One-Day International (ODI) cricket is all set to return to the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association (HPCA) stadium in Dharamshala as India take on Afghanistan in the first match of the three-match series. Shubman Gill and co. will kick start their preparations for the 2027 ODI World Cup and will look to get off to a winning start. The last time an ODI was played at the scenic venue was way back in 2023 during the World Cup. A run-fest could be on the cards in the IND vs AFG 1st ODI.
HPCA stadium pitch report for IND vs AFG 1st ODI
The last ODI (excluding the World Cup) played at the venue was in 2017 when India took on Sri Lanka. In the 4 ODIs (excluding CWC) played at the venue, the average first innings score is just 215 runs, with a boundary percentage of 10.7%, and a 60.9% dot ball percentage. However, this number drastically changed in 2023. In the 4 WC games that were held at the venue, the average first innings score jumped to 318 at a run-rate of 6.19.
Additionally, IPL 2026 saw the 200-run mark being breached 6 times in 4 matches, where it was chased down twice. Therefore, teams batting first have more chances of winning the contest. Dharamsala pitch will be a good wicket overall, with plenty of runs in the offing, due to shorter boundaries, and also true bounce. Spinners and pacers might get some assistance during the middle overs, but it is for the batters to make hay.
- Average 1st innings score (overall): 188
- Average run-rate (overall): 6.60
Dharamsala weather report for IND vs AFG, 1st ODI
As per Accuweather, there is a 55% chance of precipitation, and a 33% chance of thunderstorms over the city. But that might just be the case in the afternoon, as there is no rain predicted for the evening. So, all-in-all, there could be a delayed start, but we might get in a match, after all. Overall, the temperature remains on the lower side during the day – 24-28, while in the night it drops to a very decent 16-19.
Cricket
IND vs AFG: Shubman Gill-Gautam Gambhir duo has many unanswered puzzles in ODIs yet to solve
