India vs Afghanistan: 2nd T20I Match Preview, Team News & Prediction

India will face Afghanistan in the second T20I at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi on Tuesday, September 15, with the hosts looking to seal the three-match series.

India made a strong comeback in the opening match, chasing down Afghanistan's 157 with seven wickets in hand. Abhishek Sharma was the star with a brilliant 82 from 33 balls, while Ishan Kishan contributed 42. Arshdeep Singh also impressed with three wickets as India's bowling attack kept Afghanistan under pressure.

Afghanistan will need a much better performance with the ball if they are to keep the series alive. Azmatullah Omarzai's unbeaten 64 helped them reach a competitive total in the first game, but the rest of the batting struggled against India's pace and spin combination.

Match Details

Key Players

India – Abhishek Sharma: After a difficult period following the T20 World Cup, Abhishek announced his return to form with a sensational 82 from just 33 deliveries in the first T20I.

India – Arshdeep Singh: His three-wicket performance in the opener showed how important he can be with the new ball and at the death.

Afghanistan – Azmatullah Omarzai: Omarzai's unbeaten 64 was the highlight of Afghanistan's batting effort and gives the visitors hope heading into the second match.

Afghanistan – Rashid Khan: The experienced leg-spinner remains Afghanistan's biggest weapon against India's powerful batting lineup.

Team News

India will have to make a decision over their bowling combination after Varun Chakaravarthy was ruled out of the remaining T20Is with a side strain. Ravi Bishnoi is among the likely options to replace him.

There is also uncertainty around Sanju Samson's place after his early dismissal in the opening game. Vaibhav Sooryavanshi is one of the players pushing for an opportunity, although the final XI will depend on India's balance.

Afghanistan will need their experienced players to produce a much stronger all-round performance if they are to level the series.

What to Watch

The biggest battle will be India's explosive batting against Afghanistan's spin attack. The Delhi surface can offer opportunities for spinners, but India's top order showed in the first match that they are capable of taking the game away quickly.

Afghanistan also need a better start with the bat. Losing three wickets for 39 runs inside five overs put them under immediate pressure in the opener.

Who Has the Chance?

India enter the second T20I with confidence after their convincing opening victory. Afghanistan have enough quality to challenge them, particularly through Rashid Khan and their experienced middle order, but India currently have the stronger batting depth and greater momentum.

Prediction: India 2–0 Afghanistan

India should have enough quality to win again and seal the series, although Afghanistan are likely to put up a stronger fight than they did in the opening game.