Ashish Nehra set India, the champions of the inaugural edition of the World T20 in 2007, on course for a comprehensive seven-wicket win over debutants Afghanistan in their opener at Gros Islet (St Lucia) on Saturday.
Chasing a modest 116 to win, the Indians romped home with 5.1 overs to spare at the Beausejour Cricket Ground.
The left-armer, playing in his first match in quite some time, made a significant contribution to the cause with match figures of three for 19.
Nehra did the early damage with short-pitched stuff.
He cut short Karim Sadiq's misadventure at the crease, having the Afghan opener caught behind by MS Dhoni for a duck.
He struck again in his next over dismissing Mohammad Shahzad (6) in similar fashion.
But then Noor Ali (50) and Ashgar Stanikzai (30) joined hands and played sensibly to put on the important fourth-wicket stand that yielded 68 runs and ensured some respectability to the Afghan score.
However, Nehra came back to break the partnership, having the former caught by Dhoni.
The Delhi bowler was named the man-of-the-match for his impressive performance with the ball.
