Lucknow: India captain Shubman Gill scripted history during the first One Day International (ODI) against Afghanistan on Saturday, becoming the fastest Indian to reach 3,000 runs in the format. The landmark came in just his 62nd innings, surpassing previous record-holder Shikhar Dhawan, who had achieved the milestone in 72 innings.

Gill also overtook Virat Kohli, who reached the mark in 75 innings, placing the young skipper at the top among Indian batters in terms of speed to 3,000 ODI runs. On the global list, Gill is now the second-fastest to the milestone, behind South African legend Hashim Amla, who holds the record with 57 innings.

Gill anchors India’s comfortable chase

Gill’s record-breaking feat came in style as he delivered a match-winning performance, scoring an unbeaten 84 off just 66 balls. His innings played a crucial role in guiding India to a seven-wicket victory in a rain-affected contest.

Chasing a target of 195 in a match reduced to 25 overs per side, Gill showcased composure and elegance. He reached his half-century in only 37 balls, setting the foundation for a smooth chase. His innings was laced with 11 boundaries and two sixes, reflecting both control and attacking intent.

India completed the chase at 193/5 with 13 balls to spare, underlining their dominance in the match.

Strong support from KL Rahul

Gill found solid support from KL Rahul, who remained unbeaten on 39 off just 19 deliveries. Rahul’s quickfire knock ensured there were no late hiccups in the chase, as India comfortably crossed the finish line.

The partnership between Gill and Rahul proved decisive, especially in a shortened game where momentum plays a critical role. Their calculated aggression allowed India to maintain a steady run rate throughout the innings.

Gurbaz century in vain for Afghanistan

Earlier in the match, Afghanistan posted a competitive total of 194, thanks largely to a century from Rahmanullah Gurbaz. The wicketkeeper-batter smashed 102 off just 51 balls, single-handedly reviving his team after a dramatic collapse.

Afghanistan had slumped to 54/7 at one stage, but Gurbaz’s counter-attacking innings brought them back into the contest. Despite his efforts, the total proved insufficient against a strong Indian batting line-up.

Debutants shine with the ball

India’s bowling attack was led impressively by debutants Gurnoor Brar and Harsh Dubey. Brar picked up 3 wickets for 27 runs, while Dubey claimed 3 for 47, playing a key role in restricting Afghanistan.

Their performances highlighted India’s bench strength and provided crucial breakthroughs during the middle and death overs.

Series outlook

With this victory, India have taken a 1-0 lead in the three-match ODI series. The second ODI is scheduled to be played in Lucknow, while the third and final match will take place in Chennai on June 20.

The strong start gives India momentum heading into the remainder of the series, while Afghanistan will look to regroup and bounce back.

Conclusion

Shubman Gill’s record-breaking achievement marks another milestone in his rapidly rising career. Combining consistency with flair, the young captain continues to establish himself as a key pillar of India’s batting line-up. His performance not only guided India to victory but also underscored his potential to become one of the greats in ODI cricket.