India are set to return to T20I action against Afghanistan later this year, with a three-match series likely to take place in September. While the official schedule is yet to be announced, the series is expected to be played at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi and will fit into India’s packed international calendar before the Asian Games.
The upcoming contest is expected to be an important assignment for both sides. India will be looking to regain momentum in the shortest format after a difficult run in recent white-ball cricket, while Afghanistan will aim to begin a new chapter under fresh leadership following recent changes within the national setup.
India likely to face Afghanistan in September T20I series
India, led by Shreyas Iyer, are set to take on Afghanistan in a three-match T20I series in September. The series is expected to be played at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi on September 13, 15 and 17, although the official schedule is yet to be announced. The contest will mark a historic occasion as Afghanistan prepare to host India for the first time, with the matches taking place on Indian soil.
The series will also create a unique moment in international cricket. Afghanistan have hosted several international fixtures in India over the years, using venues such as Greater Noida, Dehradun and Lucknow as their adopted home grounds. However, this is set to be the first time they officially host India on Indian soil.
The two teams last met in June when Afghanistan toured India for a one-off Test and a three-match ODI series. India dominated the contest, winning the Test by an innings and 300 runs before completing a 3-0 sweep in the ODI series.
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Afghanistan enter a new era under fresh leadership
The T20I series is expected to be one of Afghanistan’s first major assignments after significant changes to their leadership group. Following Hashmatullah Shahidi’s decision to step down as the captain of the Test and ODI sides, the Afghanistan Cricket Board has appointed experienced batter Rahmat Shah as the new skipper in both formats.
Explosive wicketkeeper-batter Rahmanullah Gurbaz has been named the vice-captain and is expected to play a key leadership role alongside Rahmat as Afghanistan prepare for a busy international season. The pair will begin their tenure during the upcoming ODI series against Ireland before turning their attention to future assignments.
For India, the September series offers another opportunity to fine-tune their T20 setup ahead of a packed international calendar. Meanwhile, Afghanistan will be eager to make a strong start under their new leadership and create history by officially hosting India for the first time.
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