IND vs AFG ODI action starts today as India takes on Afghanistan in the first match at Dharamshala. India enters the series with confidence after a dominant Test victory. Meanwhile, Afghanistan will look to make an early statement in the three-match ODI series.
The match promises plenty of excitement, but the conditions could play a major role. Dharamshala’s weather remains uncertain, while the pitch may offer something for both batters and bowlers.
In this preview, we cover the latest team news, pitch report, weather update, and our IND vs AFG ODI match prediction.
IND vs AFG 1st ODI: Quick Match Overview
Before we move into the player battles and pitch technicalities, here is everything you need to know about this afternoon’s massive opening fixture:
| Match Detail | Information |
| Match Fixture | India vs Afghanistan, 1st ODI |
| Date & Time | Saturday, June 13 at 1:30 PM IST |
| Stadium Venue | HPCA Stadium, Dharamshala |
| TV Broadcast | Star Sports Network |
| Live Streaming | JioHotstar App |
| Match Status | Game 1 of a 3-match bilateral series |
IND vs AFG 1st ODI: Squads
Both teams have announced their squads for the IND vs AFG 1st ODI. India will be without a few key players due to injuries, while Afghanistan has also made some changes to its lineup.
As a result, several players will have the chance to step up and make an impact in the series opener.
Here are the full squads for both teams ahead of the IND vs AFG 1st ODI.
India Squad
Shubman Gill (C), KL Rahul (WK), Rohit Sharma, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Ishan Kishan, Shreyas Iyer, Washington Sundar, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Harsh Dubey, Kuldeep Yadav, Arshdeep Singh, Gurnoor Brar, Prasidh Krishna, Prince Yadav.
Afghanistan Squad
Hashmatullah Shahidi (C), Ikram Alikhil (WK), Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Ibrahim Zadran, Sediqullah Atal, Rahmat Shah, Azmatullah Omarzai, Mohammad Nabi, Rashid Khan, Nangeyalia Kharoti, AM Ghazanfar, Bilal Sami, Darwish Rasooli, Fareed Ahmad Malik, Zia Ur Rahman Sharifi.
Dharamshala Weather and Pitch Report for Today’s Match
Weather could shape the outcome of the IND vs AFG 1st ODI in Dharamshala today. Rain has affected the city since morning. As a result, uncertainty surrounds the series opener.
Moreover, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a yellow alert across parts of Himachal Pradesh. Forecasts also indicate more showers during match hours. Therefore, delays or interruptions remain a real possibility.
The latest weather update offers some hope for fans. Temperatures are expected to stay around 30°C, with sunny spells at times. However, rain remains in the forecast and could affect play. As a result, stop-start conditions remain possible throughout the afternoon.
However, the ground staff has worked continuously to protect the playing surface. They have kept the pitch under covers for most of the day. But moisture is still likely to remain on the wicket.
Pitch Report
The Dharamshala pitch should assist fast bowlers early in the match. Moisture under the covers may increase swing and seam movement. However, batting conditions could improve as the surface dries during the game.
To better understand today’s surface, here are the key predicted pitch statistics:
| Pitch Metric | Predicted Statistic / Record |
|---|---|
| Average 1st Innings Score | 214 Runs |
| Average 2nd Innings Score | 201 Runs |
| Highest Successful Chase | 274 Runs |
| Pitch Advantage Today | Favors fast bowlers and swing specialists |
Toss Prediction for Today’s Match
The toss could prove crucial in today’s contest. Given the conditions, both captains may prefer to bowl first. This strategy would help seamers use the early movement.
Furthermore, chasing could become easier later in the match. Therefore, the team winning the toss is expected to field first.
The toss result itself remains impossible to predict. However, the winning captain will likely choose to bowl under the overcast Dharamshala skies.
IND vs AFG 1st ODI: Key Players to Watch
Several players could have a major impact on today’s contest. Moreover, the conditions in Dharamshala may suit specific skill sets. Here are the top 2 key players from both teams to watch in the series opener.
India Key Players
1. KL Rahul
| ODI Stat | Record |
|---|---|
| Matches | 94 |
| Runs | 3,360 |
| Batting Average | 50.90 |
| Centuries | 8 |
With Virat Kohli unavailable, KL Rahul becomes a crucial figure in India’s batting lineup. He has the experience to anchor an innings and absorb pressure. Moreover, his strong technique should help him manage the expected swing conditions.
Rahul also enters the match in confidence after scoring a century against Afghanistan in the recent one – off Test. Therefore, India will expect him to lead the batting effort.
2. Arshdeep Singh
| ODI Stat | Record |
|---|---|
| Matches | 15 |
| Wickets | 25 |
| Best Bowling | 5/37 |
Arshdeep Singh could prove dangerous with the new ball in Dharamshala. The damp conditions should help him generate swing during the opening overs. As a result, Afghanistan’s top order could face an early test.
Furthermore, Arshdeep has consistently troubled right-handed batters with his movement. If the cloud cover remains, he could play a decisive role.
Afghanistan Key Players
1. Rahmanullah Gurbaz
| ODI Stat | Record |
|---|---|
| Matches | 52 |
| Runs | 1,888 |
| Batting Average | 37.01 |
| Centuries | 8 |
Rahmanullah Gurbaz holds the key to Afghanistan’s start. The aggressive opener likes to put bowlers under pressure from the outset. However, he must first handle the expected swing and seam movement.
If Gurbaz settles at the crease, he has the ability to change the momentum quickly. Therefore, India will target his wicket early.
2. Rashid Khan
| ODI Stat | Record |
|---|---|
| Matches | 117 |
| Wickets | 210 |
| Bowling Average | 19.65 |
| Best Bowling | 7/18 |
Rashid Khan remains Afghanistan’s biggest bowling threat. His leg-spin can create opportunities even when conditions favor pace bowlers. Moreover, he has a proven record of breaking important partnerships.
India’s batters will need to manage him carefully in the middle overs. Otherwise, Rashid could shift the game in Afghanistan’s favor.
IND vs AFG Head-to-Head in ODI
India and Afghanistan have faced each other only a few times in ODI cricket. However, their meetings have often produced memorable moments. Interestingly, today’s match begins the first bilateral ODI series between the two teams.
All previous ODI encounters came in major tournaments, including the Asia Cup and ICC Cricket World Cup. As a result, both sides have had limited opportunities to build a rivalry in this format.
To understand their ODI record better, take a look at the head-to-head statistics below:
| Metric | Details & Statistics |
|---|---|
| Total Matches Played | 4 |
| Matches Won by India | 3 |
| Matches Won by Afghanistan | 0 |
| Tied Matches | 1 |
IND vs AFG 1st ODI: Match Winner Prediction
India enters the series opener as the favorite despite the absence of Virat Kohli and a few other key players. The hosts also carry momentum after their convincing Test victory over Afghanistan earlier this week.
Moreover, the expected conditions in Dharamshala could work in India’s favor. The damp surface and overcast skies should assist the pace attack during the early overs. As a result, India may have an opportunity to put Afghanistan under pressure from the start.
Afghanistan still possesses match-winners capable of changing the game. In particular, Rashid Khan could create problems during the middle overs. However, India’s stronger squad depth and familiarity with home conditions give them an advantage.
Prediction: India to win the 1st ODI and take a 1-0 lead in the series.
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What’s Next? IND vs AFG ODI Series Schedule
The three-match series continues after the Dharamshala opener. Here is the remaining schedule:
| Match | Venue | Date & Time |
|---|---|---|
| 2nd ODI | Ekana International Stadium, Lucknow | June 17, 1:30 PM IST |
| 3rd ODI | M. A. Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai | June 20, 1:30 PM IST |
