IND vs AFG Match Prediction : 2nd ODI, Afghanistan tour of India 2026

India took a commanding step towards another series victory with a convincing win in the opening ODI. Afghanistan showed flashes of quality, particularly through Rahmanullah Gurbaz, but they will need a much stronger all-round performance if they are to level the series. With home conditions and superior squad depth in their favour, India remain clear favourites heading into the second ODI in Lucknow.

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India vs Afghanistan Head-to-Head Record

India have dominated this fixture, winning all four ODIs played against Afghanistan.

India vs Afghanistan Live-streaming and Broadcast

You can find live odds, updated tips after every day's play, and more information about this match at ocbsports.com.

IND vs AFG Team Previews

India

India produced a professional performance in the opening ODI and will be full of confidence heading into this contest. Despite the match being shortened by rain, they comfortably chased down their target and showcased their strength in both batting and bowling.

The hosts handed ODI debuts to Gurnoor Brar and Harsh Dubey, and both players made an immediate impact by claiming three wickets each. Their performances have likely secured them another opportunity in the playing XI. Alongside Prasidh Krishna and Arshdeep Singh, they give India a well-rounded bowling attack capable of exploiting the conditions in Lucknow.

India's batting remains one of the strongest in world cricket. Shubman Gill led from the front in the first ODI with an unbeaten 84, anchoring the chase with maturity and composure. Rohit Sharma, KL Rahul, and Shreyas Iyer add further quality and experience to the top order, while Ishan Kishan provides an aggressive option in the middle order.

The presence of Washington Sundar and Nitish Reddy gives India valuable batting depth and flexibility, making them a difficult side to contain throughout the innings.

With a balanced squad and plenty of players in form, India will be confident of sealing the series with another victory.

India Expected Playing 11

Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill (C), KL Rahul, Shreyas Iyer, Ishan Kishan (WK), Washington Sundar, Nitish Reddy, Harsh Dubey, Gurnoor Brar, Prasidh Krishna, Arshdeep Singh

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Afghanistan

Despite the defeat in the opening ODI, Afghanistan can take several positives from their performance. Rahmanullah Gurbaz was outstanding at the top of the order, scoring a brilliant century and once again underlining his importance to the side.

However, Afghanistan's batting relied too heavily on Gurbaz. Ibrahim Zadran was unable to provide meaningful support, while Sediqullah Atal and Rahmat Shah were dismissed cheaply. Those early setbacks placed additional pressure on the middle order and restricted Afghanistan's ability to build partnerships.

The visitors possess experienced all-rounders in Mohammad Nabi and Azmatullah Omarzai, but both players have been below their best in recent matches. Afghanistan will need greater contributions from them if they are to challenge India's strong batting lineup.

Bowling was another area of concern. Rashid Khan, Mohammad Nabi, and Omarzai remain the key wicket-taking threats, but the supporting attack struggled to maintain control. Zia Ur Rahman and Mohammad Saleem proved expensive in the first ODI and will need to improve their accuracy and execution in this match.

Afghanistan have the talent to compete, but they must produce a far more complete team performance if they are to keep the series alive.

Afghanistan Expected Playing 11

Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Ibrahim Zadran, Sediqullah Atal, Rahmat Shah, Hashmatullah Shahidi, Azmatullah Omarzai, Mohammad Nabi, Rashid Khan, Zia Ur Rahman, Allah Ghazanfar, Mohammad Saleem

IND vs AFG Toss Prediction

Seven of the nine ODIs played at the Ekana Stadium have seen the toss-winning captain choose to bowl first. With chasing teams enjoying considerable success at this venue, that trend is expected to continue.

Pitch Report and Weather Conditions

The Ekana Stadium generally provides a balanced surface that rewards patience and smart batting. Fast bowlers can expect some movement with the new ball, particularly during the opening overs, while batters who settle in are able to score freely by rotating the strike and capitalising on loose deliveries.

As the match progresses, the pitch tends to slow down, bringing the spinners into play. The surface often offers grip and turn during the middle overs, making quality spin bowling an important factor.

A first-innings score in excess of 270 should prove competitive, while anything above 300 could be difficult to chase. Weather conditions are expected to be hot and dry, with clear skies and temperatures reaching around 39°C.

IND vs AFG : Who Will Win?

Afghanistan showed enough in the first ODI to suggest they can be competitive, particularly if Rahmanullah Gurbaz continues his excellent form. However, the visitors remain heavily reliant on a handful of players, and that lack of depth could prove costly against one of the strongest teams in world cricket.

India hold advantages in almost every department. Their batting lineup is deeper, their bowling attack is more versatile, and playing at home further strengthens their position. The emergence of players such as Gurnoor Brar and Harsh Dubey has also added fresh energy to an already formidable squad.

Unless Afghanistan can produce a significantly improved all-round display, India should have enough quality to secure another comfortable victory and wrap up the series.

Bet on India to win.