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Afghanistan vs India in India 2026

Afghanistan vs India Prediction & Match Preview – 2nd T20I, Delhi

Our verdict

India

Our preview picks India, whose deeper batting should tell if the match turns into a high-scoring contest.

Toss pick: India

Arun Jaitley Stadium

Afghanistan face India in the second T20I of their series in India, at Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi on Tuesday 15 September.

Afghanistan are captained by Ibrahim Zadran, with Rahmanullah Gurbaz as wicketkeeper. Their bowling is built on spin and experience, with Rashid Khan, Noor Ahmad and Mujeeb Ur Rahman supported by Mohammad Nabi, while Fazalhaq Farooqi leads the quicks and Azmatullah Omarzai offers all-round value.

India are led by Shreyas Iyer. Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson, Ishan Kishan and Tilak Varma head a strong batting order, with Shivam Dube, Nitish Kumar Reddy and Axar Patel adding depth. Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh and Varun Chakaravarthy make up the attack.

The quick outfield and short boundaries favour aggressive batting, and dew could make a chase easier. India’s batting depth gives them the advantage if the match becomes high-scoring.

Spinners may find some help if the surface slows in the middle overs, so Afghanistan’s trio of Rashid Khan, Noor Ahmad and Mujeeb Ur Rahman could be important in keeping India’s scoring in check. A first-innings total of 185 or more would be a strong score.

Probable XIs

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. Mujeeb Ur Rahman
  10. Noor Ahmad
  11. Fazalhaq Farooqi

India

  1. Sanju Samson (wk)
  2. Abhishek Sharma
  3. Ishan Kishan
  4. Shreyas Iyer (c)
  5. Tilak Varma
  6. Nitish Kumar Reddy
  7. Shivam Dube
  8. Axar Patel
  9. Arshdeep Singh
  10. Jasprit Bumrah
  11. Varun Chakaravarthy

Pitch report

Arun Jaitley Stadium is generally a good white-ball batting surface, with decent bounce and a quick outfield that reward batters once they are in. The shorter boundaries help power-hitters. The pitch can slow as the game wears on, bringing spinners and slower variations into play in the middle and later overs. A strong start can produce a big total, but smart changes of pace can make a real difference.

Weather

Delhi should be warm and humid, partly cloudy, with only a low chance of rain, although an isolated thunderstorm earlier in the day is possible. Humidity may stay moderate to high, and some dew could develop later in the evening. The risk of significant interruption is low.

Frequently asked questions

Where is the 2nd T20I between Afghanistan and India?

It is at Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi on 15 September 2026.

Who is favoured?

Our preview picks India, who are also tipped to win the toss.

What total is strong at this ground?

A first-innings 185 or more would be strong, and around 180 should keep the batting-first side competitive.

In the news

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Analysis Srikkanth Criticises India’s Treatment of Sooryavanshi and Samson

Kris Srikkanth says India should give Vaibhav Sooryavanshi a consistent run as opener rather than constantly changing the combination against Afghanistan.

15 Sep 2026 · 2 min read
Team News Iyer Signals Bench Players Could Feature in Third Afghanistan T20I

With the series already won 2-0, captain Shreyas Iyer has hinted that India may hand a chance to squad members such as Vaibhav Sooryavanshi.

16 Sep 2026 · 2 min read
Player Spotlight Mohit Sharma Says Sanju Samson Is Often Judged Too Quickly

After Samson’s 57 against Afghanistan, Mohit Sharma and Mohammed Kaif discussed his place in India’s T20I side and the need for consistency.

16 Sep 2026 · 2 min read

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