Abhishek vows to keep attacking following match-winning knock

India opener Abhishek Sharma has vowed to continue his attacking approach following his Player of the Match heroics against Afghanistan in the opening match of their series in Delhi on Sunday.

It was a welcome return to form for Abhishek as he blasted 82 from just 32 deliveries at Arun Jaitley Stadium, with the left-hander smashing seven fours and seven sixes during his knock as India cruised to a seven-wicket victory in the opening game of the three-match series.

It was the first time Abhishek has scored a half-century for India since the start of July when he managed 59 against England at Chester-Le-Street and the 26-year-old said his recent raft of low scores since would not stop him from continuing to play his natural free-flowing way.

"I still remember two years back, we decided we want to play a certain way and dominate all teams. It worked for a year. But one or two (bad) series won't define our batting. As openers, you want to give a good start as an opener," Abhishek said.

Fellow left-hander Ishan Kishan supported Abhishek with a stylish 42 at No.3, with the pair putting on a partnership of 121 in quick time to put India in a winning position in their pursuit of Afghanistan's total of 156/8.

Skipper Shreyas Iyer came in at the death finish unbeaten on eight, with the India captain paying tribute to the efforts of Abhishek and Kishan as they setup the victory.

"Starting off with Abhishek, I feel that the shots he played, it was flawless, and some of them were exemplary," Iyer said.

"But talking about Ishan, he has been in great form currently, and the way he has been in the dressing room and also on the ground during practice sessions, he is very relaxed, calm, and he knows his game at the moment. So that is a great sign for us as a team."

Pacer Arshdeep Singh was the pick of the India bowlers with figures of 3/19, while pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah made a successful return as he bowled four economical overs to finish with 1/26.

Experienced all-rounder Azmatullah Omarzai (64) top-scored for Afghanistan, but skipper Ibrahim Zadran was left to rue a lack of contributions from the side's top-order.

"We batted well in the middle overs but didn't put up a good score," Zadran said after the match.

"Their bowlers and fielders did well, that run out by Kishan (of Zadran) was the turning point I think. They're the best fielding side. Rahmanullah Gurbaz didn't have his day, but he will come back stronger."

Series schedule:

First T20I: India won by seven wickets

Second T20I: September 15, Delhi

Third T20I: September 17, Delhi