India vs Afghanistan 1st T20I: When and where to watch, live streaming, weather, predicted XIs – everything you need to know

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Ibrahim Zadran and Shreyas Iyer (BCCI Photo) India will begin their three-match T20I series against Afghanistan in New Delhi on Sunday, with the team facing a toss-up between young sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi and veteran batsman Sanju Samson.Sooryavanshi played in the first two T20Is during India’s tour of England before Samson returned to the playing XI for the final match. The team management now has another chance to assess both players ahead of the Asian Games in Japan.

Vaibhav Sooryavanshi or Sanju Samson?

Samson and Abhishek Sharma have formed a more settled opening combination for India in T20Is. However, Sooryavanshi’s attacking style gives the team another option at the top.During Friday’s clean session, Samson seemed to be in a bit more control while Sooryavanshi spent time facing Jasprit Bumrah and learning how to deal with movement off the surface.The 15-year-old could enjoy the Afghanistan attack, with none of their bowlers matching Bumrah’s quality. Afghanistan’s pace could also suit Sooryavanshi’s aggressive stand-and-deliver style.Samson’s omission in England after three failures has also raised questions, especially given his experience with the format.

Fitness Ishan Kishan adds to India’s selection puzzle

India might also consider playing Samson and Sooryavanshi if Ishan Kishan is ruled out.Kishan had a back injury scare during Friday’s clean session. He comes into the series after a brilliant Duleep Trophy final where he scored 270 and 80.Kishan will be keen to play as T20Is remain the only format in which he is currently a regular for India.

Afghanistan’s spin attack is a big test for India

This three-match series will give India’s Asian Games players valuable preparation against a strong Afghanistan side.Afghanistan have a top class spin attack with Rashid Khan, Noor Ahmad and Mujeeb Ur Rahman. Facing them in three T20Is will be a big test for the Indian batsmen ahead of the Asian Games in Japan.

India vs Afghanistan 1st T20I: Live Streaming Details

When will it be? India vs Afghanistan 1st T20I to be played?The first T20I between India and Afghanistan will be played on Sunday, September 13, 2026.Where will India vs Afghanistan 1st T20I be played?The match will be played at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi.What time does India vs Afghanistan 1st T20I start?The first T20I will start at 19:00 IST on Sunday.When will the draw take place?The draw is expected to take place around 6:30 PM IST, 30 minutes before the scheduled start of play.Where can fans watch India vs Afghanistan 1st T20I on TV?The match will be telecast live in India on Sony Sports Network.

Record between India and Afghanistan

India dominate Afghanistan in T20I. Between the two teams, they have won eight of nine matches, with one match ending in a goalless draw.

India vs Afghanistan T20I Series: Complete Schedule

  • September 13: 1st T20I, New Delhi – 19:00 IST
  • September 15: 2nd T20I – 7:00 PM IST
  • September 17: 3rd T20I – 7:00 PM IST

India vs Afghanistan 1st T20I: Weather Forecast

The weather could play a role in the opening T20I in Delhi. According to AccuWeather, there is a 64% chance of precipitation on Sunday. Chances of rain are expected to increase from the afternoon and remain a concern throughout the match.Chances of rain are expected to be 10% or lower through midday before lifting from 1pm. They hover around 40% at 6pm and 37% at 7pm when the match starts.Chances remain around 40% for the next two hours before dropping later in the evening. While rain may not completely wash out the match, showers could cause an interruption.

India vs Afghanistan 1st T20I: Predicted XI

India: Abhishek Sharma, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, Shreyas Iyer (C), Ishan Kishan (WK), Tilak Varma, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh, Varun Chakaravarthy.Afghanistan: Ibrahim Zadran (C), Rahmanullah Gurbaz (WK), Sediqullah Atal, Darwish Rasooli, Azmatullah Omarzai, Gulbadin Naib, Mohammad Nabi, Rashid Khan, Nangyal Kharoti, Noor Ahmad, Mujeeb Ur Rahman.

India vs Afghanistan: Squads

Afghanistan: Ibrahim Zadran (capt), Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk), Noor Rahman, Sediqullah Atal, Darwish Rasooli, Azmatullah Omarzai, Gulbadin Naib, Mohammad Nabi, Rashid Khan, Nangyal Kharoti, Noor Raqo Fahmad, Mhaujeeb, Abdullaho Fahmad, Mhaujeeb Ahmadzai, Naveen-ul-HaqIndia: Shreyas Iyer (captain), Abhishek Sharma, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, Sanju Samson, Ishan Kishan, Tilak Varma, Shivam Dube, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, Varun Chakravarthy, Ravi Bishnoi, Jasprit Thamrah, Arshdeep S.