AFG vs IND 1st T20I Results

5:33 PM IST The skipper of India - Shreyas Iyer, about the field placements and bowling execution, feels really happy to see the synergy on the field. He heaps praise on Jasprit Bumrah, calling him a great asset and a genuine match-winner. Continues by adding that the early breakthroughs set the tone and built momentum from the start. Also credits Arshdeep's bowling, saying he followed up with a brilliant spell of his own, with Axar and Varun continuing the pressure after him. Overall, Iyer calls this bowling performance a phenomenal effort. On handing Dube the final over, Iyer says there weren't many options left. Also admits it was a tough ask for him too, coming on fresh for the 20th over without a real feel for the pace of the wicket or how it was behaving. Details that he is not overly concerned, though, and adds that Dube will go back and work out exactly what needs fixing. On Abhishek's batting display and Kishan's form, Iyer starts by praising Abhishek, calling his strokeplay flawless and exemplary through the innings. Turning to Kishan, he says he is in excellent touch right now, and points to how settled he has looked both in the dressing room and during practice. Calls Kishan calm, relaxed, and clearly assured of his game.

5:33 PM IST That's a wrap - Just a day's break and the two teams will meet again here in Delhi on Tuesday, 15th September. India will be keen to wrap up the series, while Afghanistan will be desperate for a response. They will need a much-improved showing with both bat and ball if they are to put Shreyas Iyer and his men under pressure and keep the series alive. The game will begin at 2 pm GMT (7.30 pm IST), but as always, you can join us early for the build-up. Until then, take care and goodbye!

5:28 PM IST The captain of Afghanistan - Ibrahim Zadran says it was not the result they wanted. He feels they got off to a good start but then lost a cluster of wickets, which put them under pressure. Ibrahim says they batted well through the middle phase but ultimately did not have enough runs on the board. Zadran also feels his run-out was a turning point in the innings. He says India are a top fielding side and praises Ishan Kishan for his accurate throw in the run-out. Mentions that Rahmanullah Gurbaz did not have his day, but backs him to come back stronger.

5:25 PM IST PLAYER OF THE MATCH - Abhishek Sharma takes home the award for his scintillating knock of 82 runs off 32 balls, studded with 7 fours and as many sixes. Abhishek says getting a catch in the first over, that too in the slips, makes one feel really confident. Mentions that when they face Bumrah during the net sessions, it feels like they are facing the first few overs of a Test match. Details that they are always on their toes in the slips when he bowls. On the team's consistency, Sharma points back two years to a clear decision to play an aggressive brand of cricket and dominate opponents ahead of the World Cup. He adds that while the results have largely gone their way, and a series or two shouldn't define them as a batting unit. Stresses that the team always comes first, and that a fast start usually puts them well ahead when chasing something in the 150 to 160 range.

5:20 PM IST Time for the presentation ceremony...

5:10 PM IST Recovered, but not enough - Returning to T20Is after a period away, India were not at their best with the ball upfront, but still managed to have Afghanistan 5 down inside 7 overs. At 43/5, two experienced campaigners, Mohammad Nabi and Azmatullah Omarzai, came together to steady the ship, putting on an 83-run stand for the 6th wicket. Nabi's departure was followed by a quiet period for the Afghans, but Omarzai batted through to provide the final flourish and give his side something to work with. Arshdeep Singh and Varun Chakaravarthy were among the pick of the bowlers for India, with both keeping things miserly. Arshdeep claimed 3 wickets, while Varun chipped in with one.