Photo by INDRANIL MUKHERJEE/AFP via Getty Images
IND vs AFG 1st T20I: India is set to host Afghanistan in a riveting three-match T20I series starting on 11 January, igniting cricketing fervor among fans worldwide. The stage is set for an electrifying opener at Punjab Cricket Association IS Bindra Stadium in Mohali.
Team India rides on the momentum of recent victories, boasting a 4-1 triumph against Australia followed by a 2-1 series win in South Africa. This series serves as their final prep for the looming T20 World Cup in June. On the contrary, Afghanistan, fresh from a 2-1 win over United Arab Emirates, aims to showcase their prowess against a formidable Indian side.
The venue promises an engaging battle, with a batting-friendly pitch averaging a score of 168 for the first innings. Spinners have found success, but dew could influence the latter half, making the toss critical.
Rahul Dravid has confirmed that Virat Kohli will only be available for the second and third T20Is against Afghanistan – he has been ruled out of the series opener in Mohali due to personal reasons.
Rohit Sharma (c)
Yashasvi Jaiswal
Shubman Gill/Sanju Samson
Tilak Varma
Jitesh Sharma (wk)
Rinku Singh
Axar Patel
Ravi Bishnoi
Avesh Khan
Mukesh Kumar
Arshdeep Singh
Hazratullah Zazai
Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk)
Ibrahim Zadran (c)
Azmatullah Omarzai
Mohammad Nabi
Najibullah Zadran
Gulbadin Naib
Sharafuddin Ashraf
Mujeeb ur Rahman
Fazalhaq Farooqi
Naveen-ul-Haq
Rohit Sharma: Batting average of 75 against Afghanistan in T20I
Wicket-keepers: Rahmanullah Gurbaz
Batsmen: Rohit Sharma, Ibrahim Zadran, Yashasvi Jaiswal
All-rounder: Azmatullah Omarzai, Axar Patel
Bowlers: Ravi Bishnoi, Arshdeep Singh, Naveen-ul-Haq
Captain for Small League: Rohit Sharma, Ravi Bishnoi
Captain for Grand League: Ibrahim Zadran, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Azmatullah Omarzai
Catch the action on Sports18 TV Channel and Jio Cinema.
The stage is set for a thrilling encounter, promising a blend of skill, strategy, and pure cricketing spectacle as India takes on Afghanistan in a battle of T20 titans. India, despite missing key players, holds the upper hand. Afghanistan’s reliance on Rashid Khan, absent due to injury, could tip the scales in favor of the hosts.