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Afghanistan will look to bounce back when they face India in the second T20I of the three-match series at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi on September 15. The Afghans suffered a seven-wicket defeat in the series opener, but there were encouraging signs in their batting as they recovered from 43/5 to post 156/6.
Azmatullah Omarzai and Mohammad Nabi produced a crucial 83-run partnership to rescue Afghanistan from a precarious position. Omarzai remained unbeaten on 64 off 44 balls, while Nabi contributed 33 off 27. However, India chased down the target in just 13.4 overs, with Abhishek Sharma smashing 82 off 32 deliveries.
Afghanistan captain Ibrahim Zadran is unlikely to make wholesale changes after the opening game. The team management could instead back the same combination to deliver a stronger performance, although Naveen-ul-Haq remains an interesting option after returning to the squad following a long injury layoff.
Here is Afghanistan’s predicted playing XI for the second T20I against India:
Ibrahim Zadran should continue to lead Afghanistan and open the innings. The right-hander will be keen to make a bigger impact after failing to convert his opportunity in the first T20I.
As captain, Ibrahim will also have to take greater responsibility against India’s formidable bowling attack. His ability to bat deep could be crucial if Afghanistan are to post a competitive total.
Rahmanullah Gurbaz is expected to retain his place at the top of the order and behind the stumps. The explosive wicketkeeper-batter is capable of taking the game away during the Powerplay but was dismissed by Jasprit Bumrah in the series opener.
Gurbaz will be eager to counterattack in the second match and provide Afghanistan with the fast start they need.
Sediqullah Atal should continue at No. 3. The left-hander is one of Afghanistan’s promising young batters and offers a different angle alongside the right-handed Gurbaz and Ibrahim.
With India’s bowlers likely to attack Afghanistan’s top order aggressively, Atal’s ability to absorb pressure before accelerating will be important.
Darwish Rasooli is another batter likely to retain his spot. He struggled to make a significant contribution in the first T20I, but Afghanistan may prefer to give him another opportunity rather than make a knee-jerk change after one defeat.
Rasooli’s ability to play spin could become particularly valuable in Delhi.
Azmatullah Omarzai was Afghanistan’s standout performer in the opening game and is an automatic selection for the second T20I.
After Afghanistan slipped to 43/5, Omarzai produced a superb unbeaten 64 to revive the innings. His ability to contribute with the ball as well makes him one of Afghanistan’s most important players.
Gulbadin Naib should continue as Afghanistan’s experienced all-rounder. His presence gives Ibrahim Zadran an additional seam-bowling option while also strengthening the lower middle order.
Naib has a strong record against India in T20Is, and Afghanistan will hope his experience can make a difference in the second game.
Mohammad Nabi demonstrated his value in the first T20I with a crucial 33-run knock. His partnership with Omarzai gave Afghanistan a chance of posting a competitive total after the top order collapsed.
The veteran all-rounder should retain his place and could also play a key role with his off-spin against India’s middle order.
Rashid Khan is one player Afghanistan simply cannot afford to leave out. The captain’s premier spin weapon will be expected to deliver a major performance in the second T20I.
Rashid’s variations could be particularly useful against India’s aggressive batting lineup, especially if the hosts attack from the outset.
Mujeeb Ur Rahman is likely to continue as Afghanistan’s specialist spinner. His ability to bowl during the Powerplay gives Ibrahim an option to attack India’s top order before the field restrictions disappear.
With several Indian batters capable of dominating pace, Mujeeb’s mystery spin could be a valuable weapon.
Noor Ahmad should retain his place after featuring in the first T20I. The left-arm wrist-spinner provides Afghanistan with another genuine wicket-taking option and can create problems for India’s right-handed batters.
His battle against India’s middle order could be one of the key tactical contests of the game.
Fazalhaq Farooqi is expected to complete the XI. The left-arm seamer provides Afghanistan with an important new-ball option and can also bowl difficult overs at the death.
However, Naveen-ul-Haq’s return gives Afghanistan another selection option. Naveen was included in the squad after recovering from a shoulder stress fracture that kept him out of Afghanistan’s T20I campaign for an extended period.
For now, Afghanistan are likely to back Farooqi and retain the same XI.
Ibrahim Zadran (C), Rahmanullah Gurbaz (WK), Sediqullah Atal, Darwish Rasooli, Azmatullah Omarzai, Gulbadin Naib, Mohammad Nabi, Rashid Khan, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Noor Ahmad, Fazalhaq Farooqi
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