The match comes after India produced virtually identical seven-wicket victories in the opening two games. They successfully chased targets of 157 and 160, respectively, leaving Afghanistan with little to show despite moments of individual brilliance.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
The second T20I followed a familiar pattern. Rahmanullah Gurbaz fell for a second straight duck before Ibrahim Zadran\u2019s 37 provided Afghanistan with some stability. Mohammad Nabi and Rashid Khan then added 48 for the sixth wicket, helping their side reach 159\/8. Nitish Kumar Reddy and Arshdeep Singh claimed five wickets between them.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
India\u2019s response was largely comfortable, with Sanju Samson\u2019s 57, Abhishek Sharma\u2019s 39 and Ishan Kishan\u2019s unbeaten 38 guiding the hosts home.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
The result leaves India with a selection decision for the finale. Shreyas Iyer indicated after Tuesday\u2019s win that changes could be made, particularly with the team due to travel to Japan for the Asian Games, which begin on September 19. That could open the door for players who have remained on the sidelines, including teenage sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Sooryavanshi, the Player of the Series in India\u2019s recent Zimbabwe T20I campaign, has not featured in this series. Samson, meanwhile, returned after being rested in Zimbabwe and has responded with form, while Abhishek has also contributed at the top. With both being established one-format players, breaking up the opening combination may not be an automatic decision.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Ravi Bishnoi is expected to retain his place after coming in for the injured Varun Chakravarthy. Afghanistan could also consider a pace change, with Naveen-ul-Haq having yet to feature despite being fit. Fazalhaq Farooqi, meanwhile, has gone wicketless in the series.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
The Delhi conditions could again favour the batters, with short boundaries potentially encouraging another high-scoring encounter. Thunderstorms are forecast, with around 75 per cent cloud cover expected, making conditions worth monitoring before the start.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
For India, the final game is less about the series result and more about determining who can make an impact before the Asian Games assignment begins. For Afghanistan, it offers one last chance to disrupt an otherwise one-sided contest.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
When: Thursday, September 17, 7:30 PM IST<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Where: Arun Jaitley Stadium, New Delhi<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Where to watch: The match will be shown live on Sony Sports Ten 5 SD & HD channels. Live-streaming will be available on the FanCode app and website.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Squads:<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Where to watch: The match will be shown live on Sony Sports Ten 5 SD & HD channels. Live-streaming will be available on the FanCode app and website.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Afghanistan: Ibrahim Zadran (c), Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk), Noor Rahman (wk), Sediqullah Atal, Darwish Rasooli, Azmatullah Omarzai, Gulbadin Naib, Mohammad Nabi, Rashid Khan, Nangyal Kharoti, Noor Ahmad, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Fazal Haq Farooqi, Abdullah Ahmadzai and Naveen-ul-Haq.<\/p>\r\n\r\n