IND vs AFG 2nd T20I: India will lock horns with Afghanistan in the second T20I of the series. In the first T20I, Shivam Dube scored 60 runs off 40 balls to help the hosts chase a modest target of 158 runs with 15 balls & six wickets in hand. With this win, India is now 1-0 in the three-match T20I series & will be looking ahead to seal the series when they meet Afghanistan in the second T20I on Sunday at the grounds of Indore.
IND vs AFG TEAMS PREVIEW
India Preview
Team India commenced the T20I series on a high note, successfully chasing down the target in Mohali. Despite early setbacks, young guns like Shivam Dube and Jitesh Sharma showcased their mettle. Skipper Rohit Sharma, making a comeback after 14 months, will be eager to make a significant impact in the upcoming game. The return of Virat Kohli adds further strength to the batting lineup. Rinku Singh, India’s designated finisher, has been in formidable form, boasting an impressive strike rate of 172.
The bowling unit, led by left-arm spinner Axar Patel, performed well in Mohali. However, with the Indore surface expected to be another batting-friendly track, the bowlers face a challenging task.
India Predicted Playing XI:
Rohit Sharma (c), Shubman Gill/ Yashasvi Jaiswal, Virat Kohli, Shivam Dube, Jitesh Sharma (wk), Rinku Singh, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, Ravi Bishnoi, Arshdeep Singh, Mukesh Kumar/ Avesh Khan
Afghanistan Preview
Afghanistan had a tough outing in the first T20I, posting a modest total of 158 runs. Mohammad Nabi’s contribution with the bat was significant, but the team will need a collective effort to challenge India in their den. Rahmanullah Gurbaz, the opening batter in excellent form, holds the key for Afghanistan. Ibrahim Zadran’s performance will also be crucial on a flat Indore track.
The absence of star spinner Rashid Khan affected Afghanistan’s bowling performance in the first match. While Mujeeb Ur Rahman showed promise, others struggled, especially Naveen-ul-Haq. On another batting beauty, Afghanistan’s bowlers face an uphill task.
Afghanistan Predicted Playing XI:
Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk), Ibrahim Zadran (c), Rahmat Shah, Azmatullah Omarzai, Najibullah Zadran, Mohammad Nabi, Gulbadin Naib, Karim Janat, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Naveen-ul-Haq, Mujeeb Ur Rahman
Weather and Pitch Conditions:
The Holkar Cricket Stadium in Indore is known for its batting-friendly wickets. The pitch favors batsmen, providing a good bounce and allowing them to play through the line. With minimal assistance from bowlers, spinners might come into play as the ball softens.
The weather in Indore is expected to be hazy and cold, setting the stage for an exciting contest.
Venue Details: A High-Scoring Venue
Holkar Cricket Stadium has witnessed high-scoring encounters in the past. The average score batting first is around 210, with India’s colossal 260-5 against Sri Lanka in 2017 being the highest total at the venue. Teams batting first should aim for a total in the range of 200-210 runs.
Toss: To Bat First
A Crucial Decision is typically a good venue for teams batting first, the dew factor in the winter season might influence the decision at the toss. The team winning the toss could opt to bowl first to capitalize on potential dew-related challenges in the second innings.
IND vs AFG Winning Prediction:
India’s Superiority Afghanistan is yet to secure a T20I victory against India in five attempts, and the trend is likely to continue. The absence of Rashid Khan weakens Afghanistan’s bowling attack, while India appears to be the superior side. Barring an exceptional performance from Afghanistan’s top order, India is poised to clinch the second match comfortably, taking an unassailable 2-0 lead in the series.
In conclusion, cricket enthusiasts can look forward to an exciting battle between India and Afghanistan, with the hosts aiming to seal the series in Indore.
Also read, New Zealand v Pakistan 2nd T20I Match Prediction
