Archive · 16 Sep 2026
India Weighs Sooryavanshi Chance in Final Afghanistan T20I
India has already won its T20I series against Afghanistan.
That means the last match will not decide the series winner.
India may use the match to let players who have been waiting on the bench play.
Vaibhav Sooryavanshi could get a chance, but the team has not confirmed this.
Sanju Samson and Abhishek Sharma are playing well, which makes team selection harder.
India may also rest some players and test different combinations.
Afghanistan has lost heavily in the first two matches.
Its captain says the team needs to score more runs, possibly over 200, to compete.
The match will help both teams prepare for future commitments.
India has already secured the T20I series against Afghanistan and plans to consider changes for the final match.
Captain Shreyas Iyer said players who have been on the bench could receive game time before the Asian Games.
Vaibhav Sooryavanshi’s selection is uncertain, with Sanju Samson and Abhishek Sharma both in strong form.
India may also rest Ishan Kishan and give batting opportunities to Iyer, Tilak Varma, Nitish Reddy and Shivam Dube.
Afghanistan wants to improve its batting and target a total above 200 to challenge India in the final match.
- Who
- India and Afghanistan, led by captains Shreyas Iyer and Ibrahim Zadran, respectively.
- What
- The teams will play the third and final T20I of the series, with India considering changes to its playing XI.
- When
- Thursday at 7:30 p.m.; the article does not provide a calendar date.
- Where
- Ferozshah Kotla in Delhi.
- Why
- India has already secured the series and wants to give bench players match practice, while Afghanistan wants to improve its batting and finish the series strongly.
India’s Rotation Plans
Afghanistan’s Fightback Attempt
Purpose of the final match
India’s Rotation Plans
India can use the already-decided match to rotate its squad, give bench players game time and test combinations before the Asian Games.
Afghanistan’s Fightback Attempt
Afghanistan wants the final match to produce a stronger performance and lift the team’s confidence before traveling to Japan.
Batting approach
India’s Rotation Plans
India’s top three have dominated the first two games, leaving limited opportunities for players lower in the order; the management may alter the combination.
Afghanistan’s Fightback Attempt
Afghanistan’s Ibrahim Zadran said the team must show greater intent and raise its scoring from roughly 150–160 toward 200 or more.
Vaibhav Sooryavanshi’s selection
India’s Rotation Plans
India’s squad includes Sooryavanshi, and the series situation creates an opportunity to give him a game, although Samson and Abhishek Sharma are also in good form.
Afghanistan’s Fightback Attempt
Afghanistan’s immediate focus is not selection but handling India’s experienced powerplay bowlers and building a competitive innings.
- Series status
- India has already secured the T20I series.
- Potential selection
- Vaibhav Sooryavanshi may be considered for the playing XI, but his appearance is not confirmed.
- India captain
- Shreyas Iyer
- Afghanistan captain
- Ibrahim Zadran
- Match venue
- Ferozshah Kotla, Delhi
- Match time
- 7:30 p.m.
- Afghanistan target
- The team says it needs to improve from totals of about 150–160 and aim for more than 200.