Afghanistan's predicted playing XI for the 1st T20I vs India

Afghanistan and India are set to lock horns in the first of their three-match T20I series on September 13, 2026, at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi. The match is scheduled to begin at 7:00 PM IST. Although all three games will be played in India, Afghanistan are the designated hosts for the series.

This will be the first bilateral T20I series between Afghanistan and India hosted by Afghanistan. India have dominated their previous meetings in the shortest format, winning four of their five T20Is against Afghanistan, with one match ending without a result. Their last bilateral series saw India register a 2-0 victory, with the third game in Bengaluru famously going into two Super Overs.

Afghanistan will be hoping to put up a stronger challenge this time around and have several experienced campaigners in their squad. Ibrahim Zadran will lead the side, while the likes of Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Rashid Khan, Mohammad Nabi and Azmatullah Omarzai are expected to play key roles.

Here is the predicted Afghanistan XI vs India for 1st T20I:

Top-order: Sediqullah Atal, Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk), Ibrahim Zadran (c)

Sediqullah Atal and Rahmanullah Gurbaz are likely to open the innings for Afghanistan. Atal has emerged as an exciting option at the top of the order, while Gurbaz brings considerable T20 experience and the ability to score quickly during the powerplay.

Captain Ibrahim Zadran could come in at No. 3 and will be tasked with providing stability to the batting unit. His ability to build an innings could prove valuable if Afghanistan lose an early wicket.