The rain-washed, picturesque HPCA Stadium in Dharamsala set the stage for an explosive begin to the bilateral collection on June 13, 2026. In a rain-curtailed encounter diminished to 25 overs a facet, India registered a dominant 7-wicket victory over Afghanistan within the first ODI. Whereas the high-octane motion on the sphere stored followers on the sting of their seats, it was a heartwarming, unscripted second off the sphere that stole the web’s consideration in the course of the post-match press convention.
Nitish Reddy interrupts press convention to reply his mom’s name after first ODI
A healthful second occurred in the course of the post-match presser following the India-Afghanistan first ODI, with the Indian all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy attending a telephone name from his mom as he confronted questions from the media after his staff’s win.
Reddy, who performed a vital position in breaking Afghanistan’s most harmful partnership, was in the midst of addressing journalists when his telephone started to ring. Recognizing “Mother” on the display, the younger all-rounder didn’t hesitate. With a sheepish smile, he excused himself from the media panel, saying, “Sorry, it’s my mom’s name,” and briefly answered to let her know he would name her proper again.
The endearing gesture shortly went viral throughout social media platforms, with followers praising the rising star for retaining his priorities grounded regardless of the in a single day fame of enjoying on the highest degree. For Reddy, it was a day of double celebration, having delivered a stable efficiency on the sphere earlier than receiving the last word stamp of approval from residence.
Right here’s the video:
The post-match presser can wait however a name from Mother merely can not 😊#TeamIndia | #INDvAFG | @IDFCFIRSTBank | @NKReddy07 pic.twitter.com/23OUBNZvYH
— BCCI (@BCCI) June 13, 2026
Additionally READ: Fans go gaga as Shubman Gill’s commanding innings guides India to an easy win over Afghanistan in the first ODI
India outclass Afghanistan to seal victory within the opening ODI
Earlier within the day, India’s stand-in captain Shubman Gill received the toss and elected to area below overcast skies. The match was restricted to 25 overs per facet because of morning showers, turning the ODI opener right into a digital T20-style shootout.
Afghanistan’s innings was a one-man masterclass pushed by opener Rahmanullah Gurbaz. The dynamic wicketkeeper-batter blazed his approach to a sensational century, hammering 102 runs off simply 51 deliveries, peppered with 8 boundaries and eight towering sixes. Gurbaz single-handedly anchored the guests to a formidable place at 142/3. Nonetheless, Reddy offered the huge breakthrough by clean-bowling Gurbaz, triggering a spectacular batting collapse.
From a cushty place, Afghanistan misplaced their remaining 7 wickets for simply 52 runs, getting bundled out for 194 in 24.5 overs. India’s bowling assault medical adjusted to the situations; Harsh Dubey was the decide of the bowlers with figures of three for 47, whereas Gurnoor Brar (3/27) worn out the tail. Arshdeep Singh additionally chipped in with a disciplined 2 for 27.
Chasing a demanding goal of 195 at a required fee of seven.8 runs per over, India by no means seemed flustered. Participant of the Match Gill led from the entrance with a flawless, unbeaten 84 off 66 balls, anchoring the chase with elegant strokes. He discovered in a position assist from Ishan Kishan, who cracked a quickfire 34 off 22 balls, and KL Rahul, who offered the ultimate flourish with a blistering 39* off simply 19 deliveries at a strike fee of 205.26.
India comfortably crossed the end line at 195/3 in 22.5 overs, sealing a complete 7-wicket victory with 13 balls to spare and taking a 1-0 lead within the collection.
Additionally WATCH: Shubman Gill grabs a stunner to remove Allah Ghazanfar in the first ODI
