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Shubman Gill's remarkable catch (Source: X)
The famous saying ‘Catches win you matches’ was on display by Shubman Gill during the ongoing first ODI between India and Afghanistan at the HPCA Stadium in Dharamshala on Saturday, June 13.
The IND vs AFG first ODI was reduced to a 25-over contest; India captain Shubman Gill stole the limelight with an extraordinary catch that immediately reminded one of MS Dhoni’s lightning-fast reflexes.
After winning the toss, Gill elected to bowl first in overcast conditions. India’s bowlers backed the decision with an impressive performance, restricting Afghanistan to 194 runs despite a brilliant century from Rahmanullah Gurbaz.
Shubman Gill Shows MS Dhoni-Like Reflex
The incident took place in the 22nd over of the innings when left-arm spinner Harsh Dubey was bowling to Afghanistan's lower order.
On the fourth ball of the over, Allah Ghazanfar attempted an aggressive pull shot against a short delivery outside off stump.
The ball gripped and moved away, taking a thick outside edge that flew rapidly towards the left of first slip.
Also Read: Rohit Sharma Embarrassed As DRS Persuasion To Gill Falls Flat Face
Shubman Gill reacted in a split second, stretching his left hand out to his side and plucking the ball out of thin air. The Indian skipper had almost no time to react, yet somehow managed to hold on as he tumbled to the ground.
The catch was completed with remarkable balance and awareness, drawing immediate comparisons with some of the reflex catches often associated with MS Dhoni during his playing days.
Watch the video here:
Rahmanullah Gurbaz Steals The Show With Blazing Century
Afghanistan opener Rahmanullah Gurbaz produced a sensational knock to keep his side in the IND vs AFG 1st ODI. The team found themselves in trouble after India’s bowlers struck repeatedly.
Debutant Gurnoor Brar removed Ibrahim Zadran for just one run, while Arshdeep Singh dismissed both Sediqullah Atal and Rahmat Shah to leave the visitors reeling at 25/3 inside five overs.
Also Read: Rahmanullah Gurbaz Names Gautam Gambhir The Reason Behind India Onslaught
Amid the collapse, Rahmanullah Gurbaz launched a stunning counterattack. The wicketkeeper-batter smashed Indian bowlers all around the ground and made 102 runs from just 51 balls.
His explosive innings included eight boundaries and eight sixes, helping Afghanistan recover from a difficult position and post a respectable total.
Harsh Dubey And Gurnoor Brar Make Remarkable Debut For India In ODIs
India eventually regained control after Nitish Kumar Reddy dismissed Gurbaz in the 16th over. Once the dangerous opener departed, Afghanistan’s batting lineup struggled to maintain momentum.
Debutants Harsh Dubey and Gurnoor Brar were the standout performers with the ball, claiming three wickets each. Dubey finished with figures of 3/47, with wickets of Hashmatullah Shahidi and Azmatullah Omarzai.
Gurnoor was equally impressive, conceding only 27 runs, and he bagged a three-wicket haul by dismissing Ziaur Sharifi and Rashid Khan in the final over.
Follow IND vs AFG 1st ODI Live Updates For Each And Every Detail Of The High-Octane Clash.
.jpg?type=mq "Rohit Sharma Left Embarrassed")
