The AFG vs IND 3rd T20I is set to bring Afghanistan and India together at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi on Thursday, September 17, 2026. With both teams featuring a combination of established international stars and exciting young talent, the third T20I promises to be another competitive contest.
India will look to make the most of home conditions, while Afghanistan will rely on their powerful spin attack, explosive batting and experience in T20 cricket. Fans following cricket betting can also keep an eye on the major match factors, including team combinations, pitch conditions and player form.
The match is scheduled to begin at 7:30 PM IST, making it an important evening fixture in the Afghanistan vs India in India 2026 series.
AFG vs IND 3rd T20I Match Details
| Match Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Match | Afghanistan vs India, 3rd T20I |
| Series | Afghanistan vs India in India 2026 |
| Date | Thursday, September 17, 2026 |
| Time | 7:30 PM IST |
| GMT | 2:00 PM GMT |
| Venue | Arun Jaitley Stadium, Delhi |
| Capacity | 48,000 |
| Broadcast | Sony Sports Network |
| Streaming | FanCode |
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Afghanistan vs India: What to Expect From the 3rd T20I?
The third T20I gives both sides another opportunity to test their combinations and execute their plans under pressure.
Afghanistan have several players capable of changing the game within a few overs. Their batting unit features Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Ibrahim Zadran, Sediqullah Atal and Azmatullah Omarzai, while their bowling attack includes some of the most recognised T20 specialists in world cricket.
India, meanwhile, have a strong combination of experienced campaigners and younger players. The squad includes Shreyas Iyer, Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson, Ishan Kishan, Tilak Varma, Axar Patel, Jasprit Bumrah and Arshdeep Singh.
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Afghanistan Team Preview
Afghanistan enter the contest with a squad that offers plenty of variety. Their biggest strength is arguably their ability to attack through spin while maintaining explosive options in the top and middle order.
1. Ibrahim Zadran
Captain Ibrahim Zadran provides stability at the top of the batting order. His ability to build an innings while maintaining scoring momentum can be important against India’s bowling attack.
As captain, Zadran will also have to make crucial decisions regarding the use of Afghanistan’s spinners and pace options.
2. Rahmanullah Gurbaz
Rahmanullah Gurbaz is one of Afghanistan’s dangerous T20 batters.
His aggressive approach during the powerplay can immediately change the momentum of a match. If Gurbaz finds gaps early and gets boundaries flowing, India’s bowlers could be placed under pressure before the middle overs.
3. Rashid Khan
No Afghanistan preview is complete without mentioning Rashid Khan.
The experienced leg-spinner remains one of the biggest threats in T20 cricket. His ability to bowl attacking deliveries while restricting the scoring rate makes him a crucial part of Afghanistan’s plans.
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4. Mohammad Nabi
Mohammad Nabi brings experience, all-round ability and tactical awareness.
His off-spin can be useful on a surface offering assistance to slower bowlers, while his batting experience gives Afghanistan another option in the middle order.
5. Azmatullah Omarzai
Omarzai provides Afghanistan with valuable balance. His ability to contribute with both bat and ball gives the captain additional flexibility when managing the innings.
Afghanistan Squad
Afghanistan’s squad for the third T20I is:
- Ibrahim Zadran (c)
- Azmatullah Omarzai
- Noor Ahmad
- Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk)
- Gulbadin Naib
- Mujeeb Ur Rahman
- Noor ul Rahman
- Mohammad Nabi
- Fazalhaq Farooqi
- Sediqullah Atal
- Rashid Khan
- Darwish Rasooli
- Nangeyalia Kharoti
- Naveen-ul-Haq
- Abdullah Ahmadzai
The combination gives Afghanistan plenty of options in both departments, particularly in spin and T20-specialist bowling.
India Team Preview
India have a deep squad for the third T20I, with several players capable of taking responsibility in different phases of the match.
The biggest advantage for India is the number of batting and bowling combinations available to captain Shreyas Iyer.
1. Shreyas Iyer
Captain Shreyas Iyer will be expected to provide leadership and stability in the middle order.
His ability to rotate the strike and attack when required can become particularly important if Afghanistan’s spinners create pressure during the middle overs.
2. Abhishek Sharma
Abhishek Sharma can provide India with attacking intent at the top.
His aggressive batting style makes him particularly valuable during the powerplay, where scoring quickly can give the team a strong platform.
3. Sanju Samson
Sanju Samson offers experience and power in the batting unit.
On a good batting surface, his ability to clear the boundaries can turn a competitive total into a potentially match-winning score.
4. Tilak Varma
Tilak Varma is another important middle-order option.
His ability to adapt between attack and consolidation could be useful if Afghanistan’s spinners put pressure on India’s top order.
5. Jasprit Bumrah
India’s bowling attack gains significant experience with Jasprit Bumrah.
His control, variations and ability to bowl in pressure situations make him one of India’s most important players.
6. Arshdeep Singh
Arshdeep Singh provides India with a left-arm pace option and can be particularly important during the powerplay and death overs.
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7. Axar Patel
Axar Patel gives India another dependable all-round option.
His contribution with both bat and ball allows India to maintain balance while also giving the captain more tactical choices.
India Squad
India’s squad for the AFG vs IND 3rd T20I includes:
- Shreyas Iyer (c)
- Abhishek Sharma
- Vaibhav Sooryavanshi
- Sanju Samson
- Ishan Kishan
- Tilak Varma
- Shivam Dube
- Axar Patel
- Varun Chakaravarthy
- Ravi Bishnoi
- Arshdeep Singh
- Nitish Kumar Reddy
- Washington Sundar
- Jasprit Bumrah
- Yash Thakur
With multiple batting, bowling and all-round options, India have considerable depth heading into the match.
Arun Jaitley Stadium, Delhi: Venue Guide
The Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi will host the third T20I.
The venue has a listed capacity of approximately 48,000 spectators and features the Stadium End and Pavilion End.
Venue Information
- Stadium: Arun Jaitley Stadium
- City: Delhi, India
- Capacity: 48,000
- Ends: Stadium End, Pavilion End
- Home teams: Delhi / Delhi Capitals
The Delhi venue can produce interesting T20 contests because conditions may change as the innings progresses.
Batters who settle quickly can make an impact, while bowlers who vary their pace and use the conditions intelligently can create problems.
Pitch Battle: Batters vs Spinners
One of the most interesting aspects of AFG vs IND 3rd T20I could be the battle between the aggressive batting line-ups and the spin attacks.
Afghanistan possess several quality spin options, while India also have players such as Varun Chakaravarthy, Ravi Bishnoi, Axar Patel and Washington Sundar who can influence the middle overs.
This makes the 7th-to-15th-over period particularly important.
If batters can rotate the strike effectively and prevent spinners from building pressure, a high-scoring middle phase could follow.
On the other hand, losing wickets against spin could slow down either team’s innings significantly.
Key Battles to Watch
1. Rahmanullah Gurbaz vs India’s New-Ball Attack
Gurbaz’s attacking style could make the opening overs exciting.
India will want early wickets, while Afghanistan will look to maximise the fielding restrictions.
Winner of this battle could gain early momentum.
2. Rashid Khan vs India’s Middle Order
Rashid’s overs could be crucial against India’s middle-order batters.
India will need to avoid unnecessary risks while still keeping the scoreboard moving.
3. Jasprit Bumrah vs Afghanistan’s Top Order
Bumrah’s accuracy against Afghanistan’s aggressive opening combination could be another major contest.
If India can take wickets early, Afghanistan’s middle order could face increased pressure.
4. Afghanistan Spin vs India’s Power Hitters
Afghanistan’s spinners will have a major job in controlling India’s aggressive batters.
The contest could come down to whether India attack the spinners or choose to rotate strike and target the pace bowlers.
Players Who Could Make the Difference
š¦š« Afghanistan
Rashid Khan: A potential match-changing bowler.
Rahmanullah Gurbaz: Dangerous during the powerplay.
Ibrahim Zadran: Important for stability at the top.
Azmatullah Omarzai: Valuable all-round contribution.
š®š³ India
Jasprit Bumrah: India’s key bowling weapon.
Abhishek Sharma: Can provide rapid starts.
Sanju Samson: Capable of producing a big middle-order innings.
Axar Patel: Offers balance with bat and ball.
Tilak Varma: Important option for the middle overs.
5 Things to Watch in AFG vs IND 3rd T20I
1. Powerplay Strategy
The first six overs could establish the direction of the match. Both teams have aggressive opening options, so early wickets and boundary scoring will be important.
2. Spin in the Middle Overs
Afghanistan and India both have strong spin resources. How the batters respond could determine the middle phase.
3. Captaincy Decisions
Shreyas Iyer and Ibrahim Zadran will have several tactical decisions to make, particularly regarding bowling changes and match-ups.
4. Death-Overs Bowling
The final five overs can completely change a T20 match. Yorkers, slower deliveries and smart field placements will become crucial.
5. Finishing Ability
Both squads contain players capable of scoring quickly at the end. The team that executes better during the final overs could gain a decisive advantage.
Possible Playing XI
Afghanistan Probable XI
- Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk)
- Ibrahim Zadran (c)
- Sediqullah Atal
- Azmatullah Omarzai
- Mohammad Nabi
- Gulbadin Naib
- Rashid Khan
- Noor Ahmad
- Mujeeb Ur Rahman
- Fazalhaq Farooqi
- Naveen-ul-Haq
India Probable XI
- Abhishek Sharma
- Sanju Samson (wk)
- Shreyas Iyer (c)
- Tilak Varma
- Ishan Kishan
- Shivam Dube
- Axar Patel
- Washington Sundar
- Varun Chakaravarthy
- Arshdeep Singh
- Jasprit Bumrah
Note: The final playing XIs will be confirmed at the toss.
AFG vs IND 3rd T20I Match Prediction
The match has the ingredients of a closely fought T20 contest.
India have the advantage of playing at home and possess considerable depth across their batting and bowling departments. Their pace attack also has the experience to handle pressure situations.
Afghanistan, however, cannot be underestimated. Their spin resources and aggressive top order provide them with multiple ways to challenge India.
Our Match View
India have a slight edge because of home conditions and squad depth, but Afghanistan have enough match-winners to make this a competitive contest.
The team that handles the middle overs more effectively could have the strongest chance of controlling the game.
How the Match Could Be Won
For Afghanistan, the ideal formula would be:
- Start aggressively during the powerplay.
- Protect wickets against India’s strongest bowling spells.
- Use Rashid Khan and the spin attack effectively.
- Keep India’s scoring rate under control in the middle overs.
- Finish strongly with the bat.
For India, the ideal approach would be:
- Target Afghanistan’s new-ball bowlers.
- Rotate the strike against spin.
- Preserve wickets for the final five overs.
- Use Bumrah and Arshdeep strategically.
- Attack Afghanistan’s batting during the powerplay.
Broadcast and Streaming Information
Cricket fans in India can follow the AFG vs IND 3rd T20I through the listed broadcast and streaming options.
TV: Sony Sports Network
Streaming: FanCode
Start Time: 7:30 PM IST
Date: September 17, 2026
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AFG vs IND 3rd T20I FAQs
When is the AFG vs IND 3rd T20I?
The third T20I between Afghanistan and India is scheduled for Thursday, September 17, 2026.
What time does the match start?
The match starts at 7:30 PM IST.
Where will AFG vs IND 3rd T20I be played?
The match will be played at Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi, India.
Where can fans watch the match in India?
The listed TV broadcaster is Sony Sports Network, while streaming is available through FanCode.
Who is India’s captain?
Shreyas Iyer is listed as India’s captain for the match.
Who is Afghanistan’s captain?
Ibrahim Zadran is listed as Afghanistan’s captain.
Which players should fans watch?
For India, Jasprit Bumrah, Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson and Shreyas Iyer are among the players to watch. Afghanistan’s key names include Rashid Khan, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Ibrahim Zadran and Azmatullah Omarzai.
Final Word
The AFG vs IND 3rd T20I has all the ingredients of an exciting T20 encounter. Afghanistan bring explosive batting, experienced all-rounders and a dangerous spin attack, while India have home advantage, significant squad depth and several proven match-winners.
The Arun Jaitley Stadium will provide the setting for what could become one of the most closely watched matches of the Afghanistan vs India in India 2026 series.
With the powerplay battle, middle-over spin contest and death-overs execution likely to decide the result, both teams will need to maintain discipline throughout the 20 overs.
Match: AFG vs IND, 3rd T20I
Date: September 17, 2026
Time: 7:30 PM IST
Venue: Arun Jaitley Stadium, Delhi
Broadcast: Sony Sports Network
Streaming: FanCode
