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afg vs ind has begun in New Delhi, with India winning the toss and choosing to bowl first in the opening match of a three-game T20I series. The contest at the Arun Jaitley Stadium marks an important opportunity for both teams to build momentum before the Asian Games begin in Japan on September 24.
India enters the series looking to rediscover its best T20 form. The team suffered consecutive defeats against Ireland in June before England completed a 4-0 T20I series victory. A 2-1 ODI series loss followed, although India restored some confidence during its recent matches in Zimbabwe.
With several key players returning, India is expected to be more settled against Afghanistan. Shreyas Iyer captains the side on Indian soil for the first time, while Jasprit Bumrah returns to the T20I setup after an extended injury absence. Sanju Samson also comes back into the batting lineup, adding experience and flexibility in the top order.
afg vs ind Toss Update and Confirmed Playing XIs
India captain Shreyas Iyer called correctly at the toss and elected to field. The decision gives India the chance to assess the pitch under match conditions before beginning its chase later in the evening.
India Playing XI
- Abhishek Sharma
- Sanju Samson
- Ishan Kishan, wicketkeeper
- Shreyas Iyer, captain
- Shivam Dube
- Tilak Varma
- Nitish Reddy
- Axar Patel
- Arshdeep Singh
- Jasprit Bumrah
- Varun Chakravarthy
Afghanistan Playing XI
- Rahmanullah Gurbaz, wicketkeeper
- Ibrahim Zadran, captain
- Gulbadin Naib
- Sediq Atal
- Azmatullah Omarzai
- Darwish Rasooli
- Mohammad Nabi
- Rashid Khan
- Mujeeb Ur Rahman
- Fazalhaq Farooqi
- Naveen-ul-Haq
India Aim for a Powerful T20I Response
India’s selection reflects a balance between established stars and players competing for long-term roles. Bumrah is the headline returnee and will lead a pace attack that also includes Arshdeep Singh. His performance with the new ball could be crucial against Afghanistan’s dangerous opening pair.
Samson’s return gives India another experienced option in the top order. His ability to attack spin and pace could help address the team’s recent batting inconsistency. Ishan Kishan is also included, creating additional competition for wicketkeeping and opening responsibilities.
The absence of teenage prospect Vaibhav Sooryavanshi from the first match delays his home international debut. His omission adds another layer to India’s selection debate, particularly with the management still assessing the best combination for the Asian Games.
Afghanistan Chase a Historic Breakthrough
Afghanistan enters the series with confidence and clear ambition. Captain Ibrahim Zadran has spoken about wanting to become the first Afghan captain to defeat India in international cricket. That goal gives the visitors a powerful incentive in what promises to be a competitive series.
Afghanistan possesses match-winners across every department. Rahmanullah Gurbaz can provide explosive starts, while Mohammad Nabi and Azmatullah Omarzai offer valuable all-round ability. In the middle and late overs, Rashid Khan remains a major threat with his leg-spin, and Mujeeb Ur Rahman adds another difficult challenge for India’s batters.
Afghanistan’s fast-bowling group is equally capable of creating early pressure. Fazalhaq Farooqi and Naveen-ul-Haq will look to exploit any movement with the new ball, particularly against India’s aggressive opening pair.
Live Win Probability and Match Stakes
India was given a 75 percent win probability before the match, compared with 25 percent for Afghanistan. Those figures underline India’s status as the favorite, but Afghanistan’s bowling attack and fearless batting approach make the visitors a genuine threat.
The three-match series is more than a short bilateral contest. For India, it is a final opportunity to test combinations before the Asian Games. For Afghanistan, it is a chance to challenge one of cricket’s strongest teams and make a historic statement.
The opening innings will reveal whether India’s decision to bowl first pays off. Bumrah and Arshdeep will aim for early breakthroughs, while Afghanistan’s top order will attempt to establish a strong platform. With Rashid Khan waiting later in the innings, India cannot afford to lose control during the middle overs.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the first India vs Afghanistan T20I being played?
The opening T20I is being played on September 13 at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi.
Who won the toss in the afg vs ind match?
India won the toss, and Shreyas Iyer chose to bowl first.
Who captains India in this T20I series?
Shreyas Iyer is leading India in the three-match T20I series against Afghanistan.
Is Jasprit Bumrah playing?
Yes. Jasprit Bumrah is included in India’s playing XI for the opening T20I.
Why is this series important?
The series serves as important preparation for the Asian Games, which begin in Japan on September 24.
