India captain Shubman Gill continued his remarkable rise in international cricket by becoming the fastest Indian batter to reach 3,000 ODI runs during the first One-Day International against Afghanistan on Saturday.
The stylish opener achieved the milestone in just 62 innings, surpassing the previous Indian record held by Shikhar Dhawan, who reached the landmark in 72 innings. Virat Kohli occupies third place on the list, having completed 3,000 ODI runs in 75 innings.
Second-Fastest Batter In ODI History To Reach 3,000 Runs
Gill’s latest achievement also places him among the fastest batters in world cricket history.
Only Hashim Amla has reached the milestone quicker, having scored 3,000 ODI runs in 57 innings. Gill fell just five innings short of matching the South African legend’s world record.
Gill Anchors India’s Chase With Unbeaten 84
The milestone came during a superb innings that helped India secure a comfortable seven-wicket victory in the rain-affected series opener.
Chasing a target of 195 in a match reduced to 25 overs per side, Gill produced a composed yet aggressive unbeaten 84 off 66 deliveries. His innings featured 11 boundaries and two sixes as he controlled the chase from start to finish.
The India skipper reached his half-century in only 37 balls and ensured there were no major hiccups in the pursuit.
Gill received valuable support from KL Rahul, who remained unbeaten on 39 from just 19 balls as the duo guided India to 193-5 with 13 deliveries remaining.
Rain Delays Start, Afghanistan Post 194
Persistent rain delayed the toss by more than four hours before the match was reduced to 25 overs per side.
Batting first, Afghanistan were bowled out for 194 despite a sensational century from opener Rahmanullah Gurbaz.
Gurbaz smashed 102 runs off just 51 balls and single-handedly revived Afghanistan’s innings after they had collapsed to 54-7.
His explosive knock kept Afghanistan competitive, but the total ultimately proved insufficient against India’s strong batting lineup.
India Debutants Impress With The Ball
India’s debutants made a strong impact with the ball.
Fast bowler Gurnoor Brar picked up 3-27, while left-arm spinner Harsh Dubey claimed 3-47 to help restrict Afghanistan.
Their performances played a crucial role in preventing Afghanistan from posting a much bigger total despite Gurbaz’s counterattack.
India Take Early Lead In Historic Series
The victory gives India a 1-0 lead in the first-ever bilateral ODI series between the two nations.
The second ODI will be played in Lucknow on Wednesday, while the third and final match is scheduled to take place in Chennai on June 20.
With Gill in outstanding form and the newcomers contributing immediately, India will be aiming to seal the series in the next encounter.