AFG vs IND, 3rd T20I: Afghanistan’s Predicted Playing XI

Afghanistan and India will meet in the third and final T20I of their ongoing series at Arun Jaitley Stadium, New Delhi, on September 16, 2026. This is the first bilateral T20I series between the two sides hosted by Afghanistan, though all three matches are being played in Delhi, India.

India will enter this match with a 2-0 lead after securing seven-wicket victories in both games. Afghanistan lost the second T20I on September 15, 2026, and now face a must-win situation to avoid a series whitewash.

India have historically dominated this fixture, winning 10 of their 11 T20Is against Afghanistan, while one match ended without a result.

Here's Afghanistan’s Predicted Playing XI:

1. Top order

Rahmanullah Gurbaz is expected to open the batting and keep wickets for Afghanistan. The right-hander has been a key presence for the side across formats, though he has endured a difficult run with the bat in the ongoing series against India. Afghanistan will be hoping he can rediscover his touch in this series decider. Captain Ibrahim Zadran will be his opening partner.

 

2. Middle order

Sediqullah Atal is set to bat at one-drop for Afghanistan. The left-handed batter has steadily established himself as a key figure across formats for the side. Atal is known for a cautious and watchful approach at the crease, though he is also capable of striking the ball hard when the situation demands. His ability to anchor the innings while also accelerating will be important for Afghanistan in a high-scoring Delhi venue.

Azmatullah Omarzai and Gulbadin Naib are expected to form the core of Afghanistan's middle order, with Mohammad Nabi providing experience and lower-order hitting. The Arun Jaitley Stadium produced an average first-innings score of 171 across seven IPL 2026 games, with six of those seven matches won by the chasing side. Afghanistan's spinners typically thrive in lower-scoring conditions, but the flat Delhi pitch and short boundaries make that difficult to achieve.

 

3. Bowlers

Rashid Khan, Mujeeb Ur Rahman and Noor Ahmad form a potent spin trio for Afghanistan. Fazalhaq Farooqi is expected to lead the pace attack. Afghanistan have used this series as a platform ahead of the Asian Games, which are set to commence later in September 2026. No changes are expected to the XI that featured in the 2nd T20I.

Afghanistan's predicted XI for the 3rd T20I vs India:

Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk), Ibrahim Zadran (c), Sediqullah Atal, Azmatullah Omarzai, Gulbadin Naib, Mohammad Nabi, Darwish Rasooli, Rashid Khan, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Noor Ahmad, Fazalhaq Farooqi.