India maintained its unbeaten record against Afghanistan in T20 cricket by securing a convincing 1-0 lead. Now, the action shifts to Indore for the second match, which will also witness the return of Virat Kohli, adding more firepower to the Indian squad.
Head-to-Head Record:
India has asserted its dominance, winning all six completed T20 matches against Afghanistan. The recent three victories have showcased India’s consistent control over the Afghan team.
Streaming and Live Broadcast in India:
Indian fans can catch the T20 series action on Jio Cinema and Sports18 Network, providing both streaming and live telecast options.
Team Previews:
- India:
- Virat Kohli’s return prompts a potential change in the playing XI, with Shubman Gill making way. The coach’s backing of Yashasvi Jaiswal complicates the top order, requiring strategic adjustments.
- India boasts a robust batting lineup with explosive left-handers like Tilak Varma, Shivam Dube, and Rinku Singh. Depth is provided by Axar Patel at number seven.
- The bowling unit impressed in the first match, with standout performances from Axar Patel and Mukesh Kumar. India may consider bringing back Kuldeep Yadav for Ravi Bishnoi.
- Afghanistan:
- Afghanistan’s bowling struggled against Shivam Dube in the previous match, missing the services of Rashid Khan. The absence of Noor Ahmed further impacted their strategy.
- Mujeeb ur Rahman’s stellar performance was a bright spot, but Naveen ul Haq faced challenges. Afghanistan needs a more cohesive bowling effort in the upcoming match.
- Batting concerns persist, with the team lacking confidence against quality sides. While Ibrahim Zadran and Rahmanullah Gurbaz provided a solid start, the subsequent batters couldn’t capitalize.
Toss Prediction:
While the toss may not heavily influence the game, the team winning the toss might prefer batting first.
Pitch and Conditions:
Indore promises clear weather and comfortable temperatures, ensuring an uninterrupted match. The pitch, known for its batting-friendly nature, will favor the batsmen, with a fast outfield and small ground. A high-scoring encounter is anticipated, with teams aiming for a target around 200.
Betting Tips:
Despite Afghanistan’s potential, India remains the favored team. The odds may not be lucrative, but India’s strong performance in the first match suggests they are likely to clinch the second encounter as well.
Bet on India to win, continuing their dominant run in the series.