India vs Afghanistan 1st ODI Prediction 2026, Playing XI & Match Preview

India vs Afghanistan 1st ODI Prediction 2026

The Afghanistan Tour of India 2026 continues with an exciting white-ball contest as India take on Afghanistan in the 1st ODI on 13 June 2026 at the HPCA Stadium, Dharamshala. This match marks the beginning of a three-match ODI series and gives both teams an opportunity to build momentum ahead of a busy international calendar.

India will enter the contest as favorites thanks to home advantage, greater squad depth, and a strong ODI record. However, Afghanistan have evolved into a dangerous ODI side over the last few years and possess enough talent to challenge any team on their day.

Match Details

The BCCI confirmed that the first ODI of the series will be played in Dharamshala on June 13, 2026.

India vs Afghanistan Match Preview

India are beginning a new phase in ODI cricket under captain Shubman Gill. While senior players remain part of the setup, the selectors have also focused on integrating younger talent. The home side possess a balanced squad featuring quality batters, dependable all-rounders, and wicket-taking bowlers. India vs Afghanistan 1st ODI Prediction

Afghanistan, meanwhile, continue to impress in limited-overs cricket. Led by experienced players such as Hashmatullah Shahidi, Rashid Khan, Mohammad Nabi, and Rahmanullah Gurbaz, they have developed a reputation for competing fiercely against stronger opponents.

The biggest challenge for Afghanistan will be handling India’s pace attack in Dharamshala, where the conditions often assist fast bowlers more than many other Indian venues. If Afghanistan’s top order survives the new-ball spell, they could put India under pressure.

Venue Analysis: HPCA Stadium, Dharamshala

HPCA Stadium is one of the most picturesque cricket grounds in the world. Located in the Himalayan foothills, the venue often provides extra bounce and seam movement, especially during the first innings.

• Fast bowlers usually receive early assistance.
• Batting becomes easier once players settle.
• Teams chasing have enjoyed success in recent white-ball matches.
• Scores above 280 are generally competitive.

India Team News

India suffered a major setback before the series as Virat Kohli was ruled out due to a hamstring injury sustained during the IPL 2026 final. Young opener Yashasvi Jaiswal was named as his replacement.

Hardik Pandya’s availability has also been affected by fitness concerns, with reports confirming injury issues ahead of the series.

Afghanistan Team News

Afghanistan will be boosted by the presence of Rashid Khan in the ODI squad after missing the one-off Test. The star leg-spinner remains the team’s biggest match-winner and could play a decisive role in the series opener.

Probable Playing XI – India

1. Rohit Sharma
2. Shubman Gill (C)
3. Yashasvi Jaiswal
4. Shreyas Iyer
5. KL Rahul (WK)
6. Ishan Kishan
7. Nitish Kumar Reddy
8. Washington Sundar
9. Kuldeep Yadav
10. Arshdeep Singh
11. Prasidh Krishna

Probable Playing XI – Afghanistan

1. Rahmanullah Gurbaz (WK)
2. Ibrahim Zadran
3. Rahmat Shah
4. Hashmatullah Shahidi (C)
5. Azmatullah Omarzai
6. Mohammad Nabi
7. Najibullah Zadran
8. Rashid Khan
9. Noor Ahmad
10. Fazalhaq Farooqi
11. Naveen-ul-Haq

India Last 5 ODI Matches

Afghanistan Last 5 ODI Matches

These recent results indicate that both teams are entering the series with decent momentum, although India remain the more consistent ODI side. India vs Afghanistan 1st ODI Prediction.

India vs Afghanistan Head-to-Head Record (ODIs)

Recent ODI Meetings

Key Players to Watch

Shubman Gill (India)

Gill has established himself as one of the world’s best ODI batters. As captain, he will carry additional responsibility and is expected to anchor India’s innings.

Rohit Sharma (India)

If fully fit, Rohit can destroy bowling attacks during the powerplay. His experience could prove crucial in difficult situations.

Rashid Khan (Afghanistan)

Rashid remains Afghanistan’s biggest threat. His ability to take wickets in the middle overs can change the course of a match within a few deliveries.

Rahmanullah Gurbaz (Afghanistan)

Gurbaz is one of the most aggressive ODI openers in world cricket. A fast start from him could put India under pressure. India vs Afghanistan 1st ODI Prediction.

Key Battle of the Match

Shubman Gill vs Rashid Khan

This contest could decide the outcome of the match. If Gill successfully handles Rashid’s variations, India should be able to post or chase a strong total. However, if Rashid dismisses Gill early, Afghanistan’s chances will improve dramatically.

What Afghanistan Must Do to Win

• Take early wickets with the new ball.
• Keep India’s score below 280.
• Use Rashid Khan aggressively in the middle overs.
• Build partnerships instead of relying on individual brilliance.

What India Must Do to Win

• Exploit Dharamshala’s pace-friendly conditions.
• Take wickets during the powerplay.
• Rotate strike against Afghanistan’s spinners.
• Avoid middle-order collapses.

Predicted Top Performers

Winning Probability

Final Prediction: Who Will Win India vs Afghanistan 1st ODI?

Afghanistan have improved significantly in ODI cricket and possess several world-class players, particularly in their bowling attack. Nevertheless, India remain one of the strongest teams in the format and will enjoy home conditions in Dharamshala.

The absence of Virat Kohli slightly weakens India’s batting lineup, but players such as Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill, KL Rahul, and Shreyas Iyer still provide enormous quality and experience. Afghanistan are capable of making the contest competitive, yet India appear to have more match-winners across all departments.

Prediction: India to win the 1st ODI against Afghanistan.

Prediction Summary