NEW DELHI, September 17: India will take on Afghanistan in the third and final T20I tonight at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi, with the hosts looking to complete a 3-0 series sweep after winning the first two matches. The match is scheduled to begin at 7:30 PM IST.
India Already Seal Series 2-0
India enter the final match with an unassailable 2-0 lead after registering seven-wicket victories in each of the first two T20Is.
In the second match on September 15, Afghanistan scored 159 for eight, before India chased down the 160-run target in just 14.5 overs, finishing at 163 for three.
The result secured the three-match series for India with one game remaining.
Sanju Samson Stars in Second T20I
Sanju Samson played a major role in India’s second victory, scoring an aggressive 57 from 22 balls.
He was supported by Abhishek Sharma, who contributed 39 from 19 deliveries as India dominated the chase.
Earlier, Nitish Kumar Reddy picked up three wickets as India restricted Afghanistan to 159 for eight.
Vaibhav Sooryavanshi Could Get Opportunity
With the series already secured, India could use the final match to test players who have spent time on the bench.
Young batter Vaibhav Sooryavanshi is among the players in focus, with India considering possible changes to the batting order ahead of upcoming international assignments. Captain Shreyas Iyer has indicated that some squad members could receive opportunities before the Asian Games.
A final playing XI will be confirmed at the toss.
Varun Chakaravarthy Ruled Out
India will continue without spinner Varun Chakaravarthy, who has been ruled out of the remainder of the Afghanistan series because of injury.
Ravi Bishnoi is expected to remain among India’s spin options for the final T20I.
Chakaravarthy’s injury has also affected India’s plans for upcoming fixtures, with his Asian Games participation ruled out.
Afghanistan Look to Avoid Series Whitewash
Afghanistan will be aiming to finish the series with a victory after struggling to produce competitive totals in the first two matches.
Their batting has repeatedly lost wickets at regular intervals, preventing the team from building larger partnerships despite contributions from experienced players including Mohammad Nabi, Rashid Khan and Ibrahim Zadran.
A win tonight would allow Afghanistan to avoid a 3-0 defeat and gain momentum ahead of their upcoming international commitments.
Match Starts at 7:30 PM IST
The third T20I will be played at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi on September 17.
The match begins at 7:30 PM IST and will be televised in India on the Sony Sports Network. Online streaming will be available through FanCode.
With India chasing a clean sweep and Afghanistan looking for their first victory of the series, tonight’s match will bring the three-game T20I series to a close.
source – The Indian Express / ESPNcricinfo / Reuters
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