India vs Afghanistan: 3rd T20I Match Preview, Team News & Prediction

India take on Afghanistan in the third and final T20I at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi on Thursday, September 17. India have already sealed the three-match series 2-0 after convincing seven-wicket victories in the opening two games.

The final match gives India an opportunity to complete a clean sweep while also allowing the team management to assess its squad depth ahead of the Asian Games. Afghanistan, meanwhile, will be looking to finish the series with a strong performance after struggling to build competitive totals in both matches.

In the first T20I, Abhishek Sharma smashed 82 from 32 balls as India chased 157 with 38 balls remaining. In the second, Sanju Samson produced a spectacular 57 from just 22 deliveries as India again won by seven wickets.

Match Details

Key Players

India – Abhishek Sharma: The explosive opener has been India's standout batter in the series, scoring 121 runs across the first two matches. His ability to attack during the powerplay could again set the tone for India.

India – Sanju Samson: Samson's 22-ball 57 in the second T20I showed how quickly he can change a game. His form will be one of the major talking points heading into the final match.

Afghanistan – Azmatullah Omarzai: Omarzai has been Afghanistan's leading run-scorer in the series and remains an important all-round option.

Afghanistan – Rashid Khan: The Afghanistan captain remains a major threat with the ball and will be expected to lead the fight against India's powerful batting lineup.

Team News

India will be without spinner Varun Chakaravarthy for the remainder of the series after he suffered a side strain in the opening T20I. Ravi Bishnoi and Washington Sundar provide alternative spin options.

With the series already secured, India could make further changes and give opportunities to players on the fringes of the XI. Afghanistan may also look to adjust their combination after their batting struggled to produce enough runs in the first two games.

What to Watch

The biggest battle will be Afghanistan's top order against India's pace attack. Afghanistan have repeatedly lost wickets during the powerplay and middle overs, preventing them from building imposing totals.

India's batting depth has been the difference so far. Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson and Ishan Kishan have all made major contributions, while India's bowling attack has consistently created pressure.

Who Has the Chance?

Afghanistan will be determined to avoid a clean sweep, but India enter the final T20I with confidence after two dominant performances. The match could also provide India with an opportunity to rotate the squad without weakening the overall balance significantly.

Prediction: India 2-1 Afghanistan

India should have enough batting depth and bowling variety to complete a 3-0 series sweep, although Afghanistan have the players to make the final contest closer if their top order can survive the opening overs.