A historic chapter in international cricket will be written later this month when Team India takes on Afghanistan in a three-match T20I series that kicks off on September 13. In a first of its kind turn of events, Afghanistan will play the host team at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi, marking the first time India will play off 'away' on home soil.
The white-ball clash serves as a crucial warm-up before both teams head to Japan for the 2026 Asian Games. The series is the third bilateral white-ball meeting between the two sides, after Afghanistan visited India for a one-off Test and three ODIs.
Despite their imposing, tense battle that could see them meet in the Cricket World Cup Qualifiers, the two sides have a fond memory of their T20I bilateral meeting back in January 2024. Though India had swept the three-match series 3-0, it produced some memorable moments in the annals of T20 cricket.
A Look Back: The Unforgettable 2024 T20I India vs Afghanistan Series
1st T20I (Mohali): The Return and the Dube Show
The first T20I match had high stakes as it marked the much-anticipated return of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli in the T20I format for the first time since the 2022 T20 World Cup. After restricting Afghanistan to 158/5, India faced an early setback as Sharma was run out for a golden duck. However, Shivam Dube stepped in at No. 4 and remained unbeaten on 60 to lead India to a six-wicket win with 15 balls remaining.
2nd T20I (Indore): Jaiswal and Dube Power the Chase
Axar Patel's brilliant 2/17 saw off Afghanistan's spirited pursuit of 172 in Indore. Sharma continued his poor T20I run by scoring a duck, while Kohli remained unbeaten on 29 after returning to the team. Yashasvi Jaiswal remained the bright light for India as he remained unbeaten on 68 off 43 balls. Dube remained unbeaten on 51 as the hosts reached the target in 15.4 overs with ease.
3rd T20I (Bengaluru): The Double Super Over Thriller
India made a stunning recovery from a disastrous start in Bengaluru as they posted 212/4 after being reduced to 22/4. Rohit Sharma remained unbeaten on 121 (his fifth century in T20I) to power India to victory, while Rinku Singh remained unbeaten on 50. Afghanistan made a stunning comeback in the last over as Gulbadin Naib hit the winning six.
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It was to be a historic T20I encounter as both teams tied the Super Over as well. Ravi Bishnoi took two wickets in three balls to give India a much-needed win in the second Super Over.