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The rain-washed, picturesque HPCA Stadium in Dharamsala set the stage for an explosive start to the bilateral series on June 13, 2026. In a rain-curtailed encounter reduced to 25 overs a side, India registered a dominant 7-wicket victory over Afghanistan in the first ODI. While the high-octane action on the field kept fans on the edge of their seats, it was a heartwarming, unscripted moment off the field that stole the internet’s attention during the post-match press conference.
Nitish Reddy interrupts press conference to answer his mother’s call after first ODI
A wholesome moment occurred during the post-match presser following the India-Afghanistan first ODI, with the Indian all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy attending a phone call from his mother as he faced questions from the media after his team’s win.
Reddy, who played a crucial role in breaking Afghanistan’s most dangerous partnership, was in the middle of addressing journalists when his phone began to ring. Spotting “Mom” on the screen, the young all-rounder didn’t hesitate. With a sheepish smile, he excused himself from the media panel, saying, “Sorry, it’s my mother’s call,” and briefly answered to let her know he would call her right back.
The endearing gesture quickly went viral across social media platforms, with fans praising the rising star for keeping his priorities grounded despite the overnight fame of playing at the highest level. For Reddy, it was a day of double celebration, having delivered a solid performance on the field before receiving the ultimate stamp of approval from home.
Here’s the video:
The post-match presser can wait but a call from Mom simply cannot 😊#TeamIndia | #INDvAFG | @IDFCFIRSTBank | @NKReddy07 pic.twitter.com/23OUBNZvYH
— BCCI (@BCCI) June 13, 2026
India outclass Afghanistan to seal victory in the opening ODI
Earlier in the day, India’s stand-in captain Shubman Gill won the toss and elected to field under overcast skies. The match was restricted to 25 overs per side due to morning showers, turning the ODI opener into a virtual T20-style shootout.
Afghanistan’s innings was a one-man masterclass driven by opener Rahmanullah Gurbaz. The dynamic wicketkeeper-batter blazed his way to a sensational century, hammering 102 runs off just 51 deliveries, peppered with 8 boundaries and 8 towering sixes. Gurbaz single-handedly anchored the visitors to a formidable position at 142/3. However, Reddy provided the massive breakthrough by clean-bowling Gurbaz, triggering a spectacular batting collapse.
From a comfortable position, Afghanistan lost their remaining 7 wickets for just 52 runs, getting bundled out for 194 in 24.5 overs. India’s bowling attack clinical adjusted to the conditions; Harsh Dubey was the pick of the bowlers with figures of 3 for 47, while Gurnoor Brar (3/27) wiped out the tail. Arshdeep Singh also chipped in with a disciplined 2 for 27.
Chasing a demanding target of 195 at a required rate of 7.8 runs per over, India never looked flustered. Player of the Match Gill led from the front with a flawless, unbeaten 84 off 66 balls, anchoring the chase with elegant strokes. He found able support from Ishan Kishan, who cracked a quickfire 34 off 22 balls, and KL Rahul, who provided the final flourish with a blistering 39* off just 19 deliveries at a strike rate of 205.26.
India comfortably crossed the finish line at 195/3 in 22.5 overs, sealing a comprehensive 7-wicket victory with 13 balls to spare and taking a 1-0 lead in the series.
Also WATCH: Shubman Gill grabs a stunner to remove Allah Ghazanfar in the first ODI
Disclaimer : This story is auto aggregated by a computer programme and has not been created or edited by DOWNTHENEWS. Publisher: crickettimes.com
