India vs Afghanistan Prediction & Match Preview – 1st ODI, Dharamsala
Match summary
Our preview of the 1st ODI between India and Afghanistan at Dharamsala on 13 June 2026: form, likely XIs, pitch, weather and expected scores.
Match details
| Match | India vs Afghanistan, 1st ODI |
|---|---|
| Series | India vs Afghanistan ODI Series 2026 |
| Date | 13 Jun 2026 |
| Start time | 8:00 am GMT / 1:30 pm local |
| Venue | Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium, Dharamsala |
| Status | Played |
| Our pick | India |
| Toss pick | India |
Match preview
India begin an ODI series against Afghanistan at Dharamsala in an unsettled spell, with just one win in their last five ODIs. With the 2027 World Cup approaching, the series is a chance to fix problems and build a more balanced side. Mohammed Siraj and Jasprit Bumrah are rested, so a relatively inexperienced pace attack will need to step up, while Shubman Gill has an important role in setting the team’s batting approach.
Their possible XI features Rohit Sharma, Gill, Ishan Kishan, Shreyas Iyer and KL Rahul in the batting, with Prasidh Krishna, Prince Yadav, Arshdeep Singh and Kuldeep Yadav in the bowling.
Afghanistan are unbeaten in their last five ODIs, although that counts for little once play starts. Led by Hashmatullah Shahidi, they will want to prove themselves in Indian conditions, and a core of Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Ibrahim Zadran, Azmatullah Omarzai, Mohammad Nabi and Rashid Khan is a strong one. Cloud and light showers in the hills could help seamers early, and dew may favour chasing sides under lights.
Dharamsala is known as one of India’s most balanced pitches. It typically offers good pace, bounce and carry, so quicker bowlers can extract movement early, while settled batters enjoy true bounce and a quick outfield. The high altitude helps the ball travel farther, and spinners may find help as the surface wears. Captains often prefer to chase if dew is expected later.
Mostly cloudy skies are expected around the 1:30 pm local start, with pleasant temperatures of 21–24°C. There is a moderate chance of light showers or brief thunderstorms in the afternoon, which could cause short interruptions. A cool mountain breeze and overcast conditions may help seamers early on.
Expected scores
| Innings | Predicted | Actual |
|---|---|---|
| First innings | 280–320 | – |
| Second innings | 260–300 | – |
India
Afghanistan are unbeaten in their last five ODIs, but India’s batting depth and home conditions make them our narrow pick.
Toss pick: India
FAQ
How has India fared in recent ODIs?
They have won just one of their last five ODIs, which makes this series important ahead of the 2027 World Cup.
Who captains each side?
Shubman Gill leads India and Hashmatullah Shahidi leads Afghanistan.
Which bowlers are rested for India?
Mohammed Siraj and Jasprit Bumrah are both rested, leaving a relatively inexperienced pace attack.
Probable XIs
Expected line-ups from our preview. c = captain, wk = wicketkeeper.
India
- Rohit Sharma
- Shubman Gillc
- Ishan Kishan
- Shreyas Iyer
- KL Rahulwk
- Nitish Kumar Reddy
- Harsh Dubey
- Prasidh Krishna
- Prince Yadav
- Arshdeep Singh
- Kuldeep Yadav
Afghanistan
- Rahmanullah Gurbazwk
- Ibrahim Zadran
- Sediqullah Atal
- Hashmatullah Shahidic
- Rahmat Shah
- Azmatullah Omarzai
- Mohammad Nabi
- Rashid Khan
- Mohammed Saleem
- AM Ghazanfar
- Ziaur Rahman
Head-to-head
Earlier meetings of India and Afghanistan that we covered.