Chasing 159 runs, India lost four wickets, but Shivam Dube, Jitesh Sharma, Tilak Varma and Rinku Singh led the team to beat Afghanistan by 6 wickets at Punjab Cricket Association IS Bindra Stadium, Mohali in the first T20 International on 11 January.  With this win, India lead the tri series by 1-0. 

India started their innings with a disappointing moment when skipper Rohit Sharma (0) was run out in the first over by Ibrahim Zadran. Following this, Shubman Gill (23) lost his wicket to Mujeeb Ur Rahman in the 4th over. Tilak Verma (26) gave some momentum, however, lost his wicket to Azmatullah Omarzai in the 9th over.

After this, Shivam Dube and Jitesh Sharma built a good partnership. But, Sharma (31) lost his wicket to Mujeeb Ur Rahman in the 14th over.

After this, Rinku Singh (16*) came to the crease and there was no turning back. Shivam Dube (60*) scored his second T20 half century and led India to beat Afghanistan by 6 wickets.

For Afghanistan, Mujeeb Ur Rahman took two wickets, while Azmatullah Omarzai picked one wicket.  Earlier, Afghanistan settled for 158/5 against India in the first T20 International.

Mohammad Nabi was the top-scorer for the visitors, scoring a brisk 42 off 27 balls to prop up the innings. Asked to bat first, Afghanistan skipper Ibrahim Zadran (25 off 22 balls) and Rahmanullah Gurbaz (23 off 28) added 50 runs in eight overs, but they could not force the pace during their stay. Azmatullah Omarzai chipped in with a 22-ball 29.