Afghanistan vs India, 1st T20I: Match Preview

Delhi | Sunday, September 13, 2026 | 7:00 PM IST

Afghanistan and India are set to lock horns in the first of a three-match T20I series, which kicks off on Sunday, September 13, 2026 at the Arun Jaitley Cricket Stadium in New Delhi. The series forms a crucial part of Afghanistan's Future Tours Program and will mark the second time the two sides have faced off across all three formats, following their Test and ODI engagements earlier this year.

Series Overview

The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) and the BCCI have confirmed that all three matches will be played at the same venue, with the schedule as follows:

Speaking on the series, BCCI President Mr. Mithun Manhas emphasized the board's continued commitment to supporting the growth of cricket in Afghanistan, while ACB Chairman Mr. Mirwais Ashraf described hosting India in India as a "significant milestone" for Afghan cricket.

Head-to-Head Record (T20Is)

Historically, this has been a one-sided affair in India's favor:

Despite the lopsided record, Afghanistan have repeatedly proven to be tough opponents, making each encounter a compelling contest.

Key Teams to Watch

India

India arrive as overwhelming favorites, boasting a balanced squad with world-class pace and a potent spin battery:

• Key Bowlers: Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh, Washington Sundar, Varun Chakaravarthy
• Key Batters: Shreyas Iyer (Captain), Tilak Varma, Shivam Dube, Abhishek Sharma
• Wicketkeeper: Ishan Kishan (subject to fitness)

Afghanistan

Afghanistan's greatest weapon remains their spin trio, which poses a major test for any batting lineup:

• Spin Attack: Rashid Khan, Noor Ahmad, Mujeeb Ur Rahman
• Key Players: Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Ibrahim Zadran (Captain), Mohammad Nabi, Azmatullah Omarzai

Selection Puzzle: Sooryavanshi vs. Samson

One of the talking points ahead of the opener is India's opening conundrum. The management is weighing up young sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi against experienced wicketkeeper-batter Sanju Samson.

• Samson has formed a more settled opening partnership with Abhishek Sharma, though he was dropped during the England tour after a run of failures.
• Sooryavanshi, at just 15 years old, offers an aggressive "stand and deliver" style that could suit Afghanistan's pace attack.
• If Ishan Kishan is ruled out due to a back injury scare, India may be tempted to play both batsmen.

Weather Watch

Fans should keep an eye on the skies. A 64% chance of precipitation is forecast for Sunday, with rain chances rising through the afternoon. While showers could cause minor interruptions, a complete washout appears unlikely.

Predicted Playing XIs

India:

1. Abhishek Sharma
2. Vaibhav Sooryavanshi
3. Shreyas Iyer (c)
4. Ishan Kishan (wk)
5. Tilak Varma
6. Shivam Dube
7. Axar Patel
8. Washington Sundar
9. Jasprit Bumrah
10. Arshdeep Singh
11. Varun Chakaravarthy

Afghanistan:

1. Ibrahim Zadran (c)
2. Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk)
3. Sediqullah Atal
4. Darwish Rasooli
5. Azmatullah Omarzai
6. Gulbadin Naib
7. Mohammad Nabi
8. Rashid Khan
9. Nangyal Kharoti
10. Noor Ahmad
11. Mujeeb Ur Rahman

Final Verdict

With a commanding 8-1 head-to-head advantage and a squad rich in talent, India enter as strong favorites. However, Afghanistan's devastating spin attack—led by Rashid Khan, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, and Noor Ahmad—has the ability to trouble even the best batting lineups. Expect a high-voltage contest at the Arun Jaitley Stadium, with the weather adding an element of uncertainty to the proceedings.

Stay tuned for official updates, as there is a slight possibility of postponement due to the forecast rain.