India will aim to wrap up the ODI series when they face Afghanistan in the second ODI at Lucknow, while the visitors must win to keep the three-match series alive. After a convincing seven-wicket victory in the rain-shortened opener, India enter the contest with momentum and confidence on their side.
Match Details
Venue: Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium, Lucknow
Date: June 17, 2026
Time: 1:30 PM IST | 1:00 PM PKT | 8:00 AM GMT
Team Overview
India
India delivered a professional performance in the first ODI despite fielding an inexperienced bowling attack. The hosts restricted Afghanistan to 194 in the rain-curtailed 25-over contest before comfortably chasing down the target with seven wickets in hand and 13 balls remaining.
The emergence of debutants Gurnoor Brar and Harsh Dubey provided a major positive for India. Captain Shubman Gill will be pleased with the balance shown by his side, particularly with several senior fast bowlers unavailable. Another victory in Lucknow would secure the series with one match remaining.
Afghanistan
Afghanistan face a must-win situation after falling behind 1-0 in the series. The visitors struggled to build substantial partnerships in the opening ODI and failed to capitalize on key moments with the bat.
The Afghan side possesses quality match-winners, particularly in the spin department. Rashid Khan and AM Ghazanfar remain their biggest hopes on a surface expected to assist slower bowlers. Afghanistan must improve their batting performance if they are to challenge India and force a series decider.
Head-to-Head ODI Record
| Matches | India Won | Afghanistan Won | No Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 4 | 0 | 1 |
First ODI: March 5, 2014 (India won)
Most Recent ODI: June 13, 2026 (India won)
India remain unbeaten against Afghanistan in ODI cricket.
Pitch Report
The Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium has established itself as one of India’s more balanced ODI venues. The surface generally assists both batters and bowlers, although spinners tend to become increasingly effective as the innings progresses.
Recent statistics suggest chasing teams enjoy a slight advantage, having won three of the previous five ODIs played at the venue. Captains winning the toss may therefore prefer to field first and assess conditions before beginning their chase.
Expected Scores
India (if chasing)
- Powerplay: 45-65
- Total: 260-280
Afghanistan (if chasing)
- Powerplay: 50-70
- Total: 270-290
Key Players to Watch
Probable Best Batter: Rohit Sharma
Rohit Sharma looked promising in the opening ODI but failed to convert his start into a significant score. The veteran opener remains one of the most dangerous batters in world cricket and possesses the ability to dominate attacks from the outset.
On a venue where stroke-makers can prosper after settling in, Rohit’s experience could prove decisive. A substantial innings from the former Indian captain could put the game beyond Afghanistan’s reach.
Probable Best Bowler: Rashid Khan
Rashid Khan remains Afghanistan’s biggest match-winner. His ability to bowl with control, variation, and accuracy makes him a constant threat, particularly on slower surfaces.
Lucknow’s conditions are expected to offer assistance to spinners, increasing Rashid’s chances of making a significant impact. If Afghanistan are to level the series, their premier leg-spinner will likely need to produce a standout performance.
Probable Playing XIs
India
Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill (C), Ishan Kishan (WK), Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul, Washington Sundar, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Harsh Dubey, Gurnoor Brar, Arshdeep Singh, Prasidh Krishna
Afghanistan
Rahmanullah Gurbaz (WK), Ibrahim Zadran, Sediq Atal, Rahmat Shah, Hashmatullah Shahidi (C), Azmat Omarzai, Mohammad Nabi, Rashid Khan, AM Ghazanfar, Ziaur Rahman, Mohammad Saleem
Live Streaming and Broadcast
India
TV: JioStar Network Channels
Streaming: JioHotstar App and Website
Pakistan
Availability depends on local broadcast rights and streaming partners.
United Kingdom
Coverage available through regional cricket broadcasting partners.
Australia
Coverage available through official cricket broadcast partners.
Global Viewers
Streaming and television availability may vary by territory based on broadcasting rights.
Probable Match Scenarios
Scenario 1: India Bowl First
India’s pace attack could exploit early movement before their spinners tighten control in the middle overs. A chase of around 260 or below would strongly favour the hosts.
Scenario 2: Afghanistan Bowl First
Afghanistan’s best chance lies in early wickets and a strong spell from Rashid Khan through the middle overs. Restricting India below 270 would keep them competitive.
Scenario 3: Chasing Team Advantage
Historical trends at the venue suggest chasing remains the preferred option. Dew and improving batting conditions could influence the result in the second innings.
Match Prediction
India enter the contest as clear favourites following their comprehensive performance in the series opener. Their batting lineup possesses greater depth, while several young bowlers impressed under pressure in the first ODI.
Afghanistan have the quality to challenge through Rashid Khan, AM Ghazanfar, and their experienced top order, but they require a far more complete performance than they produced in the opening game.
With home advantage, stronger recent form, and a 65% win probability, India hold the edge heading into the second ODI.
Prediction: India to win and seal the ODI series 2-0.
