Who will win the India vs Afghanistan first ODI match? Check out the IND vs AFG today match prediction

For the first time in cricketing history, an ODI series is set to take place between India and Afghanistan. The first match of this three-game ODI series will be played on June 13 at the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium in Dharamsala.

While the Indian team is considered one of the best in the modern era, Afghanistan has emerged as the fastest-rising team in recent years. During the last ODI World Cup, Afghanistan defeated Pakistan, England, Sri Lanka, and the Netherlands; had Glenn Maxwell not played an extraordinary innings of 201 runs at Mumbai's Wankhede Stadium, the Afghans would have defeated the 'Kangaroos' as well. The last ODI encounter between the two teams took place during the 2023 World Cup, a match that India won.

Pitch Report: HPCA Stadium, Dharamsala 

The match will be played at the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium, Dharamsala. The ground is generally considered to be a high-scoring ground, and once again, something similar is expected to happen. So far, a total of 9 matches were concluded in this ground, with the team, with the team batting first winning 4 matches and the team chasing winning 5. Both teams can decide to bowl first after winning the toss. If the team bats first, they will have no choice but to make a huge total on this ground. 

India vs Afghanistan: head-to-head in ODIs

India and Afghanistan have faced each other 4 times in ODI cricket so far, with India winning 4. Afghanistan is still waiting for their first victory. 

IND vs AFG: Probable playing XIs 

The Indian team's composition for this match will be interesting to watch, especially given that Virat Kohli and Hardik Pandya are out of the series due to injuries, while Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami, and Mohammed Siraj have not been included. Ishan Kishan could bat at No. 3, and Nitish Kumar Reddy might be the first choice for the fast-bowling all-rounder role. Prince Yadav and Harsh Dubey could make their debut. Kuldeep Yadav might be rested for this match because the Dharamsala pitch could assist fast bowlers, and Team India might field an extra fielder instead. There are currently no reports of injuries in the Afghanistan squad, and the team is likely to field a lineup featuring all its experienced players.

Predicted India playing XI

Shubman Gill ©, Rohit Sharma, Ishan Kishan, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul, Washington Sundar, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Harsh Dubey, Arshdeep Singh, Prasidh Krishna, Prince Yadav

Predicted Afghanistan playing XI

Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Ibrahim Zadran, Rahmat Shah, Hashmatullah Shahidi, Azmatullah Omarzai, Mohammad Nabi, Rashid Khan, Allah Ghazanfar/ Zia Ur Rahman, Saleem Saifi, Bilal Sami

Players to watch out for in the IND vs AFG match

Best batter: Rohit Sharma (India) 

In this series, fans will once again witness the return of senior batsman Rohit Sharma. His journey to fulfil an unaccomplished ambition begins with this match, and scoring runs in every game has now become crucial for him. Since winning the 'Player of the Tournament' award against Australia last year, a big innings has eluded Rohit, and he will be eager to play a substantial knock in this series. In the previous encounter between these two teams, he scored a magnificent century to steer his team to victory. Everyone knows that when Rohit is in the zone, he can tear apart any bowling line-up.

Best bowler: Arshdeep Singh (India)

Arshdeep Singh will be seen leading the Indian bowling attack in the three-match ODI series against Afghanistan in the absence of Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, and Mohammed Shami. He has taken a total of 25 wickets in 15 ODIs so far. With his impressive performances, this left-arm fast bowler is making a strong case for inclusion in the ODI World Cup squad. The Dharamsala pitch is considered favourable for fast bowlers, and he could trouble the Afghan batters with his bowling in this match.