India vs Afghanistan 2nd T20I 2026: Highlights, Match Report, Records, Stats & Scorecard
India vs Afghanistan 2nd T20I 2026: India produced another dominant performance to defeat Afghanistan by 7 wickets in the second T20I at the Arun Jaitley Stadium, New Delhi, on September 15, 2026.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!After restricting Afghanistan to 159/8 in 20 overs, India chased down the target of 160 in just 14.5 overs, finishing on 163/3 with 31 balls remaining.
The star of India’s chase was Sanju Samson, who bounced back spectacularly with a blistering 57 off 22 balls. Abhishek Sharma also provided a rapid start with 39 off 19 balls, while Ishan Kishan remained unbeaten on 38.
Earlier, Nitish Kumar Reddy led India’s bowling attack with a career-best 3/24, earning him the Player of the Match award.
The victory gave India an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match T20I series with one match still to play.
India vs Afghanistan 3rd T20I 2026: Date, Time, Venue, Squads & Live Streaming
India vs Afghanistan 2nd T20I 2026 – Match Summary
| Team | Score | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Afghanistan | 159/8 (20 overs) | Lost |
| India | 163/3 (14.5 overs) | Won by 7 wickets |
| Target | 160 | |
| Balls remaining | 31 | |
| Toss | India won and elected to field | |
| Player of the Match | Nitish Kumar Reddy | 3/24 |
| Venue | Arun Jaitley Stadium, New Delhi | |
| Series | India lead 2-0 |
India Seal T20I Series 2-0
India entered the second T20I with a 1-0 lead after defeating Afghanistan by seven wickets in the series opener.
Another seven-wicket victory in the second match meant India wrapped up the three-match series with one game still remaining.
The result also continued India’s excellent run in the bilateral contest. The first two matches followed a remarkably similar pattern: India restricted Afghanistan to a manageable total and then chased the target aggressively.
The third and final T20I is scheduled for September 17, 2026, at the same venue in New Delhi.
Afghanistan Innings: 159/8 in 20 Overs
India captain Shreyas Iyer once again won the toss and chose to field.
Jasprit Bumrah immediately put Afghanistan’s opening batters under pressure, beginning with a maiden over. Bumrah eventually finished with 1/25 from four overs.
Afghanistan lost Rahmanullah Gurbaz for a duck, and their innings never developed the momentum they needed.
Ibrahim Zadran provided stability at the top, scoring 37 off 33 balls.
However, India’s bowlers kept taking wickets at regular intervals.
Afghanistan were reduced to 67/4 before the middle and lower order attempted to rebuild the innings.
Afghanistan Top Scorers
- Ibrahim Zadran: 37 (33)
- Rashid Khan: 28 (16)
- Darwish Rasooli: 26
- Mohammad Nabi: 20
Rashid Khan and Mohammad Nabi then produced an important late partnership.
The pair added 48 runs for the seventh wicket, helping Afghanistan move towards a competitive total. Rashid’s 28 off 16 balls provided much-needed acceleration at the death.
Afghanistan eventually finished on 159/8.
Nitish Kumar Reddy Produces Match-Winning Bowling Spell
The biggest difference between the two teams in the first innings was India’s ability to take wickets during the middle overs.
Nitish Kumar Reddy was the standout performer.
He finished with:
3 wickets for 24 runs in 3 overs
His spell repeatedly interrupted Afghanistan’s attempts to build partnerships and earned him the Player of the Match award.
India’s Bowling Figures
| Bowler | Overs | Runs | Wickets |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nitish Kumar Reddy | 3 | 24 | 3 |
| Arshdeep Singh | 4 | 35 | 2 |
| Jasprit Bumrah | 4 | 25 | 1 |
| Axar Patel | 4 | 28 | 1 |
| Ravi Bishnoi | 4 | 32 | 1 |
| Shivam Dube | 1 | 13 | 0 |
Bumrah’s opening spell was particularly effective, with the Indian pacer bowling a maiden in his first over and finishing with an economy rate of 6.25.
India Chase: Sanju Samson Turns the Match Into a One-Sided Contest
India needed 160 runs to win the match and seal the series.
The chase began with Abhishek Sharma and Sanju Samson.
The two openers immediately attacked the Afghanistan bowling attack.
Abhishek scored 39 off 19 balls, including four sixes, while Samson was even more destructive.
The opening pair added 88 runs from just 38 balls, giving India complete control of the chase.
Sanju Samson’s Stunning 57 off 22 Balls
Sanju Samson produced one of his most explosive T20I innings.
He scored:
57 runs off 22 balls
His innings included:
- 7 fours
- 4 sixes
- Strike rate: 259.09
Samson’s attack was so aggressive that India had already moved well ahead of the required rate before he was dismissed by Rashid Khan.
The innings was especially significant because Samson had scored only 10 in the first T20I.
His response in the second match was emphatic.
Sanju Samson Reaches 1,000 T20I Runs as an Opener
Samson’s explosive innings also brought an important career milestone.
He crossed 1,000 T20I runs as an opener for India, joining an elite group of Indian batters who have reached the mark at the top of the order.
The group includes Rohit Sharma, KL Rahul, Shikhar Dhawan and Abhishek Sharma.
This milestone added another layer to what was already a match-defining innings.
Abhishek Sharma Continues His Excellent Form
After smashing 82 off 32 balls in the first T20I, Abhishek Sharma again provided India with a rapid start.
He scored:
39 off 19 balls
His innings contained:
- 2 fours
- 4 sixes
- Strike rate: 205.26
Abhishek and Samson’s 88-run opening partnership effectively removed any pressure from India’s chase.
India’s two openers have therefore made a significant impact in the first two matches of the series.
Rashid Khan Takes Three Wickets
Afghanistan’s best bowler was once again Rashid Khan.
He finished with:
3/36 in 3.5 overs
Rashid dismissed:
- Abhishek Sharma
- Sanju Samson
- Shreyas Iyer
However, his wickets came after India had already gained overwhelming control of the chase.
India vs Afghanistan 2nd T20I 2026: Ishan Kishan Finishes the Chase
With India already in control, Ishan Kishan ensured there was no late drama.
He remained unbeaten on:
38 off 23 balls
His innings included:
- 3 fours
- 2 sixes
- Strike rate: 165.21
Tilak Varma also remained unbeaten on 15 off 14 balls.
India reached 163/3 in 14.5 overs, winning by seven wickets.
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India vs Afghanistan 2nd T20I 2026: India Win by 7 Wickets
India needed 160 runs to win.
They reached 163/3 in only 14.5 overs.
That means India had 31 balls remaining when the winning runs were scored.
It was another emphatic chase from India’s batting unit.
Major Highlights of India vs Afghanistan 2nd T20I 2026
🔥 Sanju Samson’s 22-Ball Fifty
Samson smashed 57 off 22 balls at a strike rate of 259.09.
🔥 88-Run Opening Partnership
Samson and Abhishek Sharma added 88 runs from only 38 balls.
🎯 Nitish Reddy’s Three-Wicket Haul
Nitish Kumar Reddy returned 3/24 and was named Player of the Match.
⚡ India Chase 160 in 14.5 Overs
India reached the target with 31 balls to spare.
🏆 Series Sealed 2-0
India won the first two matches and secured the three-match T20I series with one game remaining.
💯 Samson’s 1,000-Run Milestone
Samson crossed 1,000 T20I runs as an opener for India.
India vs Afghanistan 2nd T20I 2026: Key Records & Stats
1. Sanju Samson’s 259.09 Strike Rate
Samson’s 57 came from only 22 deliveries.
His strike rate of 259.09 made the innings one of the most explosive knocks of his T20I career.
2. Samson Crosses 1,000 T20I Runs as Opener
The second T20I saw Samson cross the 1,000-run mark as an opener for India in T20Is.
He became the latest Indian batter to reach the landmark after Rohit Sharma, KL Rahul, Shikhar Dhawan and Abhishek Sharma.
3. 88 Runs in 38 Balls
Samson and Abhishek’s opening partnership produced 88 runs from 38 balls.
That gave India a scoring rate of more than 13.8 runs per over during the partnership.
4. Nitish Reddy’s Three-Wicket Haul
Nitish Kumar Reddy’s 3/24 was the best bowling performance of the match and earned him Player of the Match honours.
5. India Seal Series With One Match Remaining
India’s second consecutive seven-wicket victory gave them an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series.
Player of the Match: Nitish Kumar Reddy
Although Sanju Samson’s 57 off 22 dominated the headlines, Nitish Kumar Reddy was officially named Player of the Match.
His 3/24 spell was crucial because Afghanistan were unable to accelerate consistently through the middle overs.
Nitish’s performance demonstrated India’s depth: while Samson destroyed the bowling attack during the chase, Nitish had already played a major role in restricting Afghanistan to 159/8.
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India vs Afghanistan 2nd T20I 2026: Turning Points of the Match
1. Bumrah’s Maiden
Jasprit Bumrah started the innings with a maiden, immediately creating pressure on Afghanistan’s openers.
2. Afghanistan’s Middle-Overs Collapse
India repeatedly took wickets between the seventh and fifteenth overs, preventing Afghanistan from building a large total. Indian Express noted that Afghanistan scored only 64 runs while losing five wickets across that period.
3. Samson and Abhishek’s 88-Run Blast
The opening partnership completely changed the chase.
India’s required rate was effectively eliminated within the first seven overs.
4. Rashid’s Double Strike
Rashid Khan dismissed Abhishek and Samson in quick succession, but by then India were already well ahead in the chase.
5. Ishan and Tilak Finish the Job
Ishan Kishan and Tilak Varma calmly completed the chase, taking India to 163/3 in 14.5 overs.
India vs Afghanistan 2nd T20I 2026: Best Performers
| Player | Team | Performance |
|---|---|---|
| Nitish Kumar Reddy | India | 3/24 |
| Sanju Samson | India | 57 (22) |
| Abhishek Sharma | India | 39 (19) |
| Ishan Kishan | India | 38 (23)* |
| Ibrahim Zadran | Afghanistan | 37 (33) |
| Rashid Khan | Afghanistan | 28 (16), 3/36 |
| Arshdeep Singh | India | 2/35 |
| Jasprit Bumrah | India | 1/25 |
India vs Afghanistan 2nd T20I 2026 – Full Scorecard Summary
Afghanistan – 159/8 (20 Overs)
Ibrahim Zadran: 37 (33)
Rashid Khan: 28 (16)
Darwish Rasooli: 26
Mohammad Nabi: 20
India Bowling:
Nitish Kumar Reddy: 3/24
Arshdeep Singh: 2/35
Jasprit Bumrah: 1/25
Axar Patel: 1/28
Ravi Bishnoi: 1/32
India – 163/3 (14.5 Overs)
Sanju Samson: 57 (22)
Abhishek Sharma: 39 (19)
Ishan Kishan: 38* (23)
Tilak Varma: 15* (14)
Shreyas Iyer: 11 (11)
Afghanistan Bowling:
Rashid Khan: 3/36
Mujeeb Ur Rahman: 0/37
Mohammad Nabi: 0/44
Series Situation After 2nd T20I
India now lead the three-match T20I series 2-0.
| Match | Result |
|---|---|
| 1st T20I | India won by 7 wickets |
| 2nd T20I | India won by 7 wickets |
| 3rd T20I | September 17, 2026 – Delhi |
India have already secured the series.
The final match will now give Afghanistan an opportunity to avoid a 3-0 clean sweep, while India will look to complete the series unbeaten.
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India vs Afghanistan 3rd T20I 2026: What’s Next?
The third and final T20I will be played on September 17, 2026, at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi.
With the series already decided, the final match could provide an opportunity for both teams to make changes and test players ahead of their upcoming international commitments.
For India, the focus will be on maintaining their winning momentum.
For Afghanistan, the immediate objective will be to finish the series with a victory.
India vs Afghanistan 2nd T20I 2026: Final Verdict
India once again proved too strong for Afghanistan.
The visitors managed to post 159/8, but India’s bowlers had done enough to prevent the total from becoming a major challenge.
Nitish Kumar Reddy’s 3/24 was the standout bowling performance, while Arshdeep Singh and Jasprit Bumrah provided important support.
Then came India’s explosive chase.
Sanju Samson’s 57 off 22 balls completely changed the complexion of the match. Along with Abhishek Sharma’s 39 off 19, he powered India to an 88-run opening partnership from only 38 balls.
Although Rashid Khan struck three times, Afghanistan’s wickets came too late.
Ishan Kishan and Tilak Varma calmly finished the job as India reached 163/3 in 14.5 overs.
India therefore won by seven wickets, with 31 balls remaining, and sealed the three-match T20I series 2-0.
For Samson, it was an important return to form.
For Nitish Reddy, it was a match-winning bowling performance.
For India, it was another convincing series victory.
India vs Afghanistan 2nd T20I 2026: Quick Facts
Winner: India
Margin: 7 wickets
Afghanistan: 159/8
India: 163/3
Target: 160
Overs: 14.5
Balls remaining: 31
Player of the Match: Nitish Kumar Reddy
Best Batting: Sanju Samson – 57 (22)
Best Bowling: Nitish Kumar Reddy – 3/24
Afghanistan Top Scorer: Ibrahim Zadran – 37
Afghanistan Best Bowler: Rashid Khan – 3/36
Opening Partnership: Samson & Abhishek – 88 (38)
Venue: Arun Jaitley Stadium, New Delhi
Series: India lead 2-0
Status: India won the series with one match remaining
India Cricket Schedule 2026: Next Match, Fixtures & Upcoming Series
BCCI – India’s Afghanistan T20I squad announcement
ICC – Afghanistan vs India T20I series schedule
✍️ About the Author
Fanish Jha
Fanish Jha is a digital publisher, website creator, and content editor focused on creating useful online resources for Indian audiences. He is the founder and editor of Pincode Of India, Jobs.PincodeOfIndia, Indian Swan, and Gaon Express.
His work includes website development, digital publishing, SEO, content research, and managing online platforms across postal information, government resources, e-commerce, and local services.
He aims to make online information clear, useful, accessible, and easy to understand.
Founder & Editor — Fanish Jha
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