India are set to lock horns against Afghanistan in the first of the three T20Is on Thursday (January 11) at the PCA Stadium in Mohali.
After the one-off Test in 2018, these two sides will be contesting in a bilateral series for the first time, with the three-match T20I series being the first instance of bilateral white-ball action.
With the comebacks of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli to the Indian T20I fold, India will hope to fine-tune their squad and aim to find the perfect balance in the team as these three games are the last set of T20Is that the Men in Blue will play ahead of the 2024 T20 World Cup.
Afghanistan, meanwhile, will look at the T20I series as an opportunity to further rubber-stamp their credentials as an emerging force in cricket as they will take on one of the top-ranked teams in the shortest format.
Indeed, the Afghans exceeded everyone's expectations at the 2023 World Cup, finishing in sixth place. In fact, they were in contention for a semi-final spot before losing their final two group stage games.
Still, getting the better of the likes of Pakistan, England and Sri Lanka, and almost pushing eventual champions Australia to the brink of an utterly embarrassing defeat spoke volumes about the bravado the Afghanistan players possessed. They are no more mere pushovers. They are here to take on the best and bash them to the ground without remorse.
They will be hoping to do more of the same at the upcoming T20 World Cup, and perhaps even outperform their own targets. After the T20I series against India, Afghanistan will play three T20Is each against Sri Lanka and Ireland, giving them ample time and games to head into the biennial event with the best preparation.
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How many T20I matches has PCA Stadium hosted?
The PCA Stadium has hosted six T20 internationals so far, with the first-ever T20I on this ground taking place on December 12, 2009. India have played four T20Is in Mohali, winning three and losing one.
What is the capacity of the PCA Stadium?
The PCA Stadium has a capacity of around 27,000 people.
PCA Stadium Pitch Report
Initially, the pitch at the PCA Stadium used to be conducive to seam bowling. However, over the years, the pitch has become more batting-friendly, with some high-scoring encounters taking place.
In the most recent T20I on this ground, which was played between India and Australia, 419 runs were scored as both teams crossed the 200-run mark.
On Thursday, we can expect more of the same. The captain that wins the toss, though, might opt to field first. In six T20Is on this venue, the team batting second has won four games.
PCA Stadium: Average scores and toss results in T20Is
There have been six T20Is at the venue.
| Average first innings score | 183 |
| Matches won after batting first | 2 |
| Matches won by chasing team | 4 |
What is the highest score by a team at the PCA Stadium in T20Is?
India and Australia share the record for the most runs scored by a team in T20Is at the PCA Stadium.
On December 12, 2009, in a T20I between India and Sri Lanka, the latter batted first and posted 206 runs on the board. India comfortably chased down the target with five balls to spare and six wickets in hand, with Yuvraj Singh, celebrating his 28th birthday, scoring an unbeaten 60 in 25 balls.
Australia did something similar against India on September 20, 2022. India posted 208 runs on the board and the Aussies chased it down to win the game by four wickets and four balls to spare. Cameron Green (61 off 30) and Matthew Wade (45* off 21) were the key men for the visitors.
What is the lowest score by a team at the PCA Stadium in T20Is?
In a T20I between India and South Africa, on September 18, 2019, the Proteas batted first and posted 149 runs in their 20 overs. This is the lowest total by any side in a T20I in Mohali.
What is the highest individual score at the PCA Stadium in T20Is?
Virat Kohli's unbeaten 82 in 51 balls against Australia at the ICC World Twenty20 2016 is the highest individual score at the venue. The batsman scored nine boundaries and two sixes in his knock.
What is the best bowling figure at the PCA Stadium in T20Is?
James Faulkner's figures of 5-27 against Pakistan at the ICC World Twenty20 2016 is the best bowling figure at the venue. It is the only instance of a bowler taking a 5-fer in a T20I in Mohali.
Which batter has the most runs at the PCA Stadium in T20Is?
Virat Kohli has 156 runs from 3 innings at the venue. He is followed by Steve Smith who has 98 runs in his kitty when it comes to T20Is at the PCA Stadium.
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Which bowler has the most wickets at the PCA Stadium in T20Is?
James Faulkner has six wickets from two games and is the leading wicket-taker at this venue. He is followed by Yuvraj Singh, who took four wickets.
India vs Afghanistan: Latest predictions, betting odds
As per the Dafabet odds, India are the overwhelming favourites to win in the first T20I against Afghanistan.
| Team | Betting odds |
| India | 1.14 |
| Afghanistan | 6.00 |
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