HPCA Stadium in Dharmshala is going to witness a great game on June 13 between India vs Afghanistan 1st ODI. India is the biggest cricket team in the world with the most followers due to their past performances in ICC tournaments; they are the obvious favorite. Since the Afghanistan team is strong enough to defeat India. Dharmshala stadium usually favors fast bowlers early on, so teams can take advantage.
India enters the match with home advantage and a strong batting lineup led by Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill, and KL Rahul. Afghanistan, meanwhile, arrives with confidence after an impressive ODI run that includes a dominant series victory over Bangladesh.
This could be the turning point of the series because a strong start will immediately put pressure on the losing side.
Match Details and Start Time
| Match | India vs Afghanistan 1st ODI |
|---|---|
| Date | June 13, 2026 |
| Time | 1:30 PM IST |
| Venue | HPCA Stadium, Dharamsala |
| Series | Afghanistan tour of India |
| Format | ODI |
Recent Form Shows Two Teams Moving in Different Directions
India’s recent ODI results have been mixed. They lost a home series against New Zealand earlier this year, but also produced convincing victories against South Africa.
India – Last 5 ODIs
- Lost vs New Zealand
- Lost vs New Zealand
- Won vs New Zealand
- Won vs South Africa
- Lost vs South Africa
Afghanistan has looked far more consistent.
Afghanistan – Last 5 ODIs
- Won vs Bangladesh
- Won vs Bangladesh
- Won vs Bangladesh
- No Result vs Australia
- Won vs England
The recent momentum slightly favors Afghanistan, although playing conditions in India balance things back toward the hosts.
Why This Game Matters in the ODI Series
The opening match often sets the tone for an entire series. India will want to establish dominance early, while Afghanistan has an opportunity to prove they can challenge a major cricket nation away from home.
The India vs Afghanistan ODI series 2026 could be more competitive than many expect.
India vs Afghanistan 1st ODI Pitch Report Dharamsala
What to Expect From the Dharamsala Surface
The Dharamsala cricket stadium pitch report suggests a surface that usually offers good pace and bounce.
Fast bowlers generally enjoy assistance during the first innings, especially under cloudy conditions. Batters who spend time at the crease are often rewarded with value for their shots.
A first-innings score around 280-310 could be highly competitive.
Weather Conditions and Toss Impact
The weather is expected to remain favorable for cricket.
The toss could still play a role because evening conditions may help seamers under lights. Captains may prefer chasing if dew becomes a factor.
India vs Afghanistan Head to Head ODI Record
Previous Meetings Between India and Afghanistan
| Date | Result |
| Oct 2023 | India won by 8 wickets |
| Jun 2019 | India won by 11 runs |
| Sep 2018 | Match tied |
| Mar 2014 | India won by 8 wickets |
The India vs Afghanistan head to head ODI record clearly favors India.
Can Afghanistan Finally Break India’s Dominance?
Afghanistan has improved significantly since those earlier meetings.
With players such as Rashid Khan, Ibrahim Zadran, and Azmatullah Omarzai, they now possess enough quality to challenge stronger opponents consistently.
Players Who Could Shape the Result
Rohit Sharma’s Experience at the Top
Rohit Sharma has scored 485 runs in his last 10 ODIs at an average above 53.
His ability to dominate power plays could give India the perfect start.
KL Rahul’s Consistent ODI Form
KL Rahul has been one of India’s most reliable ODI performers.
351 runs from his last 10 matches at an average of 87.75 highlight his importance in the middle order.
Rashid Khan Remains Afghanistan’s Biggest Threat
Rashid Khan continues to be Afghanistan’s match-winner.
His wicket-taking ability in the middle overs could slow India’s scoring rate and create pressure.
Also Read: Explore more coverage from the Afghanistan Cricket.
Azmatullah Omarzai’s Impact With Ball and Bat
Omarzai enters the match with 24 wickets from his last 10 ODIs.
His all-round value gives Afghanistan balance and flexibility.
India vs Afghanistan 1st ODI Playing 11 Today
India’s Probable XI
- Rohit Sharma
- Yashasvi Jaiswal
- Shubman Gill (c)
- Shreyas Iyer
- KL Rahul (wk)
- Hardik Pandya
- Nitish Kumar Reddy
- Washington Sundar
- Kuldeep Yadav
- Arshdeep Singh
- Prasidh Krishna
Afghanistan’s Probable XI
- Ibrahim Zadran
- Rahmanullah Gurbaz
- Sediqullah Atal
- Rahmat Shah
- Hashmatullah Shahidi
- Azmatullah Omarzai
- Mohammad Nabi
- Rashid Khan
- Naveen-ul-Haq
- Fazalhaq Farooqi
- Noor Ahmad
This projected lineup also aligns closely with the expected IND vs AFG probable playing XI discussion before the match.
Key Factors That Could Decide the Contest
India’s Spin Advantage in Middle Overs
Kuldeep Yadav and Washington Sundar can exploit any grip available from the surface.
Afghanistan’s Dependence on Rashid Khan
If Rashid delivers a strong spell, Afghanistan’s chances improve dramatically.
A Key Factor Most Fans Ignore
Afghanistan’s batting has become much more stable over the last two years.
Many discussions around the India vs Afghanistan 1st ODI focus on Afghanistan’s bowling attack, but players like Ibrahim Zadran have transformed their top order into a genuine strength.
India vs Afghanistan 1st ODI Prediction 2026
Team Comparison Before the First Ball
India appears stronger on paper and possesses greater depth in both batting and bowling.
Afghanistan, however, enters with better recent ODI momentum.
Winning Chances and Match Outlook
India: 68%
Afghanistan: 32%
Home conditions, batting depth, and experience provide India with a noticeable edge.
Cricketer.io Final Prediction
Our IND vs AFG 1st ODI match preview points toward an Indian victory, but Afghanistan is capable of making this far closer than previous meetings.
Prediction: India to win the 1st ODI.
India vs Afghanistan 1st ODI Dream11 Prediction and Fantasy Tips
Best Captain Choices
- Rohit Sharma
- Rashid Khan
- Shubman Gill
Top Vice-Captain Picks
- KL Rahul
- Ibrahim Zadran
- Azmatullah Omarzai
Fantasy Players Worth Watching
The best IND vs AFG fantasy cricket tips begin with selecting all-rounders and wicket-taking bowlers. For those searching for India vs Afghanistan 1st ODI Dream11 prediction and fantasy tips, Omarzai and Rashid remain valuable picks due to their multi-dimensional contributions.
Also, keep an eye on India vs Afghanistan live score updates during the toss because team combinations could influence fantasy selections.
Final Verdict Before the Dharamsala Clash
Let’s quickly look at the past performances where Afghanistan played 5 games and consistently won, and coming with a winning streak in ODI, but head-to-head, where India is heavy. Past 2 ODI India lost, so overall it looks like having a favorite, also the AFG team can get this game if Rashid Khan and Azmatullah do what they are known for and restrict indian Batters.
The Afghanistan tour of India 2026 schedule begins with a fascinating contest, and fans should not be surprised if this match becomes more competitive than expected.
FAQs
Where will the India vs Afghanistan 1st ODI be played?
The match will be played at the HPCA Stadium in Dharamsala.
Who has a better head-to-head record in ODIs?
India has the superior ODI record against Afghanistan.
Who are the top fantasy picks for the match?
Rohit Sharma, Rashid Khan, KL Rahul, and Azmatullah Omarzai are among the leading fantasy choices.