India cricket team will be playing their first ODI since January 2026 as they take on Afghanistan in the first match of the three-game series in Dharamshala on Saturday. Shubman Gill and co. will be aiming to kickstart their preparations for the 2027 WC on a winning note, especially after losing against New Zealand earlier this year. India have locked horns with AFG four times in the past, and have won 3 of those contests while one ended in a tie.
On Saturday, India are once again firm favourites to emerge victorious in the IND vs AFG 1st ODI, provided rain does not wash out the contest. Meanwhile, AFG will also be aiming to bounce back after being handed a thrashing in the one-off Test that preceded the contest.
IND vs AFG 1st ODI match details
- Match: India (IND) vs Afghanistan (AFG), 1st ODI
- Date: June 13, 2026 (Saturday)
- Time: 1:30 PM IST (Toss at 1:00 PM IST)
- Venue: HPCA Stadium, Dharamshala
- Live Streaming: JioStar & Star Sports Network
Dharamshala weather report for IND vs AFG 1st ODI
An orange alert has kept everyone on edge, and match day carries a 55% chance of precipitation with light showers expected. With temperatures dipping between 12°C and 18°C, a shortened game or multiple rain interruptions could introduce the DLS method, bringing tactical volatility to both camps.
HPCA stadium pitch report for IND vs AFG 1st ODI
The Dharamshala track is traditionally known for offering healthy bounce and significant swing to fast bowlers with the new ball under overcast skies. However, it features short boundaries and a rapid outfield. If batters survive the initial test, we could be looking at a high-scoring game—reminiscent of the 2023 World Cup clash here that yielded over 700 runs.
IND vs AFG 1st ODI predicted playing XIs
India
Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill (c), Ishan Kishan, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul (wk), Nitish Kumar Reddy, Washington Sundar, Kuldeep Yadav, Prasidh Krishna, Prince Yadav, Arshdeep Singh.
Afghanistan
Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Ibrahim Zadran, Sediqullah Atal, Hashmatullah Shahidi (c), Rahmat Shah, Ikram Alikhil (wk), Azmatullah Omarzai, Mohammad Nabi, Rashid Khan, Nangeyalia Kharote, AM Ghazanfar.
IND vs AFG 1st ODI: Key matchups
- Rohit & Gill vs AFG New Ball
With the ball expected to swing early in Dharamshala, Rohit‘s experience and skipper Gill‘s form will be vital to counter Afghanistan’s initial pace blitz.
- Rashid Khan vs Indian Middle Order
In the absence of Kohli, Shreyas Iyer and KL Rahul will anchor the middle. Negotiating Rashid Khan‘s mastery will define India’s total.
Who will win IND vs AFG 1st ODI?
Win Probability
- India: 87.6%
- Afghanistan: 12.4%
Final Verdict
Despite missing the balance of Hardik Pandya and the reliability of Virat Kohli, India holds a heavily stacked roster playing in familiar home territory. Afghanistan has the tools to cause a scare—especially if their top-order explosive batters like Rahmanullah Gurbaz get going or if moisture assists their spinners later in the game.
However, India’s lethal bowling unit and robust batting depth give them the definitive edge. Prediction: India to win the 1st ODI and take a 1-0 lead in the series.
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