T20 WC 2021: IND vs AFG Preview – Wounded India seek their first victory 

India suffered another shock defeat and this time against New Zealand. However, their chances of qualifying to the next stage have significantly reduced after that loss. India’s best chance now is winning all their matches and the challenge starts with the best of three opponents, Afghanistan. The two teams will meet in Abu Dhabi on November 3.

Afghanistan have won two of their three Super 12 matches and would look to cause an upset. In the past, Afghanistan have given the Indian team a tough fight in 50 overs matches. Hence, it is not completely impossible that India might crumble. However, it should be remembered that this era of Indian players have come back strongly after the defeat, so fans would hope for something like that.

Match Info

India vs Afghanistan, 33rd Match, Super 12 Group 2

Venue: Sheikh Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi

Time: 7:30 PM IST

Head to Head:

India and Afghanistan have played each other twice in the T20 World Cups. Once in 2010 in the West Indies and then in 2012 in Sri Lanka. Both times, India emerged as the winners.

Team News:

India: Despite losing the previous match, India might still back the same XI. However, if Suryakumar Yadav is fit and has recovered from his back spasm, then we could see him be slotted in the middle order while Ishan Kishan will be back to the bench. Rohit Sharma could go back to opening with KL Rahul in that case.

Afghanistan: Afghanistan’s former skipper Asghar Afghan has retired so as a result of that there is a little gap in the middle order. Usman Ghani is more experienced in this format and should be slotted into the team, but Hashmatullah Shahidi also could get a gig. Mujeeb missed the last game but might be back for this contest. If he comes back, unfortunately, Hamid Hassan might have to be left out despite a fantastic spell in the last game. The rest of the team should be the same.

Probable XI