SportsPosted at: Sep 16 2026 1:08PM


Series sealed, India look to test fringe players against Afghanistan

New Delhi, Sep 16 (UNI) With the series already sealed 2-0, India are likely to use the third and final T20I against Afghanistan as an opportunity to test their bench strength and assess players on the fringes when the two sides meet at the Arun Jaitley Stadium here on Thursday.
India have won both matches of the series by seven wickets and will now look to complete a 3-0 sweep. With the outcome of the series decided, the final game could provide the team management with an opportunity to rotate the squad and give more game time to players waiting for their chances.
India's regular performers have already made a strong impact in the series. Abhishek Sharma smashed 82 off 32 balls in the opening T20I and followed it with 39 off 19 in the second, while Sanju Samson bounced back with a blistering 57 off 22 balls in the latter.
Samson and Abhishek added 88 for the opening wicket in the second match before Ishan Kishan finished the chase unbeaten on 38. India overhauled Afghanistan's 159 for eight in only 14.5 overs.
The bowling department has also delivered consistently. Nitish Kumar Reddy claimed three wickets for 24 runs in the second T20I, while Arshdeep Singh returned three wickets in the opening game. Jasprit Bumrah has also provided early breakthroughs for India.
With the top-order and main bowling options having already delivered, the final match could see India examine alternative combinations and give fringe players valuable exposure ahead of future assignments.
For Afghanistan, however, there is still a result to play for. They will be seeking their first victory of the series and hoping to prevent India from completing a clean sweep.
Afghanistan's batting has struggled to withstand India's attack, although Mohammad Nabi and Rashid Khan have provided resistance. The visitors will need a more consistent effort with both bat and ball if they are to challenge the hosts in the final match.
The third T20I will be played on September 17 at the Arun Jaitley Stadium, with the toss scheduled for 7 pm and the match beginning at 7.30 pm IST.
For India, the contest offers more than an opportunity to make it 3-0. It could also help the team identify and assess players outside the established first-choice combination, while Afghanistan will be determined to finish the series with a win.
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Tags: #Series sealed# India look to test fringe players against Afghanistan
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