IND vs AFG 1st ODI 2026: Live streaming, playing 11, pitch report, weather forecast and match prediction

India will formally begin their preparations for the 2027 ODI World Cup when with the first ever ODI series against Afghanistan in Dharamsala today.

The hosts enter the series with plenty of confidence after registering a dominant victory over Afghanistan in the recently concluded one-off Test. Under the leadership of Shubman Gill, India will be looking to build momentum in the 50-over format ahead of major international assignments.

However, India will be without two experienced stars. Virat Kohli has been sidelined due to a hamstring injury, while all-rounder Hardik Pandya is unavailable after suffering a leg sprain. Their absence opens the door for younger players to stake their claim in the ODI setup.


Following the first ODI in Dharamsala, the action will move to Lucknow for the second match on June 17 before the series finale takes place in Chennai on June 20.

IND vs AFG Live Streaming and Broadcast Details

The first ODI between India and Afghanistan will be played on June 13 at the HPCA Stadium in Dharamsala.

• Match Start Time: 1:30 PM IST
• Toss Time: 1:00 PM IST
• TV Broadcast: Star Sports Network
• Live Streaming: JioStar

Fans can also follow live scores, ball-by-ball commentary and match updates online.

India vs Afghanistan Predicted Playing 11

India Predicted XI: Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill (captain), Ishan Kishan, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul (wk), Nitish Kumar Reddy, Washington Sundar, Kuldeep Yadav, Prasidh Krishna, Prince Yadav, Arshdeep Singh.

Afghanistan Predicted XI: Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Ibrahim Zadran, Sediqullah Atal, Hashmatullah Shahidi (captain), Rahmat Shah, Ikram Alikhil (wk), Azmatullah Omarzai, Mohammad Nabi, Rashid Khan, Nangeyalia Kharoti, Fareed Ahmad Malik.

IND vs AFG Pitch Report and Weather Forecast

The HPCA Stadium pitch in Dharamsala is known for assisting fast bowlers, particularly during the early stages of an innings. Seam movement and bounce often challenge batters with the new ball.

As the match progresses, batting conditions generally improve, allowing stroke-makers to score freely. The venue has witnessed several high-scoring encounters, including memorable ODI contests in recent years.

Weather could be a significant factor in the first ODI. Forecasts suggest cloudy conditions with a possibility of light rain during the day. There is an estimated 55 percent chance of precipitation, while temperatures are expected to hover between 12°C and 18°C. Rain interruptions cannot be ruled out.

Head-to-Head Record Between India and Afghanistan

India have historically enjoyed the upper hand against Afghanistan in ODI cricket. While Afghanistan have emerged as a competitive side in world cricket, India remain unbeaten against them in the 50-over format and will enter the series opener as favourites.

IND vs AFG Match Prediction

India appear stronger on paper despite missing Virat Kohli and Hardik Pandya. The presence of experienced players such as Rohit Sharma, KL Rahul and Kuldeep Yadav gives the hosts a balanced lineup.

Afghanistan, meanwhile, possess match-winners like Rashid Khan, Mohammad Nabi and Azmatullah Omarzai, who could pose a serious challenge if conditions favour them.

India are favourites to win the first ODI, although weather conditions and Afghanistan's strong spin attack could make the contest more competitive than expected.

Squads

India Squad: Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill (c), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Ishan Kishan, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul (wk), Washington Sundar, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Harsh Dubey, Kuldeep Yadav, Arshdeep Singh, Gurnoor Brar, Prasidh Krishna, Prince Yadav.

Afghanistan Squad: Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Ibrahim Zadran, Sediqullah Atal, Hashmatullah Shahidi (c), Rahmat Shah, Ikram Alikhil (wk), Azmatullah Omarzai, Mohammad Nabi, Rashid Khan, Nangeyalia Kharoti, AM Ghazanfar, Bilal Sami, Darwish Rasooli, Fareed Ahmad Malik, Zia Ur Rahman Sharifi.