Afghanistan vs India Prediction, 3rd T20I: AFG vs IND Match Prediction, Fantasy Tips, Playing XI

Afghanistan vs India prediction for the third T20I of the three-match series sees India entering the final match with an unassailable 2-0 lead after two convincing seven-wicket victories in Delhi. The series is being hosted by Afghanistan but all three matches are being played at the Arun Jaitley Stadium, giving both sides the same conditions for the entire contest.

India won the first T20I on September 13 after Afghanistan recovered from 43/5 to make 156/8, only for Abhishek Sharma’s 82 from 32 balls to drive the chase in just 13.4 overs. The second match followed a similar pattern: Afghanistan reached 159/8, but India chased the target in 14.5 overs, with Sanju Samson producing a rapid 57 from 22 balls.

The final game therefore carries a different tactical context. Afghanistan are still searching for their first T20I win against India, while India can use the match to assess players who have not yet featured regularly in the series. Captain Shreyas Iyer has indicated that India may rotate the squad and give bench players an opportunity before the Asian Games.

Afghanistan’s biggest concern has been the loss of early wickets. Their middle order has repeatedly had to rebuild after difficult powerplays, although Azmatullah Omarzai, Mohammad Nabi and Ibrahim Zadran have provided resistance. India’s bowling attack, meanwhile, has combined new-ball pace with spin effectively.

The key question for this match is whether Afghanistan can finally produce a complete 20-over batting performance. India remain better placed because of their superior batting depth, bowling variety and the confidence generated by two quick chases, but squad rotation could make the final contest somewhat different from the first two matches.

Match Details

Afghanistan are officially the hosts for this bilateral series even though all three matches are being played in Delhi. The Afghanistan Cricket Board and BCCI confirmed the three-match series for September 13, 15 and 17 at the Arun Jaitley Stadium.

Afghanistan Last 5 Matches

Afghanistan’s last five T20Is therefore show two wins and three defeats, although the South Africa match was tied after the first Super Over before South Africa won the second Super Over. Their two most recent games against India have exposed a recurring issue: the top order has struggled to convert the start into a competitive total.

Against UAE and Canada, Afghanistan’s batting was considerably more productive, reaching 162/5 and 200/4. The difference illustrates how important a stable powerplay could be against India.

India Last 5 Matches

India’s recent T20I record is much stronger: five consecutive T20I wins. They swept Zimbabwe 3-0 in July before beating Afghanistan twice in Delhi.

The most significant development is the improvement in India’s top order. Abhishek Sharma made 82 in the first match, while Sanju Samson answered with 57 in the second. Ishan Kishan has also contributed consistently, scoring 42 in the opener and 38 not out in the second game.

Afghanistan Preview

Afghanistan’s performances in the first two matches have followed a similar pattern. Their batting has lost too many wickets early, forcing the experienced middle order to repair the innings.

In the first T20I, Afghanistan were reduced to 43/5 before Azmatullah Omarzai and Mohammad Nabi produced an 83-run partnership. Omarzai remained unbeaten on 64, allowing Afghanistan to reach 156/8. The score was respectable given the start, but India chased it with 38 balls remaining.

The second match was an improvement in terms of total, with Afghanistan making 159/8. Ibrahim Zadran top-scored with 37, while Rashid Khan contributed 28. However, India again controlled the chase and reached 163/3 in only 14.5 overs.

The central issue is therefore not simply the final score. Afghanistan need their top order to survive the first six overs and give Omarzai, Nabi and Rashid a platform from which they can attack rather than rebuild.

Rahmanullah Gurbaz is particularly important because India’s new-ball attack has repeatedly targeted Afghanistan’s opening phase. Jasprit Bumrah removed Gurbaz in the opening over of the first T20I, while Arshdeep Singh subsequently produced a three-wicket spell.

Afghanistan’s best route is likely to involve a more aggressive but controlled powerplay. If they can reach approximately 50 without losing multiple wickets, their middle order has enough experience to push the innings beyond 170.

Rashid Khan remains another major factor. He took three wickets in the second T20I and is capable of changing a game through the middle overs. However, India have shown that they are prepared to attack Afghanistan’s spinners rather than simply trying to survive them.

The presence of Mohammad Nabi and Azmatullah Omarzai gives Afghanistan useful all-round depth. Their challenge is to make those players finish innings rather than repeatedly entering under pressure.

India Preview

India have dominated the first two matches through a combination of explosive batting and disciplined bowling.

Abhishek Sharma has been the leading run-scorer of the series after two matches, with 121 runs. His 82 from 32 balls in the first T20I demonstrated how quickly India can turn a moderate chase into a one-sided contest.

Sanju Samson then produced the defining innings of the second match, scoring 57 from only 22 balls. His return to the XI has therefore given India another aggressive opening option alongside Abhishek.

Ishan Kishan has also been important. He scored 42 in the first match and remained unbeaten on 38 in the second. That gives India three top-order batters who have already made substantial contributions.

India’s bowling has been equally influential. Arshdeep Singh has taken five wickets across the opening two matches, while Nitish Kumar Reddy claimed 3/24 in the second T20I. Jasprit Bumrah has also returned successfully and provides India with a high-quality new-ball and death-overs option.

Varun Chakaravarthy was ruled out of the Afghanistan series after suffering a side strain, with Ravi Bishnoi taking his place in the second match. India therefore have an opportunity to test another spin combination in the final game.

With the series already secured, selection is the biggest variable. Shreyas Iyer has indicated that India want to give players on the bench international match practice. Vaibhav Sooryavanshi is therefore a strong possibility for the final XI, although the exact combination remains subject to the toss and official team announcement.

India’s tactical objective should be to maintain the aggressive approach while giving selected fringe players meaningful responsibility. Even with changes, the side retains substantial batting and bowling depth.

Team Squad & Team News

Afghanistan Squad

Ibrahim Zadran (C), Rahmanullah Gurbaz (WK), Noor Rahman (WK), Sediqullah Atal, Darwish Rasooli, Azmatullah Omarzai, Gulbadin Naib, Mohammad Nabi, Rashid Khan, Nangyal Kharoti, Noor Ahmad, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Abdullah Ahmadzai and Naveen-ul-Haq.

Reserve pool: Ijaz Ahmadzai, Shahidullah Kamal and Fareed Ahmad Malik.

Ibrahim Zadran is leading Afghanistan in the series as the team’s full-time T20I captain.

India Squad

Shreyas Iyer (C), Abhishek Sharma, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, Sanju Samson (WK), Ishan Kishan (WK), Tilak Varma (VC), Shivam Dube, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, Ravi Bishnoi, Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh and Yash Thakur.

Varun Chakaravarthy is unavailable after his side strain, while Harshit Rana was ruled out before the series and replaced by Yash Thakur.

India’s management has also indicated that the final match could be used to rotate the squad and give players who have been waiting for opportunities some international exposure.

Probable Playing XI

Probable XIs are subject to official team announcements and the toss.

India vs Afghanistan Dream11 / Fantasy Prediction

Abhishek Sharma is the leading fantasy batting option after 121 runs in the first two matches. Sanju Samson’s 57 from 22 balls in the second T20I also makes him an attractive selection if he plays.

Azmatullah Omarzai offers dual involvement and has already produced an unbeaten 64 in this series. Rashid Khan remains Afghanistan’s biggest wicket-taking threat, while Bumrah and Arshdeep provide high-value wicket opportunities through the powerplay and death overs.

Captain Options

1. Abhishek Sharma — outstanding series form and aggressive opening role.
2. Azmatullah Omarzai — contributes with both bat and ball.

Vice-Captain Options

1. Sanju Samson — coming off a 22-ball 57.
2. Jasprit Bumrah — new-ball and death-over wicket potential.

Players to Avoid

1. Vaibhav Sooryavanshi — selection and batting position remain uncertain.
2. Gulbadin Naib — his exact role and involvement are less predictable than Afghanistan’s primary all-rounders.

Fantasy suggestions are for informational purposes only and are not guaranteed to produce points or returns.

Head-to-Head — Last 5 Meetings

The January 2024 T20I was officially tied before India won the one-over eliminator, so different statistical databases may classify that match differently.

Last 5 Head-to-Head Matches

India have won the last four completed head-to-head results plus the latest two matches in this series. Afghanistan have therefore never recorded a T20I win over India.

Pitch Report & Venue Stats

The current series provides even stronger evidence for chasing. Afghanistan made 156/8 and 159/8 in the first two matches, while India chased both totals inside 15 overs. That suggests that a par score cannot be assessed purely from the long-term venue average.

The Delhi surface can reward aggressive strokeplay, particularly once batters settle. At the same time, spinners can become important through the middle overs, especially when bowlers maintain a disciplined line rather than relying only on turn.

The biggest tactical question is whether Afghanistan can use the first innings better. Their recent totals have been dragged down by early wickets, while India’s batting has been able to exploit the chase once the target becomes manageable.

The historical venue average should not be confused with the projected score for this particular match. The first two games of this series indicate that a batting-first team will probably want to aim substantially above 160.

Weather Report

The IMD forecast for September 17 indicates generally cloudy conditions with light rain or drizzle possible. Other forecasts vary on the exact evening rainfall risk, so the weather should be monitored closer to the toss.

If rain interrupts the match, DLS could become relevant. Humidity may also increase the possibility of some late moisture, although the effect will depend heavily on the actual conditions at the ground.

Broadcast Details

The series is being carried on Sony Sports Network in India, with FanCode providing digital streaming. Reports on the series have also indicated that it is not part of the JioHotstar package because Afghanistan are the official hosts despite all matches being staged in Delhi.

Match start: 7:30 PM IST
Toss: approximately 7:00 PM IST

IND vs AFG Toss Prediction & Strategy

If Afghanistan wins the toss

Afghanistan should consider bowling first. India have been extremely effective in both chases, but Afghanistan’s own batting has struggled when forced to recover from early wickets.

Bowling first would give Afghanistan an opportunity to attack India’s top order with the newer ball and then chase with a clearly defined target. Rashid Khan’s middle-over spell could also become more aggressive if Afghanistan have a competitive score to defend or chase.

If India wins the toss

India should also have a strong case for bowling first, particularly if they want to continue testing their bowling combinations. Chasing has worked extremely well for them in both matches, and the batting unit has shown it can accelerate quickly once the target is known.

Toss Prediction

Predicted toss winner: India

The toss itself is inherently uncertain. The prediction is based on a 50-50 event rather than a statistical certainty.

Score Prediction

Winning Chances

Why the Win Percentage?

The biggest reason for India’s advantage is the difference between how the two teams have used their batting resources. Afghanistan have repeatedly lost early wickets and relied on their middle order to recover, while India have attacked from the beginning and finished both chases rapidly.

The second major factor is bowling variety. Afghanistan possess elite spin through Rashid Khan and useful all-round options, but India can attack through Bumrah and Arshdeep with pace while also using multiple spin options.

The third factor is current momentum. India have won five consecutive completed T20Is, while Afghanistan have lost their last two and have struggled specifically against this opponent.

Key Player Matchups

The Gurbaz-Bumrah contest is particularly important because Bumrah dismissed Gurbaz early in the first T20I. Afghanistan cannot afford another major powerplay setback.

Abhishek against Rashid is the contrasting battle. India are unlikely to simply defend against Rashid; their approach is more likely to be about disrupting his lengths and preventing him from controlling the middle overs.

Omarzai’s role is equally significant because he has already shown that he can rescue Afghanistan from difficult positions.

Stay updated with all the cricketing action, follow Cricketwebs on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram

Legal Disclaimer: All content is for informational and entertainment purposes only. Cricketwebs does not promote betting or gambling.