Vande Mataram Played Before Start of India vs Afghanistan 1st T20I 2026
The iconic 'Vande Mataram' resonated across Arun Jaitley Stadium before the India vs Afghanistan 1st T20I today, September 13, 2026. This Friendship Cup opener in New Delhi, starting 7:00 PM IST, is crucial preparation for the Asian Games 2026 in Japan. Reigning T20 World Cup champions India, led by Shreyas Iyer, face Ibrahim Zadran's Afghanistan.
The iconic 'Vande Mataram' echoed through the Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi on Sunday, September 13, 2026, setting a patriotic tone before the highly anticipated first Twenty20 International (T20I) between India and Afghanistan. The match, part of the three-game Friendship Cup series, commenced at 7:30 PM IST, with the toss scheduled for 7:00 PM IST. India vs Afghanistan Live Streaming Online and Free Telecast, 1st T20I 2026.
Vande Mataram Echoes Before National Anthem
#indvsafg #bcci Vande Mataram before National Anthem 🤔 in #india vs #afghanistan match pic.twitter.com/WJ00Gs9CWF
— Amit Gandhi (@AmitGandhiPro) September 13, 2026
Vande Mataram Gets Played For 1st Time
The national song Vande Mataram was played first followed by the national anthem ahead of the Afghanistan vs India first T20I match, in Delhi.
— ANI (@ANI) September 13, 2026
This T20I series holds significant importance for both teams, particularly for India, as it serves as a vital tune-up ahead of the Asian Games 2026 in Japan. The Delhi and District Cricket Association (DDCA) confirmed that the match would proceed as planned despite earlier concerns due to the 18th BRICS Summit being held in the capital from September 12-13, 2026.
Team News and Key Players
Shreyas Iyer is leading the Indian squad as captain, while Ibrahim Zadran takes the helm for Afghanistan. India, the reigning ICC Men's T20 World Cup champions after their 2026 triumph against New Zealand, will be looking to maintain their dominant form. The team selection for the opening pair has been a talking point, with young sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi and experienced wicketkeeper-batter Sanju Samson vying for a spot. Samson, who was named Player of the Tournament at the 2026 T20 World Cup, returns to the squad alongside spinner Varun Chakaravarthy, while teenage batter Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, a standout performer in India's recent series against Zimbabwe, is also in contention. Delhi Weather Forecast and Rain Chances for India vs Afghanistan 1st T20I 2026.
For Afghanistan, the series presents an opportunity to test their mettle against a top-tier T20I side. Key players like Rashid Khan, Mohammad Nabi, and Rahmanullah Gurbaz are expected to play pivotal roles.
Head-to-Head Record
Historically, India has a commanding lead over Afghanistan in T20 Internationals. The two teams have faced each other nine times, with India emerging victorious in eight encounters. One match ended without a result, which occurred in the 2023 Asian Games gold-medal match due to a washout.
| Teams | Matches Played | India Wins | Afghanistan Wins | No Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| India vs Afghanistan | 9 | 8 | 0 | 1 |
Match Details
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Match | 1st T20I, Friendship Cup |
| Date | Sunday, September 13, 2026 |
| Venue | Arun Jaitley Stadium, New Delhi |
| Toss Time | 6:30 PM IST |
| Start Time | 7:00 PM IST |
The Friendship Cup series promises exciting cricket as both nations aim to solidify their T20 strategies. With national pride and Asian Games preparations on the line, today's opener is set to be a captivating contest in the heart of the capital.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Sep 13, 2026 08:30 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
