Afghanistan’s bowling plans tested as India seal T20I series with record assault

Afghanistan’s bowling resources came under scrutiny in the third T20I against India after a record-breaking batting performance left them facing a steep chase. The match also kept attention on the possible return of fast bowler Naveen-ul-Haq and how his availability could strengthen the seam attack.

Despite including Fazalhaq Farooqi in their XI, Afghanistan did not give him the new ball. That decision placed further focus on the balance of the attack, while Naveen’s match fitness emerged as an important consideration before the series finale. The available material does not confirm whether Naveen was cleared to play.

India’s innings was driven by Abhishek Sharma, who reached 108 before being dismissed by Rashid Khan just before the halfway stage. He completed his hundred from 30 balls, the fastest T20I century by an India batter and the third-fastest recorded in men’s T20Is. His innings included 11 sixes.

Abhishek had already made 82 and 39 in the opening two matches of the series, and continued that form alongside Sanju Samson. The pair added 100 runs during the powerplay, India’s best team total in that phase. Samson contributed his second successive T20I half-century before falling for 50.

Afghanistan managed to slow India after the opening partnership was broken. India moved from 164 for two after 13 overs to add 57 runs across the next seven overs, with Azmatullah Omarzai providing the main success for Afghanistan by taking two wickets for 27 runs. India were also hurt by three run-outs.

In reply, Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Ibrahim Zadran made an aggressive start, putting on 31 runs in three overs. Axar Patel then took two wickets in the fourth over, before Jasprit Bumrah and Yash Thakur struck in the following overs. As the required rate increased, Afghanistan’s chase lost momentum.

Nitish Kumar Reddy removed three lower-order batters in five balls during the 12th over, while Ravi Bishnoi finished with three for 26 and Nitish with three for 25. Afghanistan were bowled out in the 15th over, bringing the T20I contest to a close. The teams were then scheduled to travel to Japan for the men’s cricket tournament at the Asian Games, with India also due to play Japan in a one-off T20I on September 22.

Afghanistan’s wider international programme will later include a one-off Test against Bangladesh, an ODI tri-nation series with Bangladesh and Zimbabwe, and T20I and Test series against Zimbabwe in the United Arab Emirates during October and November 2026. Those assignments will provide further opportunities to assess the team’s multi-format bowling depth.