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India vs Afghanistan First T20I Tips - Return game for India seniors

By Siddhu Bharadwaj

10 Jan 2024

Siddhu Bharadwaj 10 Jan 2024

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India vs Afghanistan First T20I predictions to be played at the PCA Stadium in Mohali on Thursday, January 11
India have hit the msot 6s in 5 of their last 6 completed T20Is
Afghanistan have conceded the most 6s in 3 of their 4 T20Is against India

Can the returning Indian seniors stamp their authority to lead a win over Afghanistan? (Getty Images)

India vs Afghanistan First T20I

India will host Afghanistan for their first bilateral T20I series, which will be the last for both teams ahead of the upcoming World Cup. That puts extra incentive for both teams to look at finding their right combinations, as the series starts in Mohali on Thursday, January 11.

India vs Afghanistan First T20I
Head to Head
India Form
India Team News
Afghanistan Form
Afghanistan Team News

A lot has been said and discussed about the Indian team selection, but they would be keen to dispel any thoughts about their chances. Afghanistan are a tricky side in this format but India will fancy their chances – at least in the six count. I am backing the hosts to hit the most 6s.

India have hit the most 6s in 5 of their last 6 completed matches (T20Is)
India have hit the most 6s in 3 of their 4 matches at this venue (T20Is)
Afghanistan have conceded the most 6s in 3 of their 4 completed matches against India (T20Is)
Virat Kohli has scored at least 49 in 5 of his last 7 matches (T20Is)

Head to Head

There have been four T20Is between India and Afghanistan so far with all four won by the Indians. Apart from these, the sides were slated to meet in the Asian Games recently, but that match was abandoned due to rain.

India Form

India are coming off a mildly successful South Africa tour where they drew the T20I series 1-1, won the ODI series 2-1 and drew the Test series 1-1. This will be the last scheduled series for India before the World Cup and hence there’s an extra incentive for players to book their slots.

All eyes were on the selection committee ahead of this series as they had to take calls on Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli. In the end, the duo is selected and adds strength to this side.

There are significant absences too, with Hardik Pandya, Ruturaj Gaikwad, and Jasprit Bumrah missing out due to injuries or squad rotation.

India Team News

Yashasvi Jaiswal could be warming the bench for India, and so could be Washington Sundar and Shivam Dube. Sanju Samson may be out too, along with Avesh Khan.

Afghanistan Form

This will be Afghanistan’s first bilateral T20I tour to India. Interestingly, this will be their last scheduled series before the World Cup and hence there’s a lot riding on their performance.

The visitors are coming off a 2-1 series win over the UAE. It was a tricky series for them, having lost the second match. Rahmanullah Gurbaz (141) was the highest scorer for Afghanistan, thanks to a hundred.

The wickets tally was led by Qais Ahmed (six) while Naveen-ul-Haq (five) did himself no harm. Naveen along with Fazalhaq Farooqi and Mujeeb Ur Rahman are back in the reckoning after a tussle over contracts issue.

Afghanistan Team News

Captain Ibrahim Zadran confirmed that leg-spinner Rashid Khan will not feature in the series. That could mean a larger role for Qais Ahmad and Mujeeb Ur Rahman.

India vs Afghanistan First T20I FAQs

Where can I watch the India vs Afghanistan First T20I live stream?

Our live streaming calendar shows you where to watch the India vs Afghanistan First T20I live stream.

What time does India vs Afghanistan First T20I start?

This India vs Afghanistan First T20I will be played at the PCA Stadium in Mohali on January 11, Thursday starting at 7:00pm IST.

Verdict

India v Afghanistan - 1st Twenty20 Match

I am stopping short of backing India for this match, as the odds are too low to give any value. Instead, dip in the sixes market and put money on India topping the sixes count. Also keep an eye on the market for Virat Kohli, who could lead India’s batting charts.