Afghanistan Predicted Playing XI vs India- Quarterfinal 2, Asian Games 2026

Darwish Rasooli will lead Afghanistan vs India. [Source - AFP]Afghanistan will take on India in the second quarterfinal of the ongoing Asian Games 2026 men’s cricket event. The clash is scheduled to take place at 10 AM IST on Monday, September 28, at Korogi Sports Park in Nisshin.Afghanistan will enter the Asian Games 2026 quarterfinal against India with two group matches already under their belt. They won one and lost one against Nepal, securing their place in the knockout stage.Led by Darwish Rasooli, Afghanistan have a young squad but will draw confidence from their silver-medal finish at the previous Asian Games. They now face a strong India side and will look to deliver another spirited knockout-stage performance.Ahead of the quarterfinal against India at Korogi Sports Park, here is a look at the Afghanistan predicted playing XI vs India. Openers and Top Order: Mohammad Akram, Hassan Eisakhil, Karim JanatMohammad Akram, made his T20I debut in this Asian Games, will have the responsibility of taking on India’s bowlers from the start. His T20 strike rate of 146.84 makes him an early threat.Hassan Eisakhil, the 20-year-old with two T20I appearances, has endured a difficult start to his international career, scoring just three runs in two innings. He will look to finally make an impact.Karim Janat, bringing valuable experience, is expected to slot in at No. 3. His vital 21 against Japan in a low-scoring affair underlined his importance in providing stability for Afghanistan’s batting.Middle Order: Darwish Rasooli, Faisal Shinowzada, Najibullah Zadran, Mohammad IshaqDarwish Rasooli, the Afghanistan skipper, is their second-highest run-scorer in T20Is in 2026, with 285 runs at a 134.43 strike rate. His two fifties make him crucial to the middle-order of Afghanistan playing XI vs India.Faisal Shinozada, who made his T20I debut in Afghanistan’s previous game, is expected to retain his place. He made an immediate impact, scoring a crucial 30 on debut against Nepal to strengthen Afghanistan’s total.Also Read: India's Record in Asian Games Quarterfinals Ahead of Afghanistan Match, 2026Najibullah Zadran, the experienced left-handed aggressor, has 109 T20Is under his belt. His ability to attack through the middle-overs could make him an important player against India in Asian Games 2026 quarterfinal.Mohammad Ishaq, with 10 T20Is to his name, is expected to handle the finishing duties at No. 7. He will also take on wicketkeeping responsibilities, adding another important role to Afghanistan playing XI.Bowlers: Nangeyalia Kharoti, Abdollah Ahmadzai, Faridoon Dawoodzai, Arab GulNangeyalia Kharoti, the left-arm spinner, could pose a major threat to India’s batters. He has picked up eight wickets in nine T20Is at an impressive economy rate of 6.51.Abdollah Ahmadzai, who brings genuine pace to Afghanistan playing XI vs India, has established himself as a wicket-taking option. He has claimed 17 wickets in 12 T20Is at a strong strike-rate of 13.6.Faridoon Dawoodzai, the left-arm pacer, will be another potential threat for India. He has taken one wicket in the Asian Games so far, while maintaining an excellent economy rate of 4.33.Arab Gul, meanwhile, has announced his arrival in style, taking four wickets on his debut against Japan. He currently leads the tournament’s wicket-takers with five wickets at an economy rate of 2.86.Afghanistan Playing XI vs India, Asian Games Quarterfinal 2026Mohammad Akram, Hassan Eisakhil, Karim Janat, Darwish Rasooli (C), Faisal Shinowzada, Najibullah Zadran, Mohammad Ishaq (WK), Nangeyalia Kharoti, Abdollah Ahmadzai, Faridoon Dawoodzai, Arab Gul.Also Read: Aiden Markram Joins Shameful List Of Records For South African Batters In ODIs