WATCH: KL Rahul's audacious six leaves Gautam Gambhir in awe during first ODI vs Afghanistan

India secured a comfortable seven-wicket win over Afghanistan in the first ODI on Saturday, June 13 at the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium in Dharamshala. India skipper Shubman Gill was given the Player of the Match award for his astonishing knock of 84 runs off just 66 balls while chasing 195 runs in the second innings.

KL Rahul's sublime knock vs Afghanistan

However, one of the highlight moments came in the second innings when KL Rahul played a marvelous six over the covers on the last delivery of the 22nd over which was bowled by Ziaur Rahman. India head coach Gautam Gambhir, who is known for not being very expressive through facial expressions was seen highly impressed with Rahul's extraordinary shot. Notably, Rahul smashed Ziaur for 20 runs by the end of the 22nd over.

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How did KL Rahul perform in the first ODI vs Afghanistan?

KL Rahul looked absolutely phenomenal in the first ODI against Afghanistan, as he was playing freely with sheer timing. The wicketkeeper batter smashed a quick-fire knock of 39 off 19 balls, hitting four boundaries and three sixes at a strike rate of 205.26. His innings was one of the key reasons behind India's successful run-chase.

India's brilliant batting performance

In response, after Rohit Sharma's wicket Shubman Gill carried the chase with his stellar batting performance, as he stretched a solid partnership with Ishan Kishan (34 off 22), who came to bat at No.3 seemed very comfortable before losing his wicket off Rashid Khan's bowling.

India's vice-captain Shreyas Iyer was expected to stay unbeaten in but failed to impress the spectators with his performance, as he got out on 12 runs off Ziaur Rahman's delivery. However, KL Rahul played a quick fire knock of 39 off 19 deliveries with the help of four boundaries and three sixes.

India skipper Shubman won the Player of the Match award for his stellar unbeaten knock of 84 runs off 66 balls, smashing 11 boundaries and two sixes. Now, India will face Afghanistan in the second ODI on June 17 at the Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow.