Dropping Catch Elects as India Thumps Afghanistan in Rain-Affected Series Opener

The Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium witnessed high-octane drama as India launched their Afghanistan tour with a commanding 7-wicket win in the rain-curtailed first ODI on June 13, 2026. With both sides restricted to 25 overs apiece due to persistent rainfall and a saturatedoutfield, India chased down 195 with 13 balls to spare, but it was captain Shubman Gill‘s extraordinary fielding that dominated conversation.

Shubman Gill pulls off a screamer to send Allah Ghazanfar packing in the first ODI

The match’s defining moment arrived in the 22nd over of Afghanistan’s innings. Left-arm spinner Harsh Dubey had applied steady pressure with a deceiving back-of-a-length delivery that spun sharply away from the off stump. Afghanistan’s lower-order batter Allah Ghazanfar attempted a ambitious cover-drive, only managing a thin edge that floated toward slip cordon.

Gill, positioned perfectly at slip, launched into a desperate dive backward and to the side, extending his left hand above shoulder height to clutched the ball cleanly. The spectacular one-handed grab sent shockwaves through the stadium, with Gill immediately celebrating ecstatically before being mobbed by delighted teammates. Ghazanfar was dismissed for a two-ball duck as Afghanistan collapsed to 182/8, with Dubey finishing with figures of 3/47.

Here’s the video:

What. A. Catch

Captain Shubman Gill with an absolute stunner of a grab

Updates #TeamIndia | #INDvAFG | @IDFCFIRSTBank | @ShubmanGill pic.twitter.com/jX2rAfSbtq

— BCCI (@BCCI) June 13, 2026

Chasing 195, India navigated the target with remarkable composure. Openers Rahmanullah Gurbaz had threatened a stunning upset with a blistering 102 off 51 balls (8×4, 8×6), but Indian bowlers rallied brilliantly. Harsh Dubey claimed 3/47 while Gurnoor Brar destroyed the lower order with 3/27, bowled Afghanistan out for 194 in the 45th over.

Shubman Gill delivered a flawless captain’s performance with an unbeaten 84 off 66 balls (11×4, 1×6), anchoring India’s chase after Rohit Sharma‘s unfortunate run-out. Ishan Kishan provided explosive support with 34 off 22 and KL Rahul sealed victory with a blistering 39 not out from 19 balls, delivering India’s chase in 22.5 overs for a 7-wicket triumph and 1-0 series lead.

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