NEW DELHI, September 15: India will take on Afghanistan in the second T20I tonight at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi, with the hosts looking to wrap up the three-match series after taking a 1-0 lead. The match is scheduled to begin at 7:30 PM IST.
India Lead Series 1-0
India head into the second match with momentum after registering a convincing seven-wicket victory in the opening T20I.
Afghanistan posted 156 runs, but India chased down the 157-run target in just 13.4 overs, with 38 balls remaining.
Opener Abhishek Sharma starred with an explosive 82 off 32 balls, hitting seven sixes and seven fours, while Ishan Kishan contributed 42 runs.
India Eye Unassailable Series Lead
A victory tonight would give India an unassailable 2-0 advantage in the three-match series.
Captain Shreyas Iyer’s side will look to maintain the aggressive batting approach that helped them dominate the first match, while Afghanistan need a victory to keep the series alive.
The third and final T20I is scheduled to be played in Delhi on September 17.
Varun Chakaravarthy Ruled Out
India will be without spinner Varun Chakaravarthy, who has been ruled out of the remaining Afghanistan T20Is after suffering a side strain.
The injury has also raised doubts over his availability for the upcoming Asian Games.
With Chakaravarthy unavailable, Ravi Bishnoi is among the options India could consider in the playing XI for tonight’s encounter.
Afghanistan Need Stronger Start
Afghanistan will be looking for a much better start after struggling early in the opening game.
They were reduced to 41 for four in the powerplay before Azmatullah Omarzai’s 64 helped them recover. Omarzai shared an important 83-run partnership with veteran Mohammad Nabi, who scored 33, to take Afghanistan to a competitive total.
However, India’s bowlers restricted the visitors effectively, with Arshdeep Singh taking three wickets for 19 runs.
Afghanistan will need stronger contributions from their top order if they are to challenge India and level the series.
Match Starts at 7:30 PM IST
The second T20I will be played at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi on Tuesday, September 15.
The match is scheduled to begin at 7:30 PM IST. Television coverage will be available through the Sony network, while online streaming options include FanCode.
Although the matches are being played in Delhi, the series is officially being hosted by Afghanistan, with India designated as the away side under the hosting arrangement.
With India chasing a series-clinching victory and Afghanistan fighting to stay alive, the second T20I is set to be a crucial contest in Delhi tonight.
source – Reuters / India Today / Indian Express / ESPN
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