Afghanistan Cricket Team (Source: AFP Photos)Afghanistan and India will play a three-match T20I series, with the first match scheduled to begin on Sunday (September 13) at Arun Jaitley Stadium, Delhi. The match will get underway at 7 PM IST.Led by Ibrahim Zadran, Afghanistan announced a strong T20I set-up for the India series, which has the capability of defeating any world-class side. Among them, what could be the best possible way to form a playing XI to stun India in their own backyard? Let’s take a deeper look at the subject.Openers: Ibrahim Zadran & Rahmanullah GurbazWith Ibrahim Zadran and Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Afghanistan boast one of the most formidable white-ball opening pairs in the world today. Once again, they will rely on them mainly to give them a solid start before the others can try to carry on the momentum.This will also be Ibrahim Zadran’s first match as Afghanistan T20I captain. So he wants to lead by example in this special match. On the other hand, Gurbaz, of course, will keep wickets as well.Middle-Order & All-Rounders: Gulbadin Naib, Sediqullah Atal, Azmatullah Omarzai, Mohammad Nabi, Rashid KhanGulbadin Naib can be handy with the bat to flex his muscles at Arun Jaitley’s short boundaries. He is equally impactful with the ball if given the opportunity.Sediqullah Atal, just after an outstanding tour in Ireland, will be the one to watch out for in Afghanistan’s batting unit. He made 313 runs across four outings in Ireland ODIs, that too at a strike rate of 101.95.Also Read: Afghanistan's Record At Arun Jaitley Stadium Before T20I Series Vs India In 2026Azmatullah Omarzai, one of the most decorated fast-bowling all-rounders in the world at present, can anchor the innings as well as can start with the new ball as well. No wonder he would be required to hold the fort if India's bowlers trigger a collapse.Mohammad Nabi, a veteran like no other, can still swing his bat with incredible power. Besides, the 41-year-old can also deliver breakthroughs for Afghanistan out of nowhere.Rashid Khan, the MVP of T20s, would like to play snake shots if required. However, his primary focus would be to restrict rampant Indian batters from going berserk with the spin magic.Bowlers: Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Abdullah Ahmadzai, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Noor AhmadMujeeb Ur Rahman, Afghanistan’s potential primary weapon for Vaibhav Sooryavanshi and Abhishek Sharma, would look to start with the new ball from one end. Both Indian openers’ struggles against off-spinners are well known, and he would like to keep on the trend going.Abdullah Ahmadzai, one of the emerging fast bowlers from Afghanistan, has a very good economy rate and strike rate in his early T20I career, which has nine matches. He, in all likelihood, will be joined by Fazalhaq Farooqi.However, Afghanistan could tweak their lineup with an extra batter if they feel they have enough bowling options. Or else, Noor Ahmad should keep his place to pair with Rashid.Afghanistan Probable Playing XI For 1st T20I Vs IndiaIbrahim Zadran (C), Rahmanullah Gurbaz (WK), Gulbadin Naib, Sediqullah Atal, Azmatullah Omarzai, Mohammad Nabi, Rashid Khan, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Abdullah Ahmadzai, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Noor AhmadAlso Read: No Sanju Samson? India Predicted Playing XI vs Afghanistan- 1st T20I, 2026
