Rahmanullah Gurbaz played one of the most devastating innings ever against India in ODI cricket. Batting in the first ODI of the three-match series, Gurbaz outshone Dhauladhar by scoring a century in 48 balls, the second fastest century scored against India in the 50-over format.

Gurbaz’s innings kept Afghanistan alive in the match, where the rest of the batting order struggled against the Indian bowlers. Gurbaz hit 8 fours and 8 sixes during his century.Which was the fastest run ever scored by an Afghan batsman in ODI history.

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Gurbaaz gives credit to Gautam Gambhir

Speaking at the mid-innings break, Rahmanullah Gurbaz talked in detail about his innings and the man who worked behind the scenes to help him create such a devastating innings. Surprising everyone, the Afghan batsman gave credit to India head coach Gautam Gambhir for his century in 48 balls in Dharamshala.

Gurbaz revealed that they had a very serious and long talk after Afghanistan’s only Test match against India. The batsman said the India head coach helped him with shot selection, the effect of which was visible at the HPCA Stadium on Saturday, where he scored 102 runs off 51 balls.

“I had a very good chat with GG sir after the Test match. What we discussed really helped me and I worked on those points during the net sessions. I am very grateful because after the Test match, I went to Gautam Gambhir sir and told him that I want to improve my shot selection,” Rahmanullah Gurbaz said in a mid-innings interview.

“He gave me some positive advice and some areas to work on and today I benefited from that. I tried to play positive and that helped me,” Gurbaz said.

Gurbaz stood alone in Afghanistan’s innings as the visitors managed to post 194 against the Men in Blue in their first bilateral ODI against India. After Gurbaz’s century, the next highest score was Hashmatullah Shahidi’s 27 runs from 30 balls.

Gambhir’s advice appeared to be reflected in Gurbaz’s innings on 13 June, where the batsman repeatedly walked down the track and hit the fast bowlers down the line. Anything pitched slightly short was seen as a square cut of the wicket.

The way Gurbaz continued the attack after avoiding an LBW appeal and a run-out chance, his confidence was clearly visible. Instead of retreating into his shell, Gurbaz continued to face the Indian attack that boasted a strong bowling line up. With better support from the other end, Gurbaz’s innings could have helped Afghanistan post a big score on Saturday. However, the visitors were eventually bowled out for 194 in a rain-interrupted 25-over contest.

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