
India, led by Shubman Gill, will take on Afghanistan in the second ODI of the three-match series at the Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow on Wednesday, June 17.
The Men in Blue hold a comfortable 1-0 lead after registering a comprehensive seven-wicket victory in the rain-shortened opening match in Dharamsala. For Afghanistan, the upcoming game is a must-win contest to keep the series alive.
India’s bowling attack restricted the visitors before chasing down the target with ease. Afghanistan, however, will take confidence from Rahmanullah Gurbaz’s brilliant century. The visitors will need a stronger collective batting effort to challenge a disciplined Indian side in the second ODI.
India vs Afghanistan 2nd ODI Match Details
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Match: India vs Afghanistan, 2nd ODI
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Series: Afghanistan Tour of India 2026
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Date: Wednesday, June 17, 2026
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Time: 1:30 PM IST
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Venue: Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium, Lucknow
India vs Afghanistan 2nd ODI Team News
Captain Shubman Gill continued his excellent form with an unbeaten 84, while Rohit Sharma is expected to continue at the top of the order. KL Rahul remains a key figure in the middle order and will look to finish the innings.
There are no major new injury concerns in the Indian camp. Virat Kohli remains unavailable as he continues to recover from a hamstring injury, while Jasprit Bumrah has been rested for the series. The rest of the squad is expected to be available for selection.
Afghanistan need a much stronger team performance after their middle-order collapse in Dharamsala. Rahmanullah Gurbaz’s brilliant century was a major positive, but the visitors failed to build partnerships around him.
Ibrahim Zadran remains a crucial player at the top of the order, having scored 430 runs at an average of 61.43 in his last seven ODIs. Captain Hashmatullah Shahidi needs to deliver in the middle order.
India vs Afghanistan 2nd ODI Playing XI [Predicted]
India: Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill, Ishan Kishan, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Washington Sundar, Harsh Dubey, Kuldeep Yadav, Arshdeep Singh, Gurnoor Brar
Afghanistan: Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Ibrahim Zadran, Sediqullah Atal, Rahmat Shah, Hashmatullah Shahidi, Mohammad Nabi, Azmatullah Omarzai, Rashid Khan, Nangeyalia Kharoti, Allah Ghazanfar, Bilal Sami
India vs Afghanistan 2nd ODI Pitch Report
The Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow is known for producing balanced pitches that often assist bowlers, especially as the match progresses. Batters usually need time to settle in, as the surface can be slow and offer some grip for spinners.
Teams that bowl disciplined lines and use variations effectively have enjoyed success at this venue. Spinners and slower bowlers are likely to play an important role, particularly during the middle overs. A score around 260-280 could prove a competitive score at the venue.
India vs Afghanistan 2nd ODI Weather Report
The weather forecast for Lucknow suggests hot and dry conditions throughout the match. Temperatures are expected to range between 38°C and 41°C during playing hours, with clear skies and plenty of sunshine.
There is no significant chance of rain, and a full 50-over contest is expected. Players will have to cope with intense heat during the afternoon and evening.
India vs Afghanistan 2nd ODI Head-to-Head Record
India have dominated Afghanistan in ODI cricket and remain unbeaten against them in the format. The two teams have met five times, with India winning four matches and one match ending in a tie.
The match ended in a thrilling tie during the 2018 Asia Cup in Dubai. India strengthened their record with a seven-wicket win in the first ODI of the ongoing series and will look to seal another series victory in Lucknow.
India vs Afghanistan 2nd ODI Key Battles to Watch
Shubman Gill vs Azmatullah Omarzai
Shubman Gill arrives in Lucknow after an unbeaten 84 in the first ODI and remains India’s biggest batting threat. Azmatullah Omarzai can swing the new ball and will try to dismiss the Indian skipper early.
Rahmanullah Gurbaz vs Arshdeep Singh
Rahmanullah Gurbaz smashed a brilliant century in the series opener and will look to give Afghanistan another flying start. Arshdeep Singh’s ability to swing the new ball makes him a major threat in the powerplay.
KL Rahul vs Rashid Khan
KL Rahul has been one of India’s most reliable middle-order batters in ODI cricket. Rashid Khan, meanwhile, is Afghanistan’s most dangerous bowler and their best chance of breaking partnerships.
India vs Afghanistan 2nd ODI Players to Watch
India
Shubman Gill
The Indian captain is in outstanding form and continues to score runs consistently in ODI cricket. After his match-winning knock in Dharamsala, Gill will once again be India’s key batter.
KL Rahul
Rahul remains the backbone of India’s middle order. His ability to build an innings and accelerate when needed makes him one of the most important players in the lineup.
Gurnoor Brar
The young pacer made an impressive ODI debut in the first match, claiming three wickets. His extra bounce and pace could trouble Afghanistan’s batters again in Lucknow.
Afghanistan
Rahmanullah Gurbaz
The wicketkeeper-batter was Afghanistan’s standout performer in the first ODI with a superb century. His aggressive approach can put any bowling attack under pressure.
Ibrahim Zadran
Ibrahim provides stability at the top of the order and has been one of Afghanistan’s most consistent ODI batters. The visitors will need a big contribution from him.
Rashid Khan
Rashid remains Afghanistan’s biggest match-winner. His ability to take wickets and control the run rate makes him a vital player, especially on a surface expected to assist spin.
India vs Afghanistan 2nd ODI Free Live Streaming & Telecast Details
Fans can watch the live telecast of the second ODI on the Star Sports Network channels in India. Fans can watch the match live online on the JioHotstar app and website with an active subscription.
The live broadcast will begin before the toss, which is scheduled for 1:00 PM IST, while the match will start at 1:30 PM IST in Lucknow.
India vs Afghanistan 2nd ODI Match Prediction
India will enter the second ODI as clear favorites after their convincing win in the series opener. The hosts, led by Shubman Gill, have a strong batting lineup and a quality bowling attack.
Afghanistan have several match-winners, including Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Rashid Khan, but they need a much better all-round performance to challenge India. Considering current form and home conditions, India hold a significant advantage.
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Author: Sai Vaitla