The Asia Cup 2026 could not have asked for a more explosive opening match as India produced a historic performance to crush Afghanistan by 117 runs in Lahore. In a game packed with sixes, records, and magical bowling, India posted a staggering 229/2 in 10 overs — the highest total ever recorded in the history of the tournament — before bowling Afghanistan out for 112 in just 7.2 overs.

The match belonged to Varun Chakravarthy, whose sensational hat-trick and four-wicket over dismantled Afghanistan’s middle order and sealed one of India’s most dominant victories in T10 cricket.

After being invited to bat, India’s batting lineup launched a relentless assault from the very first over. Abhishek Sharma and Sanju Samson turned the powerplay into a nightmare for Afghanistan’s bowlers, smashing boundaries all around Gaddafi Stadium.

Abhishek played a breathtaking innings of 78 from just 24 deliveries, striking six fours and nine sixes at a strike rate of 325. At the other end, Sanju Samson was even more destructive, hammering 83 runs off only 23 balls with thirteen towering sixes. Their partnership completely shifted the momentum in India’s favor and left Afghanistan struggling for answers.

Even after both openers departed, the carnage continued. Ishan Kishan blasted an unbeaten 34 from only eight balls, while Suryakumar Yadav finished with an unbeaten 28 from five deliveries at an astonishing strike rate of 560. The duo ensured India crossed the 200-run mark comfortably before finishing on a record-breaking 229/2.

Afghanistan’s bowlers endured a difficult outing. Fazalhaq Farooqi claimed the lone wicket by dismissing Samson, but every bowling option was taken apart by the Indian batters. Rashid Khan, Mohammad Nabi, Naveen-ul-Haq, and Azmatullah Omarzai all struggled to contain the flow of runs.

Chasing an impossible target of 230, Afghanistan needed a miraculous start but lost Rahmanullah Gurbaz early to Jasprit Bumrah. Ibrahim Zadran and Najibullah Zadran briefly counterattacked, with Najibullah producing a remarkable innings of 54 from just 14 balls. His fearless strokeplay offered a glimpse of resistance and kept Afghanistan alive momentarily.

However, the game changed completely when Varun Chakravarthy was introduced into the attack.

The mystery spinner delivered one of the greatest overs in Asia Cup history. He first dismissed Ibrahim Zadran before removing Sediqullah Atal and Hashmatullah Shahidi on consecutive deliveries. On the very next ball, Azmatullah Omarzai was caught in the deep, completing a sensational hat-trick and triggering a dramatic collapse.

Afghanistan crashed from 72/2 to 78/5 within a matter of deliveries as Varun finished with extraordinary figures of 4 wickets for just 6 runs in a single over. His spell completely broke Afghanistan’s chase and ended any hopes of a comeback.

Ravichandran Ashwin added two wickets, Hardik Pandya picked up two more, and Bumrah struck early as Afghanistan were bundled out for 112 in 7.2 overs.

India eventually secured a massive 117-run victory to begin their Asia Cup 2026 campaign in dominant fashion.

Match Highlights

• India scored 229/2 — the highest team total in Asia Cup history.
• Sanju Samson smashed 83 runs off 23 balls.
• Abhishek Sharma blasted 78 runs from 24 deliveries.
• Suryakumar Yadav scored 28* from only 5 balls.
• Varun Chakravarthy produced a stunning hat-trick.
• Varun finished with match-winning figures of 4/6 in one over.
• India won by 117 runs.
• Varun Chakravarthy was named Player of the Match.

Player of the Match

Varun Chakravarthy (India)
4 wickets for 6 runs in 1 over, including a match-defining hat-trick that completely destroyed Afghanistan’s batting lineup.

India have sent a powerful message to the rest of the tournament. With their batting firing on all cylinders and their bowlers producing match-winning performances, they have immediately established themselves as the team to beat in Asia Cup 2026.