India vs Afghanistan Prediction – 1st ODI 2026 Match Prediction, Fantasy Tips, Playing XI & Winning Chances
The India vs Afghanistan prediction for the 1st ODI of the series promises an exciting contest between a rebuilding Indian side and a confident Afghanistan unit. The match will be played on Saturday, June 13, 2026, at the picturesque Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium, Dharamshala. Cricket fans are eagerly waiting to see whether Afghanistan can finally register their first-ever ODI win against India after failing to do so in their previous four meetings. According to historical records, India have won three ODIs while one game ended in a tie. Afghanistan’s bowling attack, led by Rashid Khan and Azmatullah Omarzai, has the capability to challenge even the strongest batting lineups. However, India still possess tremendous depth despite injury concerns involving Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Hardik Pandya.
The India vs Afghanistan prediction heavily depends on how India’s young batting lineup handles Afghanistan’s world-class spin attack. Shubman Gill has been in excellent touch, scoring two fifty-plus knocks in his three ODIs this year. KL Rahul and Shreyas Iyer add valuable experience in the middle order, while Yashasvi Jaiswal and Ishan Kishan bring aggressive intent. Afghanistan will rely on Ibrahim Zadran, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Rashid Khan, and Azmatullah Omarzai to cause an upset. Omarzai’s outstanding record of 24 wickets in his last ten ODI appearances makes him a key player.
Dharamshala traditionally provides assistance to fast bowlers early on, but batting becomes easier as the game progresses. This makes the toss important, although both teams have enough quality to compete under any conditions. India remain favorites because of their superior batting depth and home advantage. Afghanistan, however, have improved significantly in ODI cricket and possess enough match-winners to make this a competitive encounter. Based on current squad strength, experience, and historical dominance, India start as favorites, but Afghanistan cannot be underestimated in what promises to be an entertaining ODI clash. Cricketwebs provides the best match prediction tips for every cricket match.
- India have never lost an ODI against Afghanistan (3 wins, 1 tie).
- Shubman Gill enters the match with two 50+ scores in three ODIs in 2026.
- Afghanistan’s key threats are Rashid Khan and Azmatullah Omarzai.
- India are favorites with a 68% winning probability.
Table of Contents
Match Details
| Match | India vs Afghanistan, 1st ODI |
|---|---|
| Date | 13 June 2026 |
| Time | 1:30 PM IST |
| Venue | Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium, Dharamshala |
| Format | ODI |
| Live Streaming | JioHotstar |
| TV Broadcast | Star Sports Network |
India Preview
India begin the ODI series against Afghanistan with several selection challenges and injury concerns. Captain Shubman Gill will lead a relatively inexperienced batting lineup due to the absence of senior stars Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and Hardik Pandya. Despite these setbacks, India remain one of the strongest ODI teams in world cricket and currently occupy the top position in the ICC ODI rankings.
Gill has emerged as India’s premier batter in the format. His consistency at the top of the order has been remarkable, and he will be expected to anchor the innings while also maintaining an aggressive scoring rate. If Rohit Sharma misses the match, Yashasvi Jaiswal is likely to partner Gill at the top. Jaiswal’s fearless batting style can provide India with quick starts during the powerplay.
The middle order will revolve around Shreyas Iyer and KL Rahul. Iyer has established himself as one of India’s most reliable ODI batters against spin bowling. Rahul’s wicketkeeping skills and ability to finish innings make him one of the most important players in the squad. Ishan Kishan adds explosive power and flexibility in the batting order.
With Hardik Pandya unavailable, India will rely heavily on Nitish Kumar Reddy and Washington Sundar for all-round contributions. Sundar’s off-spin could prove useful against Afghanistan’s right-handed batters, while Nitish offers balance through medium pace and lower-order hitting.
The bowling attack appears strong despite the absence of Jasprit Bumrah. Arshdeep Singh will lead the pace attack with his swing bowling and ability to execute yorkers in the death overs. Prasidh Krishna’s extra bounce can be particularly effective at Dharamshala. Kuldeep Yadav remains India’s primary spin weapon and has consistently troubled batters with his wrist spin.
Harsh Dubey is another exciting option who may get an opportunity to showcase his talent. India’s depth remains impressive despite injuries, and home conditions further strengthen their chances. The team’s biggest challenge will be handling Afghanistan’s spin attack during the middle overs.
India’s recent ODI performances have been mixed, but they still possess enough quality to dominate Afghanistan. If the top order performs according to expectations, India should be well-positioned to start the series with a victory.
Key Players: Shubman Gill, KL Rahul, Kuldeep Yadav
Afghanistan Preview
Afghanistan enter this series with confidence and belief. Over the past few years, they have transformed into a highly competitive ODI team capable of challenging the best sides in world cricket. Although they have never defeated India in ODI cricket, their current squad has enough talent to create history.
The batting lineup will be led by Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Ibrahim Zadran. Gurbaz is one of the most aggressive wicketkeeper-openers in international cricket and can change the course of a match within a few overs. Zadran complements him perfectly with his calm and technically sound approach. His recent ODI numbers have been exceptional, making him Afghanistan’s most dependable batter.
Sediqullah Atal, Rahmat Shah, and captain Hashmatullah Shahidi provide stability in the middle order. Rahmat Shah’s experience will be crucial if Afghanistan lose early wickets. Shahidi’s role as an anchor becomes even more important against India’s quality bowling attack.
The biggest strength of Afghanistan remains their all-round department. Azmatullah Omarzai has developed into one of the best ODI all-rounders in the world. His ability to contribute with both bat and ball makes him a genuine match-winner. Omarzai’s record of 24 wickets in his last ten ODIs highlights his impact.
Mohammad Nabi continues to be a vital player despite his experience. His off-spin, leadership qualities, and finishing abilities add enormous value. Rashid Khan remains Afghanistan’s most dangerous cricketer. The leg-spinner has over 210 ODI wickets and consistently delivers match-winning performances.
Afghanistan’s bowling attack is built around spin. Rashid Khan, Nabi, AM Ghazanfar, and Nangeyalia Kharote offer multiple spin options capable of exploiting any assistance available from the pitch. If the surface slows down, Afghanistan’s spinners could become extremely difficult to score against.
The pace attack will be spearheaded by Fazalhaq Farooqi and Bilal Sami. Farooqi’s ability to swing the new ball could create problems for India’s top order. However, Afghanistan’s seam attack lacks the depth and experience of some other leading nations.
To win this match, Afghanistan need a strong batting performance and early wickets with the new ball. If they can restrict India and allow Rashid Khan to operate with attacking fields, an upset becomes possible. However, consistency remains a concern, especially against elite opposition.
Key Players: Ibrahim Zadran, Rashid Khan, Azmatullah Omarzai
Team Squads
India Squad
Shubman Gill (C), Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul, Ishan Kishan, Hardik Pandya, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Washington Sundar, Kuldeep Yadav, Arshdeep Singh, Prasidh Krishna, Prince Yadav, Gurnoor Brar, Harsh Dubey.
Afghanistan Squad
Hashmatullah Shahidi (C), Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Ibrahim Zadran, Sediqullah Atal, Darwish Rasooli, Rahmat Shah, Ikram Alikhil, Mohammad Nabi, Azmatullah Omarzai, Rashid Khan, Nangyal Kharotai, AM Ghazanfar, Zia Ur Rahman Sharifi, Fareed Malik, Bilal Sami.
Probable Playing XI
| India | Afghanistan |
|---|---|
| Shubman Gill (C) | Rahmanullah Gurbaz (WK) |
| Yashasvi Jaiswal | Ibrahim Zadran |
| Shreyas Iyer | Sediqullah Atal |
| KL Rahul | Rahmat Shah |
| Ishan Kishan (WK) | Hashmatullah Shahidi (C) |
| Nitish Kumar Reddy | Azmatullah Omarzai |
| Washington Sundar | Mohammad Nabi |
| Harsh Dubey | Rashid Khan |
| Kuldeep Yadav | Nangeyalia Kharote |
| Arshdeep Singh | Bilal Sami |
| Prasidh Krishna | AM Ghazanfar |
India vs Afghanistan Today’s Fantasy Prediction
| Position | Players |
|---|---|
| WK | KL Rahul, Rahmanullah Gurbaz |
| Batters | Shubman Gill, Ibrahim Zadran, Shreyas Iyer |
| All-rounders | Azmatullah Omarzai, Washington Sundar, Mohammad Nabi |
| Bowlers | Rashid Khan, Kuldeep Yadav, Arshdeep Singh |
This fantasy combination balances proven performers from both teams. Shubman Gill remains a must-have due to his excellent recent form and ability to play long innings. Ibrahim Zadran is Afghanistan’s most reliable batter and can accumulate substantial fantasy points.
KL Rahul provides dual value through batting and wicketkeeping. Rahmanullah Gurbaz is a high-risk, high-reward selection capable of scoring quickly in powerplay overs.
Among all-rounders, Azmatullah Omarzai stands out as the best fantasy option because he contributes significantly with both bat and ball. Washington Sundar and Mohammad Nabi offer additional balance and can provide points in multiple disciplines.
The bowling attack focuses on wicket-taking options. Rashid Khan and Kuldeep Yadav are expected to dominate the middle overs and could pick up multiple wickets. Arshdeep Singh’s new-ball and death-over responsibilities increase his fantasy value.
Captain Choices
- Shubman Gill
- Azmatullah Omarzai
Vice-Captain Choices
- Rashid Khan
- Ibrahim Zadran
Players to Avoid
- Harsh Dubey
- Bilal Sami
Also Check: Get The Best Fantasy Prediction From Cricket Experts
Favourite Team in Today’s Match
Favourite Team: India
India enter this match as favorites due to their superior batting depth, home advantage, and historical dominance over Afghanistan. Even without several senior players, India possess a strong batting lineup featuring Shubman Gill, KL Rahul, Shreyas Iyer, and Ishan Kishan. Their bowling attack also appears balanced with quality pace and spin options.
Afghanistan’s spin attack can trouble India, but their batting has occasionally struggled against high-quality bowling attacks. India’s familiarity with conditions in Dharamshala further strengthens their position. The combination of experience, squad depth, and home conditions gives India a clear advantage. Afghanistan certainly have match-winners, but India remain the stronger side on paper and are expected to control most phases of the game.
India ODI History
| Matches | Won | Lost | No Result | Tie |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1075 | 571 | 450 | 44 | 10 |
India are one of the most successful ODI teams in cricket history and currently rank among the world’s strongest limited-overs sides.
Afghanistan ODI History
| Matches | Won | Lost | No Result | Tie |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 181 | 89 | 85 | 6 | 1 |
Afghanistan have rapidly emerged as a competitive ODI nation with strong performances against several top international teams.
Head-to-Head Stats
| Stats | Record |
|---|---|
| Matches Played | 4 |
| India Won | 3 |
| Afghanistan Won | 0 |
| Tie | 1 |
| No Result | 0 |
India have completely dominated this rivalry. Afghanistan’s only major success came in the famous tied ODI during the Asia Cup.
Pitch Report
The HPCA Stadium in Dharamshala is traditionally known for assisting fast bowlers early in the innings due to bounce and movement. The new ball often swings under the mountain conditions, making the first hour crucial for batters. As the match progresses, batting becomes easier and stroke-making improves significantly. Spinners may receive some assistance during the middle overs, but the surface generally remains batting-friendly. Teams batting second have often enjoyed success due to consistent bounce and improved conditions under lights.
Weather Report
Weather conditions are expected to be pleasant throughout the match. Temperatures should range between 18°C and 24°C with partly cloudy skies. Humidity levels are expected to remain moderate, and only a minimal chance of rain is forecast. Fast bowlers may receive assistance from atmospheric conditions early in the innings. Overall, the weather looks ideal for a full 50-over contest.
| Condition | Forecast |
|---|---|
| Temperature | 18°C–24°C |
| Rain Chance | 10% |
| Humidity | 55% |
| Wind | Moderate |
Broadcast Details
The India vs Afghanistan 1st ODI will be telecast live on the Star Sports Network in India. Fans can also enjoy live streaming through JioHotstar. Coverage will begin well before the toss with expert analysis, team news, and match previews. Multiple language options are expected to be available for viewers.
Toss Prediction
Dharamshala conditions generally favor bowlers during the opening overs. Captains may prefer bowling first to exploit the early movement and chase under better batting conditions. Afghanistan’s bowling attack is built around defending totals, but the venue slightly favors chasing teams.
Predicted Toss Winner: Afghanistan
Probable Best Batsman & Bowler
Shubman Gill is the leading candidate to finish as India’s top batter. His consistency in ODI cricket and familiarity with home conditions make him a strong contender for a big score. Ibrahim Zadran is Afghanistan’s most dependable batting option and could anchor the innings.
Among bowlers, Rashid Khan remains Afghanistan’s biggest wicket-taking threat. For India, Kuldeep Yadav’s variations and ability to attack during middle overs make him a likely match-winner. Arshdeep Singh could also make a major impact with the new ball.
India vs Afghanistan Winning Chances
| Team | Winning Chances | Why They Can Win | Why They May Lose |
|---|---|---|---|
| India | 68% | Better batting depth, home conditions, strong spin attack | Missing senior stars due to injuries |
| Afghanistan | 32% | Rashid Khan, Omarzai, strong spin department | Limited experience against top teams |
Match Prediction
India possess the stronger squad, superior batting depth, and a dominant head-to-head record against Afghanistan. While Afghanistan’s spin attack has the potential to make the contest competitive, India’s home advantage and quality batting lineup should prove decisive. If Shubman Gill and KL Rahul perform well, India are likely to control the game. Afghanistan will need exceptional performances from Rashid Khan and Azmatullah Omarzai to challenge the hosts.
Score Prediction:
- If India Bat First: 267+ Runs
- If Afghanistan Bat First: 240+ Runs
Match Winner Prediction: India Will Win the 1st ODI.
Also, once the toss takes place, we might modify the Today Match Prediction as per the playing XIs. Please check this blog after the toss for the updated Prediction.
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.
