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The three-match T20I series begins today
The first match of the three-match T20I series between India and Afghanistan is being played on Sunday, September 13, at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi. The match will start at 7 pm, while the toss will take place at 6:30 pm.
Interestingly, the series is being played in India, but it is considered as Afghanistan’s home series. For this reason, Afghanistan has got the status of host team, while India has been officially considered the guest team.
This T20I series is considered important for both the teams before the big cricket events to be held in the future. All three matches are to be played in Delhi, which will give the players continuous opportunity to adapt themselves to the conditions.
Shreyas Iyer takes over India’s captaincy.
Shreyas Iyer is captaining India. The biggest challenge before the team will be to choose the right combination, especially regarding the role of wicketkeeper-batsman.
There is a lot of discussion about the selection between Vaibhav Suryavanshi and Sanju Samson. This match will be an important opportunity for Vaibhav to strengthen his place in international cricket on home ground.
Ishan Kishan’s fitness also remains an important aspect in team selection. In such a situation, the picture will be clear after the toss as to who gets a chance in the final playing XI.
Ibrahim Zadran is leading Afghanistan.
Ibrahim Zadran is captaining Afghanistan. The team would like to start the series against India with a strong performance.
Afghanistan has many players with good experience of T20I cricket. The presence of players like Rashid Khan, Mohammad Nabi and Rahmanullah Gurbaz gives the team the ability to compete in different conditions.
Especially Afghanistan’s spin attack can pose a big challenge to India’s batsmen. In such a situation, the performance of the batsmen in the middle overs can decide the direction of the match.
How is the pitch at Arun Jaitley Stadium?
The pitch at Delhi’s Arun Jaitley Stadium is considered to be batting-friendly. Batsmen who start quickly can benefit here and there is also a possibility of a big score.
However, the pitch is also expected to provide some assistance to the spin bowlers. Therefore, the role of the spin department of both the teams can be important.
Dew can also affect the strategy in the evening match. This is why the team winning the toss may decide to bowl first depending on the conditions.
Rain could also disrupt the T20I match.
There are also concerns about the weather in Delhi. There is a possibility of rain around the match, due to which the weather will be monitored during the match.
In case of rain, the role of the ground staff will be important in keeping the ground ready and starting the match. The weather can pose an additional challenge for spectators and players.
The remaining two matches of the series are also to be held in Delhi. Therefore, weather conditions can play an important role throughout this T20I series.
An opportunity for India to test its young players
This series provides a good opportunity for the Indian team’s young players to prove themselves at the international level at T20I. Fans will especially keep an eye on Vaibhav Suryavanshi.
The combination of experienced cricketers along with young players can help India maintain the balance of the team. The team management may also focus on giving adequate opportunities to the players considering the upcoming busy schedule.
The performance in the first T20I can also impact the further selection of the players. Therefore, this match will be important for every player.
Afghanistan’s spin strength poses a challenge to India
Afghanistan’s spin department is one of its biggest strengths. India’s batsmen will have to score quickly against spin in the middle overs and also save wickets.
Experienced players like Rashid Khan have the ability to change the course of any T20I match. Afghanistan will try to maintain constant pressure on the Indian batsmen.
India, on the other hand, will be looking to get off to a good start in the powerplay and maintain the run rate in the middle overs. In this match, a special competition can be seen between batting and spin bowling.
Fans are keeping an eye on these questions ahead of the live match.
The biggest question ahead of the first T20I is who will be included as a wicketkeeper-batsman in India’s final playing XI. It remains to be seen what role young Vaibhav Suryavanshi will play.
On the other hand, Afghanistan will rely on its spin strength and experienced players against India. The challenge for skipper Ibrahim Zadran will be to capitalise on the conditions and keep India under pressure in the opening encounter.
This match, starting at 7 pm in Delhi, will be the first attempt to decide the direction of the three-match series. The weather, the pitch, the toss and the playing XI of both teams all of these can have a big impact on the outcome of the match.
