
The India national cricket team vs Afghanistan national cricket team match scorecard gives cricket fans a complete picture of one of the most exciting matchups in Asian cricket. India and Afghanistan have developed a competitive cricketing relationship across Tests, ODIs, and T20Is, with their matches often featuring aggressive batting, quality spin bowling, and memorable individual performances.
The latest meeting came in the first T20I of the three-match series in New Delhi on September 13, 2026. India produced a commanding seven-wicket victory after restricting Afghanistan to 156 runs before reaching the target in only 13.4 overs. Abhishek Sharma was the standout performer with a spectacular 82 from 32 balls, while Arshdeep Singh led India’s bowling attack with three wickets for 19 runs.
This article covers the India vs Afghanistan scorecard, batting and bowling performances, match result, head-to-head record, previous encounters, important players, tactical analysis, and major statistics.
India National Cricket Team vs Afghanistan National Cricket Team Match Scorecard
The latest India Afghanistan match was played at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi. India won the toss and chose to bowl first, giving Afghanistan the opportunity to set a target.
Afghanistan struggled badly during the opening stages. India’s bowlers immediately put pressure on the Afghan top order, and Afghanistan lost several wickets inside the powerplay. At one stage, the visitors were in serious trouble before Azmatullah Omarzai and Mohammad Nabi produced an important partnership.
Match Overview
| Match Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Match | India vs Afghanistan |
| Format | T20 International |
| Date | September 13, 2026 |
| Venue | Arun Jaitley Stadium, New Delhi |
| Series | Afghanistan tour of India |
| Toss | India won and elected to bowl |
| Afghanistan | 156 |
| India | Chased 157 |
| Result | India won by 7 wickets |
| Player of the Match | Abhishek Sharma |
Afghanistan eventually finished on 156, giving India a target of 157. India made the chase look extremely comfortable, reaching 157 for three in just 13.4 overs.
Afghanistan Batting Scorecard
Afghanistan’s innings began poorly. Rahmanullah Gurbaz was dismissed for a duck by Jasprit Bumrah in the opening over, immediately putting the visitors under pressure.
The Afghan top order struggled to build a partnership, but Azmatullah Omarzai played an outstanding counter-attacking innings.
Omarzai remained unbeaten on 64 from 44 deliveries and became Afghanistan’s highest scorer. Mohammad Nabi also contributed 33 runs, and together they formed an important partnership that helped Afghanistan recover from a difficult position.
Afghanistan eventually reached 156, giving India a competitive but manageable target.
India Batting Scorecard
India’s chase began with the early dismissal of Sanju Samson, who scored 10 runs. However, the early wicket had little effect on India’s momentum.
Abhishek Sharma immediately changed the direction of the innings. He scored 82 from only 32 balls, including seven fours and seven sixes. His half-century came from just 22 balls.
Ishan Kishan provided excellent support with 42 from 33 balls. Their partnership put India firmly in control of the chase.
India eventually reached 157/3 in 13.4 overs, winning by seven wickets with 38 balls remaining.
India vs Afghanistan Match Summary
The match can be divided into two very different stories.
Afghanistan started with the intention of putting pressure on India, but the early loss of wickets prevented them from building momentum. Jasprit Bumrah’s return to the side was immediately noticeable when he removed Gurbaz in the opening over.
India’s disciplined bowling attack continued to take wickets, leaving Afghanistan struggling at 41 for four during the powerplay. The situation became even more difficult as wickets continued to fall.
Omarzai and Nabi then produced the most important partnership of Afghanistan’s innings. Their 83-run stand gave Afghanistan a chance of posting a respectable total. Omarzai’s unbeaten 64 was particularly valuable because it gave the lower order something to defend.
India’s response was dramatically different.
After Samson’s early dismissal, Abhishek Sharma attacked the Afghan bowlers without hesitation. His 82-run innings completely changed the contest. Ishan Kishan’s 42 ensured that India’s chase remained stable, while Shreyas Iyer and Tilak Varma completed the job.
India reached the target with 38 balls remaining, giving the hosts a 1-0 lead in the three-match T20I series.
India National Cricket Team Batting Performance
India’s batting performance was built around aggressive intent and excellent shot selection.
Abhishek Sharma
Abhishek Sharma was unquestionably the star of the India Afghanistan match.
His 82 off 32 balls came at an extraordinary scoring rate and included seven fours and seven sixes. He reached his half-century in only 22 balls, putting Afghanistan’s bowlers under immediate pressure.
His innings demonstrated the modern T20 approach: attack early, maintain pressure, and force the opposition captain to change bowling plans.
Abhishek’s innings was particularly important because India had lost Sanju Samson early. Instead of allowing Afghanistan to regain control, he attacked the bowlers and made the chase one-sided.
Ishan Kishan
Ishan Kishan played an important supporting role, scoring 42 from 33 deliveries.
While Abhishek supplied the explosive power, Kishan provided stability. Their partnership helped India recover from the early loss of Samson and created the platform for a comfortable chase.
India’s Middle Order
Captain Shreyas Iyer and Tilak Varma finished the match after Afghanistan managed to take two late wickets.
The Indian middle order therefore did not need to take unnecessary risks. The opening partnership had already reduced the required run rate to a comfortable level.
Overall, India’s batting performance demonstrated the depth and flexibility of their T20 lineup.
Afghanistan National Cricket Team Batting Performance
Afghanistan’s batting performance had two distinct phases: a difficult beginning followed by an impressive recovery.
Early Collapse
Afghanistan’s top order struggled against India’s pace and spin attack.
Gurbaz was dismissed for a duck, while other top-order batters also failed to establish partnerships. Afghanistan were reduced to a vulnerable position during the powerplay.
This meant the middle order had to focus first on recovery rather than acceleration.
Azmatullah Omarzai
Azmatullah Omarzai was Afghanistan’s best batter.
He scored an unbeaten 64 from 44 balls, providing the foundation for Afghanistan’s final total of 156.
His ability to attack after the early collapse was important because Afghanistan needed someone to keep the innings moving. Omarzai found boundaries and maintained enough scoring pressure to prevent India from completely dominating the innings.
Mohammad Nabi
Mohammad Nabi contributed 33 runs and formed an 83-run partnership with Omarzai.
The partnership was the biggest reason Afghanistan recovered from their poor start. Without it, the final total could have been considerably lower.
India Bowling Performance
India’s bowling attack was one of the major reasons for the seven-wicket victory.
Arshdeep Singh
Arshdeep Singh was India’s best bowler, finishing with 3 wickets for 19 runs.
His spell was particularly effective during the later stages of Afghanistan’s innings. He prevented Afghanistan from turning their recovery partnership into a much larger total.
Jasprit Bumrah
Bumrah made an immediate impact after returning to the Indian side.
His dismissal of Rahmanullah Gurbaz in the opening over gave India exactly the start they wanted.
The early wicket placed Afghanistan’s batting lineup under pressure and allowed India’s other bowlers to attack aggressively.
Axar Patel and Varun Chakaravarthy
Axar Patel and Varun Chakaravarthy also contributed wickets.
India’s spin attack was more disciplined than it had been during the team’s recent difficult period. Their ability to control the middle overs made it difficult for Afghanistan’s batters to accelerate consistently.
Afghanistan Bowling Performance
Afghanistan’s bowling attack faced an extremely difficult challenge because India needed only 157 runs.
Once Abhishek Sharma began attacking, the Afghan bowlers struggled to contain the scoring rate.
Spin Bowling
Afghanistan traditionally possess one of the strongest spin attacks in international cricket. Their spinners are particularly dangerous during the middle overs when batters attempt to increase the scoring rate.
However, India’s aggressive approach prevented Afghanistan from establishing sustained pressure.
Death Bowling
The death overs were especially difficult for Afghanistan.
India’s required rate had already fallen considerably, meaning the Indian batters could attack without taking excessive risks.
Mohammad Nabi managed to take two late wickets, removing both Abhishek Sharma and Ishan Kishan, but by that stage India required very little to win.
India vs Afghanistan Head-to-Head Record
The India vs Afghanistan head to head record has heavily favored India.
India have generally controlled this matchup across international formats. Their advantage has been particularly noticeable in recent years.
Available head-to-head records show India winning the most recent meetings across Tests, ODIs, and T20Is.
Test Head-to-Head
India and Afghanistan have played only a small number of Tests against each other.
The most recent Test in June 2026 ended in a dominant Indian victory. India scored 564/8 declared, while Afghanistan were dismissed for 194 and 112, resulting in an innings-and-300-run victory for India.
Because the number of Tests is limited, the Test head-to-head record has a much smaller sample than the T20I record.
ODI Head-to-Head
India have also dominated the ODI meetings.
The two sides have produced some memorable ODI matches, including the famous tied match at the 2018 Asia Cup and close World Cup contests.
Their 2026 ODI series added another chapter to the rivalry, with India winning the first ODI by seven wickets and the second by 170 runs.
T20I Head-to-Head
The T20I rivalry has become particularly interesting because Afghanistan’s aggressive style can challenge even strong teams.
India and Afghanistan have met several times in major tournaments and bilateral series. India have maintained a strong record, including victories in the 2024 T20I series and the 2024 T20 World Cup.
The latest September 2026 match further strengthened India’s advantage.
India vs Afghanistan Previous Match Scorecards
Fans searching for an India Afghanistan previous match will find several memorable scorecards.
India vs Afghanistan 2026
The 2026 calendar has already produced multiple important matches.
In the Test, India won by an innings and 300 runs.
In the first ODI, India won by seven wickets.
In the second ODI, India won by 170 runs.
The latest T20I in September then produced another Indian victory, this time by seven wickets.
India vs Afghanistan 2024 T20I Series
The 2024 T20I series produced three Indian victories.
India won the first T20I by six wickets, the second by six wickets, and the third after a Super Over.
The third match was especially memorable because both teams scored 212, after which India won the Super Over.
India vs Afghanistan 2024 T20 World Cup
India also defeated Afghanistan in the 2024 T20 World Cup Super 8 stage.
India scored 181/8 while Afghanistan were bowled out for 134, giving India a 47-run victory.
India vs Afghanistan 2023 World Cup
The 2023 ODI World Cup produced another strong Indian performance.
Afghanistan scored 272/8, but India chased the target by scoring 273/2.
The match is remembered particularly for India’s dominant chase and their ability to control the contest from the beginning.
India vs Afghanistan 2026 Match Scorecards
The 2026 meetings provide especially useful material for readers searching for the latest IND vs AFG scorecard.
India vs Afghanistan Test Scorecard
The one-off Test was played in June at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium in New Chandigarh.
India dominated the match, posting 564/8 declared. Afghanistan were dismissed for 194 in their first innings and 112 in their second innings.
India therefore won by an innings and 300 runs.
India vs Afghanistan 1st ODI Scorecard
The first ODI of the 2026 series was played in Dharamsala.
India won by seven wickets after Afghanistan made 272/8 and India chased the target with 273/2.
India vs Afghanistan 2nd ODI Scorecard
The second ODI was another commanding Indian performance.
India scored 402/10, while Afghanistan were dismissed for 232.
India won by 170 runs, one of the largest margins between the teams in ODI cricket.
India vs Afghanistan 1st T20I Scorecard
The latest T20I produced a completely different type of match.
Afghanistan made 156, with Omarzai scoring 64 not out.
India responded with 157/3 in 13.4 overs, led by Abhishek Sharma’s 82.
India therefore won by seven wickets and moved 1-0 ahead in the three-match series.
Key Players in India vs Afghanistan Matches
India’s Key Players
India possess several players capable of deciding matches quickly.
Abhishek Sharma’s latest performance demonstrates the threat posed by India’s aggressive T20 batting.
Jasprit Bumrah provides experience and control with the new ball, while Arshdeep Singh has become an important wicket-taking option.
Indian spinners such as Axar Patel and Varun Chakaravarthy can also control the middle overs.
Afghanistan’s Key Players
Afghanistan’s biggest strength is their combination of explosive batting and quality spin bowling.
Azmatullah Omarzai showed his batting value with an unbeaten 64 in the latest T20I.
Mohammad Nabi remains an experienced all-rounder capable of changing a game with either bat or ball.
Afghanistan’s spin resources are another major component of their strategy.
Pitch and Venue Analysis
The latest T20I was played at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi.
The surface allowed aggressive stroke play, and India’s batting approach showed how quickly a relatively modest target could be chased when the batters attacked from the beginning.
For India vs Afghanistan matches, pitch conditions can have a major impact on selection.
A surface offering turn can make Afghanistan’s spinners particularly dangerous. Conversely, a good batting surface can allow India’s top order to exploit the powerplay and put the bowling side under immediate pressure.
Toss decisions can also influence the contest, particularly in T20 cricket.
India vs Afghanistan Match Tactical Analysis
India’s Strategy
India’s strategy in the latest match was straightforward: attack Afghanistan’s batting early and chase the target aggressively.
Bumrah’s early wicket gave India control.
The spinners then maintained pressure in the middle overs, while Arshdeep’s death bowling restricted Afghanistan’s final score.
During the chase, India did not attempt to preserve wickets at the expense of the run rate. Abhishek Sharma attacked from the beginning, making the target increasingly easy to reach.
Afghanistan’s Strategy
Afghanistan’s initial batting plan was disrupted by early wickets.
The Omarzai-Nabi partnership showed the correct approach: stabilize the innings first and then accelerate.
However, Afghanistan needed a stronger start to make 156 a genuinely challenging target.
Their bowling attack also needed early wickets. Once Abhishek and Kishan established control, the contest became increasingly difficult for Afghanistan.
Top Batting Performances in India vs Afghanistan Matches
India vs Afghanistan matches have produced some memorable batting performances.
Recent examples include:
- Abhishek Sharma – 82 off 32 balls in the September 2026 T20I.
- Azmatullah Omarzai – 64 not out off 44 balls in the same match.
- India’s successful 273/2 chase against Afghanistan in the 2023 World Cup.
- India’s 402 total in the second ODI of the 2026 series.
These performances demonstrate the difference between the two teams’ batting styles. India have often relied on deep batting resources, while Afghanistan can be highly dangerous when their aggressive middle order gets time at the crease.
Best Bowling Performances in India vs Afghanistan Matches
Bowling has also played a major role in this fixture.
India’s latest T20I victory was driven by Arshdeep Singh’s three-wicket spell.
Bumrah’s opening-over wicket was equally important because it removed Afghanistan’s opening threat.
In historical matches, India’s spinners and pace bowlers have repeatedly been able to restrict Afghanistan’s batting lineup.
Afghanistan, meanwhile, rely heavily on their world-class spin resources to challenge India’s technically strong batting lineup.
India vs Afghanistan Records and Statistics
Some important India Afghanistan statistics include:
- India have dominated the recent head-to-head record.
- India won the 2026 Test by an innings and 300 runs.
- India won the second 2026 ODI by 170 runs.
- India won the latest T20I by seven wickets.
- The 2024 third T20I ended in a tie before India won the Super Over.
- India defeated Afghanistan by 47 runs in the 2024 T20 World Cup.
- India chased 273 against Afghanistan in the 2023 World Cup.
For readers who want a more detailed statistical database, an authoritative scorecard and statistics provider such as ESPNcricinfo is useful for checking individual scorecards, player records, bowling figures, and historical match information.
India vs Afghanistan Match Result and Player of the Match
The latest match result can be summarized simply:
Afghanistan: 156
India: 157/3
Result: India won by 7 wickets
Venue: Arun Jaitley Stadium, New Delhi
Player of the Match: Abhishek Sharma
Top India scorer: Abhishek Sharma – 82 off 32
Top Afghanistan scorer: Azmatullah Omarzai – 64 not out
Best India bowler: Arshdeep Singh – 3/19
India reached the target in just 13.4 overs.
Where to Check the India vs Afghanistan Live Scorecard
For future India vs Afghanistan matches, fans can follow the India vs Afghanistan live score through established cricket scorecard platforms.
A complete live scorecard normally provides:
- Current team score
- Individual batting figures
- Bowling figures
- Overs
- Wickets
- Required run rate
- Partnerships
- Fall of wickets
- Match result
- Ball-by-ball commentary
Using a reliable cricket statistics platform is particularly useful when following a match live because the scorecard updates throughout the innings.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the India national cricket team vs Afghanistan national cricket team match scorecard?
The scorecard records the complete statistical details of an India vs Afghanistan match, including team totals, individual batting scores, bowling figures, wickets, overs, partnerships, and the final result.
Who won the latest India vs Afghanistan match?
India won the latest meeting, defeating Afghanistan by seven wickets in the first T20I of the September 2026 series.
What was India’s score against Afghanistan?
India scored 157/3 in 13.4 overs while chasing Afghanistan’s target of 157.
What was Afghanistan’s score against India?
Afghanistan scored 156 in their 20 overs in the latest T20I.
Who was the top scorer in India vs Afghanistan?
Abhishek Sharma was India’s top scorer with 82 from 32 balls, while Azmatullah Omarzai was Afghanistan’s leading scorer with an unbeaten 64.
Who took the most wickets in the latest match?
Arshdeep Singh took three wickets for India and finished with figures of 3/19.
What is India’s head-to-head record against Afghanistan?
India have a strongly dominant head-to-head record against Afghanistan across the major international formats, including recent victories in Tests, ODIs, T20Is and World Cup matches.
How many times have India and Afghanistan played each other?
The teams have met across Tests, ODIs and T20Is, with the number of meetings continuing to grow as Afghanistan has become a regular opponent for India in international cricket.
Who has won more matches between India and Afghanistan?
India have won considerably more of their recent encounters and currently hold the stronger overall record.
Where can I check the India vs Afghanistan live scorecard?
Fans can use established cricket scorecard platforms such as ESPNcricinfo for live scores, ball-by-ball updates, player statistics and historical scorecards.
What was the India vs Afghanistan ODI scorecard in 2026?
In the second ODI of the 2026 series, India scored 402 while Afghanistan were dismissed for 232. India won by 170 runs.
What was the India vs Afghanistan T20 scorecard?
In the latest T20I, Afghanistan scored 156 and India chased 157/3 in 13.4 overs, winning by seven wickets.
What was the India vs Afghanistan Test scorecard?
India scored 564/8 declared, while Afghanistan made 194 and 112. India won by an innings and 300 runs.
Conclusion
The India national cricket team vs Afghanistan national cricket team match scorecard provides much more than just the final result. It reveals how each team performed with the bat and ball and helps explain why one side eventually won.
The latest T20I was another example of India’s dominance. Afghanistan recovered impressively from a poor start through Azmatullah Omarzai and Mohammad Nabi, but their total of 156 was not enough against India’s aggressive batting lineup.
Abhishek Sharma’s 82 from 32 balls completely changed the chase, while Ishan Kishan’s 42 provided valuable support. Arshdeep Singh’s three wickets and India’s disciplined bowling attack ensured Afghanistan never reached a truly imposing total.
With India leading the latest series 1-0, future encounters between these teams will remain highly anticipated. Afghanistan possess the quality to challenge India, particularly through their spin attack and aggressive middle order, while India continue to possess exceptional batting depth and a versatile bowling unit.
For anyone searching for the India vs Afghanistan scorecard, India Afghanistan live scorecard, IND vs AFG scorecard, India Afghanistan head to head, or previous match statistics, the scorecard remains the best starting point for understanding every major detail of this growing international cricket rivalry.