India vs Afghanistan 2nd T20I Prediction: Who Will Win in Delhi?

Afghanistan posted 156/8 in 20 overs after losing four wickets for just 41 runs during the powerplay. Azmatullah Omarzai steadied the innings with an unbeaten 64 off 44 balls, while Mohammad Nabi contributed 33 from 27 balls. The pair added 83 runs to give Afghanistan a competitive total.

India chased down the target in just 13.4 overs, finishing on 157/3 with 38 balls remaining. Abhishek Sharma produced the defining innings of the match, smashing 82 off 32 balls with seven fours and seven sixes. Ishan Kishan supported him with 42 off 33 balls as the pair added 121 runs.

India also received strong contributions from the bowling attack. Arshdeep Singh claimed 3/19, while Jasprit Bumrah returned to T20I action with 1/26. Bumrah removed Rahmanullah Gurbaz for a duck in the opening over, setting the tone for India’s bowling effort.

India’s biggest advantage is their top-order momentum. Abhishek Sharma’s explosive 82 off 32 balls and Ishan Kishan’s 42 off 33 helped India reach the target with 38 balls remaining in the opening T20I.

Afghanistan showed fighting spirit through Azmatullah Omarzai and Mohammad Nabi after their early collapse, but their top order will need to provide a much stronger platform in the second match. India also have the advantage of a settled pace attack, although Varun Chakaravarthy’s absence means Ravi Bishnoi is likely to take on a greater role in the spin department.

The venue has produced competitive T20 scores, although chasing teams have enjoyed a clear advantage in the overall record. The latest available venue statistics show 21 T20 matches, with teams batting second winning 15 times compared with six victories for teams batting first.

The average first-innings score at the venue is around 149 runs, while the average second-innings score is approximately 137. However, the ground has also produced much bigger totals, with the highest recorded T20 score standing at 221/9.

For this match, India’s aggressive batting approach could suit the conditions, particularly if the surface remains good for stroke play. Afghanistan’s spinners will need to vary their pace and use the larger portions of the ground effectively against India’s power hitters.

The latest weather outlook for Delhi indicates some possibility of rain during the day, with precipitation chances around 41% earlier in the day. However, the probability is expected to fall significantly around the match window, with the chance of rain around 7% at approximately 7 PM.

This means the prospect of a full 20-over contest remains positive. If a brief shower does occur, the Arun Jaitley Stadium’s drainage and outfield should help reduce the disruption, allowing play to resume relatively quickly once conditions are safe.

Humidity and evening conditions could also bring some assistance to the chasing side. If dew becomes a factor later in the innings, gripping the ball could become more difficult for Afghanistan’s spinners, while India’s batters may benefit from a cleaner ball and potentially quicker scoring conditions.

India’s main selection change is expected to come in the spin department. Varun Chakaravarthy has been ruled out of the remaining T20Is because of a side strain, making Ravi Bishnoi the likely replacement in the playing XI.

There is some uncertainty around India’s opening combination. Sanju Samson is expected to remain in contention alongside Abhishek Sharma, while Vaibhav Sooryavanshi is another option for the top order. The final combination will depend on India’s team selection at the toss.

Afghanistan are likely to retain their experienced core, including Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Azmatullah Omarzai, Mohammad Nabi and Rashid Khan. Their biggest requirement is a better powerplay batting performance after losing four wickets for 41 runs in the first T20I.

India’s biggest strength is the balance between their batting depth and bowling quality. The first T20I highlighted that advantage, with India recovering comfortably after Afghanistan’s 156/8 and reaching the target with 38 balls remaining.

Afghanistan’s strongest area remains their spin department. Rashid Khan, Noor Ahmad and Mujeeb Ur Rahman can create pressure in the middle overs, particularly if India’s top order loses early wickets. Their batting, however, needs a better start after the top order collapsed to 41/4 in the series opener.

India are given a 75% editorial win probability for the second T20I, while Afghanistan are rated at 25%. India have the stronger recent momentum after chasing 157 in only 13.4 overs in the opening match.

India’s batting depth, the presence of Jasprit Bumrah and Arshdeep Singh, and their overwhelming T20I head-to-head record provide further reasons for their higher assessment. The absence of Varun Chakaravarthy does slightly reduce India’s spin options, but Ravi Bishnoi provides a capable replacement.

Afghanistan’s route to victory depends heavily on improving their powerplay batting and allowing their world-class spin attack to influence the middle overs. If their top order can build a substantially stronger platform, the 25% assessment could quickly become less one-sided during the match.

If India bat first, a total in the 170–185 range would give them a strong platform at the Arun Jaitley Stadium. Their aggressive top order, particularly Abhishek Sharma, has already demonstrated the ability to score quickly on this surface.

If Afghanistan bat first, a projected total of around 145–160 looks more realistic based on their first-T20I performance and the challenge posed by India’s pace attack. Afghanistan will need to avoid another powerplay collapse and ensure their middle order has enough overs to build the innings.

The venue’s strong chasing record makes the toss an important factor. A competitive first-innings total could still be difficult to defend if dew makes batting conditions easier later in the evening.

India have the advantage in almost every major pre-match factor. They lead the series 1–0, have an overwhelming head-to-head record, and demonstrated their batting strength by chasing 157 with 38 balls remaining in the first T20I.

Abhishek Sharma’s explosive form is another major advantage for India. His 82 off 32 balls completely changed the first match, while Ishan Kishan provided valuable support. With Jasprit Bumrah and Arshdeep Singh also in form, India’s bowling attack has enough quality to put Afghanistan’s batting under pressure again.

Afghanistan’s best opportunity is to improve their powerplay batting and allow their spinners to control the middle overs. Rashid Khan, Noor Ahmad and Mujeeb Ur Rahman can create problems if India lose early wickets, while Azmatullah Omarzai remains an important all-round option after his unbeaten 64 in the opener.

• BCCI – Afghanistan to host India for three-match T20I series in Delhi
• BCCI – India’s squad for Afghanistan T20I series
• Reuters – India cruise past Afghanistan as Sharma blitz earns series lead
• Cricbuzz – Afghanistan vs India 1st T20I scorecard and match statistics
• Cricbuzz – Arun Jaitley Stadium T20 venue statistics
• ICC – India team injury and replacement updates

For more cricket news, match reports and expert analysis, explore the latest updates on the 99ExCh Cricket Blog .