As cricket enthusiasts eagerly await the commencement of the three-match T20I series between India and Afghanistan, the anticipation is at an all-time high. With the 2024 T20 World Cup looming in June, both teams are gearing up for this crucial series, using it as a platform to fine-tune their strategies.
Venue and Timings
The Punjab Cricket Association IS Bindra Stadium in Mohali is set to host the evening T20I, beginning at 19:00 local time. As the sun sets over the stadium, the clash promises an exciting start to the series.
Team Preparations and Focus
India, eyeing success in the upcoming T20 World Cup, fields a robust squad led by the experienced Rohit Sharma. Despite missing key players like Hardik Pandya and Suryakumar Yadav, and the rested Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj, India’s lineup is formidable. The team aims to use this series to build synergy among players.
On the other side, Afghanistan, known for their fearless approach across formats, impressed during the 2023 Cricket World Cup in India. Despite the absence of their world-class spinner Rashid Khan for the opening game, they remain undeterred, determined to take the game to India.
Live Streaming and Broadcast
Cricket enthusiasts can catch the live action on Sports18, with the match also available for live streaming on JioCinema.
Toss Prediction and Pitch Report
Analyzing recent trends, with four of the last six T20Is in Mohali won by the team batting second, the toss-winning captain might opt to field first. The IS Bindra Stadium pitch is expected to offer turn, favoring spinners, while also providing a good batting surface with a par score over 190.
Weather Report
Clear skies are forecast throughout the evening, accompanied by high humidity. The temperature is expected to be under 14 degrees in the second half of the match.
Team Previews and Key Players
India:
- Rohit Sharma: The seasoned opener, aiming for redemption after the 2023 Cricket World Cup Final defeat, is keen on leading India to success.
- Rinku Singh: With a striking batting style, Singh, the finisher, has impressed with a strike rate of 180.68 in T20Is.
- Kuldeep Yadav: The left-arm wrist spinner, with 58 T20I wickets, adds a spin dimension to India’s attack.
- Arshdeep Singh: The left-arm medium-fast bowler enters the series with confidence after a stellar performance in South Africa.
Afghanistan:
- Ibrahim Zadran: The skipper, boasting three T20I half-centuries, holds an excellent ODI record and scored 59 in the first T20I against the UAE.
- Rahmanullah Gurbaz: The right-handed keeper-batter finished 2023 strongly, providing firepower in the batting lineup.
- Naveen-ul-Haq: The right-arm medium-fast bowler, with a brilliant strike rate and economy rate, aims to trouble the Indian batsmen.
- Qais Ahmad: The 23-year-old leg-spinner, the head spinner for Afghanistan, is crucial for the team’s bowling attack.
Betting Odds and Predictions
India enters the match as favorites with odds of 1.13, while Afghanistan is priced at 5.00 to go 1-0 up. Given India’s depth and strength, they are expected to be superior in batting, bowling, and fielding.
Dream11 Prediction
- Top Team Batsmen (India): Shubman Gill, Rohit Sharma, Rinku Singh
- Top Team Batsmen (Afghanistan): Hazratullah Zazai, Ibrahim Zadran, Rahmanullah Gurbaz
- Top Team Bowlers (India): Kuldeep Yadav, Arshdeep Singh, Mukesh Kumar
- Top Team Bowlers (Afghanistan): Naveen-ul-Haq, Qais Ahmad, Mohammad Nabi
Match Prediction
India and Afghanistan have faced each other five times in T20Is, with India winning four and one no-result. While Afghanistan has been in good T20I form, winning three of their last five, beating India in their home conditions remains a formidable task. The prediction favors India to secure a victory in this opening encounter.
As the Mohali evening gears up for a spectacle, cricket fans await the thrilling showdown between these two cricketing powerhouses.
Jigyasa 
Isha Pannu