Afghanistan Likely Playing XI for 2nd T20I vs India: Check Predicted 11

Afghanistan is geared up for a crucial encounter against the formidable Indian side in the 2nd T20 International of the Friendship Cup, set to unfold today, September 15, 2026, at the iconic Arun Jaitley Cricket Stadium. After a seven-wicket defeat in the series opener on Sunday, September 13, the Afghan team, under the leadership of Ibrahim Zadran, will be eager to bounce back and level the three-match series. India Likely Playing XI for 2nd T20I vs Afghanistan: Check Predicted 11.

The first T20I saw India comfortably chase down Afghanistan's target of 157 runs with 38 balls to spare, largely thanks to a blistering 82 off 32 balls from India's Abhishek Sharma. For Afghanistan, all-rounder Azmatullah Omarzai was a standout performer, smashing an unbeaten 64 off 44 deliveries to provide some much-needed impetus to their innings.

Afghanistan's Squad and Strategy

The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) named a strong 15-member squad for this bilateral series, which is officially hosted by Afghanistan in India. The team boasts a blend of experienced campaigners and exciting young talent, with a formidable spin attack led by the world-class Rashid Khan. The conditions in New Delhi are expected to assist spin, which could play a significant role in Afghanistan's strategy.

Key players like Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Mohammad Nabi, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, and pacers Fazalhaq Farooqi and Naveen-ul-Haq are all expected to feature prominently. The team will be looking to their top order to provide a solid foundation, an area where they struggled in the first match.

Predicted Afghanistan Playing XI for 2nd T20I

Considering the performance in the first match and the strengths of the squad, here's the likely playing XI for Afghanistan: Why Indian Cricket Team Is Allotted Visitors Dressing Room For IND vs AFG T20I 2026 Series?

• Rahmanullah Gurbaz (WK): Explosive opener and primary wicketkeeper.
• Ibrahim Zadran (C): Captain and a consistent top-order batsman.
• Sediqullah Atal: Provides stability in the top order.
• Azmatullah Omarzai: Star performer from the first T20I and a crucial all-rounder.
• Mohammad Nabi: Veteran all-rounder, vital with both bat and his off-spin.
• Gulbadin Naib: Another impactful all-rounder contributing with aggressive batting and medium-fast pace.
• Rashid Khan: World's leading spinner and a handy lower-order batsman.
• Naveen-ul-Haq: Swing bowler in the powerplay and death overs.
• Mujeeb Ur Rahman: Mystery spinner, excellent in powerplay.
• Fazalhaq Farooqi: Left-arm fast bowler known for his variations.
• Noor Ahmad: Young left-arm wrist-spinner, adding depth to the spin attack.

Afghanistan will be hoping their strong spin contingent can exploit the conditions and their batsmen can show more resilience against the reigning T20 World Cup champions. The match promises to be an exciting contest as Afghanistan seeks to even the series.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Sep 15, 2026 11:51 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).