India is set to face Afghanistan in the final Match 3 of the ODI series on June 20. After a dominant start to the series, including a recent 170-run victory in Lucknow, India has already secured an unassailable 2-0 lead. The hosts are now determined to complete a clean sweep and maintain their flawless record in the series.
Under the tactical guidance of their leadership group, the Men in Blue are looking to turn the historic Chepauk Stadium into a fortress. Meanwhile, Afghanistan, led by Hashmatullah Shahidi, arrives in Chennai searching for pride and their first victory of the tour.
Afghanistan has shown moments of individual brilliance but will need a complete team effort to challenge a formidable Indian side. With both teams featuring world-class spinners and explosive top-order batsmen, this encounter promises to be a strategic battle on one of India’s most iconic spin-friendly cricket grounds.
Match Details & Live Streaming
- Venue: M. A. Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai
- Date & Time: Saturday, June 20, 1:30 PM (IST)
- Live Broadcasting & Streaming: Sports18 Network, JioCinema
IND vs AFG: Head-to-Head Record in ODIs
- Matches Played: 6
- Won by India: 5
- Won by Afghanistan: 0
- Tied: 1
Pitch Report
The pitch at the M. A. Chidambaram Stadium is historically known to assist spinners as the match progresses. It offers a true bounce initially, but the surface tends to slow down, making stroke-playing difficult in the later overs. A quality spin attack can exploit the turn on offer, though batsmen who settle in can accumulate substantial runs.
The average first-innings score at this venue ranges between 230–250 in modern ODI cricket. Since this is a day-night encounter, dew is expected to play a factor in the second innings. This could make gripping the ball difficult for spinners later in the evening, making chasing the preferred option for the captain winning the toss.
Team Analysis
India:
India looks exceptionally balanced and settled. Their batting is headlined by captain Rohit Sharma and the in-form Shubman Gill, who recently scored a sensational 154. Ishan Kishan provides explosive power in the middle order, coming off a blistering century in the previous match.
On the bowling front, Arshdeep Singh and young Gurnoor Brar lead the pace attack efficiently. The spin department relies heavily on the world-class guile of Kuldeep Yadav and Washington Sundar. India’s primary strength has been their clinical execution in both departments.
Afghanistan:
Afghanistan is searching for consistency to challenge the hosts. Their batting unit relies on the explosive Rahmanullah Gurbaz at the top and the stability of Rahmat Shah, who scored a resilient 79 in the last game.Captain Hashmatullah Shahidi needs to anchor the middle order effectively.
Their bowling attack remains their greatest strength, led by the premier leg-spinner Rashid Khan and young Nangeyalia Kharote, who took a four-wicket haul in Lucknow. Afghanistan’s main challenge lies in putting up a collective batting effort against a disciplined Indian bowling lineup.
Match Prediction
While Afghanistan possesses top-tier spin talent capable of exploiting the Chennai track, India enters the match with massive momentum and superior squad depth. The Indian top order has been in sublime form, making it difficult for the Afghan bowlers to find breakthroughs.
If Afghanistan fails to take early wickets, India is likely to dominate the proceedings once again. Recent form and historical statistics suggest a clear advantage for the home team.
Prediction: India likely to win
IND vs AFG: Predicted Playing XI
India (IND):
Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill (C), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul (WK), Hardik Pandya, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Washington Sundar, Kuldeep Yadav, Arshdeep Singh, Prasidh Krishna.
Afghanistan (AFG):
Rahmanullah Gurbaz (WK), Ibrahim Zadran, Sediqullah Atal, Rahmat Shah, Hashmatullah Shahidi (C), Mohammad Nabi, Azmatullah Omarzai, Rashid Khan, Nangeyalia Kharote, Fareed Ahmad, Mohammad Saleem.
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