IND vs AFG 3rd T20 Preview: India Aim for Whitewash

Having already secured an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match Friendship Cup T20I series, Shreyas Iyer’s India will face Afghanistan in the final T20I at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi. The hosts will look to complete a series whitewash, while Afghanistan will aim to finish the series with a consolation victory.

1st T20 Summary

Afghanistan posted 156/8 after being asked to bat first in the series opener on September 13, with Azmatullah Omarzai anchoring the innings with an unbeaten 64. Arshdeep Singh led India's bowling attack with three wickets.

India then chased down the target in just 13.4 overs, with Abhishek Sharma smashing a sensational 82 off 32 balls. The hosts won by seven wickets to take a 1-0 lead.

2nd T20 Summary

Afghanistan again struggled to build a big total in the second T20I on September 15, finishing on 159/8. Ibrahim Zadran top-scored with 37, while Nitish Kumar Reddy claimed 3/24 to disrupt the Afghan middle order.

India made another emphatic chase, reaching 160 in just 14.5 overs. Sanju Samson smashed 57 off 22 balls, while Abhishek Sharma added 39 off 19 as India won by seven wickets to seal the series 2-0.

IND vs AFG 3rd T20 Preview

The IND vs AFG 3rd T20 preview centres on India's chance to test their bench strength after securing the series, while Afghanistan will be looking to avoid a clean sweep.

For India, the final fixture provides Shreyas Iyer and the team management with an opportunity to give fringe players valuable game time ahead of the upcoming Asian Games. The hosts have already demonstrated considerable batting depth, with Abhishek Sharma and Sanju Samson producing explosive performances in the first two matches.

Afghanistan, meanwhile, need greater stability from their top order. Ibrahim Zadran's side will need to build a stronger platform and give experienced players such as Mohammad Nabi and Rashid Khan enough time to influence the closing stages of the innings.

The final T20I will be played on Thursday, September 17, 2026, at 7:30 PM IST (7:00 PM PKT) at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi.

IND vs AFG 3rd T20 Key Player Battles

Abhishek Sharma vs Fazalhaq Farooqi

Abhishek Sharma has been India's biggest powerplay threat in the series so far. Fazalhaq Farooqi will need to find movement with the new ball and restrict the opener's attacking options early.

Rahmanullah Gurbaz vs Jasprit Bumrah

Gurbaz likes to attack from the opening delivery, but Jasprit Bumrah's accuracy and variations will provide a major test. Gurbaz was dismissed for a duck in the second T20I and will look to make an early impact.

Sanju Samson vs Rashid Khan

After smashing 57 off 22 balls in the second T20I, Samson will enter the final match in confident form. Rashid Khan's leg-spin will test his ability to maintain India's scoring rate through the middle overs.

Watch IND vs AFG 3rd T20 Live on tapmad

Catch the IND vs AFG 3rd T20 live on tapmad and follow every ball of the final Friendship Cup encounter. Stream the match in real time as India look to complete a 3-0 series sweep and Afghanistan aim to finish the series with a consolation victory.