The focus shifts to Lucknow as India and Afghanistan prepare for the second ODI of the Afghanistan tour of India 2026. Scheduled for 17 June 2026 at the Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium, this match could prove decisive in the series. India enter the contest with confidence after a convincing victory in the opening ODI, while Afghanistan will be desperate to bounce back and level the series.
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IND vs AFG 2nd ODI Match Details
| Match | India vs Afghanistan |
| Series | Afghanistan Tour of India 2026 |
| Match | 2nd ODI |
| Date | 17 June 2026 |
| Venue | Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium, Lucknow |
| Time | 1:30 PM IST |
| Format | ODI (50 Overs) |
| Live Keywords | IND vs AFG, India vs Afghanistan, IND vs AFG ODI, IND vs AFG Prediction |
India Looking to Seal the Series
India was dominant in the opening ODI, in spite of the game being cut short because of weather disruptions. Captain Shubman Gill maintained his impressive form by putting on a smooth innings, whereas KL Rahul swept through the chase with style. India ultimately secured a comfortable seven-wicket win and took an 1-0 advantage over the other teams in this series.
One of the most positive aspects of the home team is the form of the young players. Speedy spinner Gurnoor Brar impressed on debut as did Harsh Dubey and had a big impact using the ball. Their performances have provided India an extra depth going into an ODI second match.
The Indian batting team seems to be well-established. Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, KL Rahul, Shreyas Iyer, as well as Hardik Pandya offer expertise and stability. The management might be enticed to keep the same lineup due to the balanced nature it provides.
Afghanistan Need a Strong Response
Afghanistan will be able to take inspiration from Rahmanullah’s dazzling century in the ODI’s opening match. The wicketkeeper-batter appeared in complete control of India’s bowling attack and all by himself, he maintained Afghanistan in the game.
The middle order of Afghanistan did not make the most of the platform offered by Gurbaz. Participants such as Hashmatullah Shahidi Rahmat Shah and Azmatullah Omarzai need to contribute more to the team if Afghanistan are to take on India at Lucknow.
The hosts still have two match-winners, Rashid Khan and Mohammad Nabi. In a place that traditionally favors spin bowling, Afghanistan may be much better than in Dharamsala.
Ekana Stadium Pitch Report
The Ekana Stadium in Lucknow has gained a reputation for providing aid to players, particularly spinners. In contrast to other venues with high scoring in India, batters usually require to rest before they can play dangerous shots.
Fast bowlers may also be able to generate movement from the ball within the first 10 overs. As the game progresses, the pitch will slow down, which brings spinners into the match.
Expected Conditions
- Balanced wicket
- Assistance for spinners
- New ball motion for pacers
- Average first innings score: 250-280
- Toss may play a crucial role
In these conditions the middle-over batting may become the decisive aspect in the AFG vs IND game.
Team News
India Squad Highlights
The Indian team includes a number of established players as well as emerging talent. Shubman Gill is still the leader of the team and KL Rahul as well as Virat Kohli have an experience in the batting department. Nitish Kumar Reddy has been a revelation and is considered a solid all-rounder.
Afghanistan Squad Highlights
Afghanistan continues to rely heavily on Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Rashid Khan, Mohammad Nabi, Ibrahim Zadran, and Azmatullah Omarzai. Their spin attack is extremely deadly in cricket.
Probable Playing XI
India Probable XI
- Shubman Gill (C)
- Yashasvi Jaiswal
- Virat Kohli
- Shreyas Iyer
- KL Rahul (WK)
- Hardik Pandya
- Nitish Kumar Reddy
- Washington Sundar
- Kuldeep Yadav
- Arshdeep Singh
- Gurnoor Brar
Afghanistan Probable XI
- Rahmanullah Gurbaz (WK)
- Ibrahim Zadran
- Hashmatullah Shahidi (C)
- Rahmat Shah
- Sediqullah Atal
- Azmatullah Omarzai
- Mohammad Nabi
- Rashid Khan
- Nangeyalia Kharote
- Fareed Malik
- Bilal Sami
Final XIs depend on team management choices.
Key Players to Watch
Shubman Gill (India)
Gill is still India’s most consistent ODI batter. Gill recently became one of the fastest Indians to hit 3000 ODI runs, and is the most significant threat to the bowlers of Afghanistan.
Rahmanullah Gurbaz (Afghanistan)
After scoring a spectacular century in the opening ODI, Gurbaz will once again take on Afghanistan’s hopes of batting. If he is able to survive with the ball that he has just received, India might be put under severe tension.
Rashid Khan (Afghanistan)
The top leg-spinner in Afghanistan remains the strength in numbers. Lucknow’s surface might provide him the help required to challenge the middle class of India.
KL Rahul (India)
Rahul was in top form during the first ODI, and he finished the chase with aplomb. His part in the middle overs will be vital.
It is interesting to note that many of the fans following the cricket match on platforms and forums that are involving laser247 are focused on the fight between India’s batting line-up and the spin attack of Afghanistan.
Match Analysis and Prediction
India started the second ODI with a clear lead. They have a greater depth of batting and bowling options and also have home advantage. The rise of players such as Gurnoor Brar, and Nitish Kumar Reddy added strength to the team.
Afghanistan is, however, not to be overlooked. Their spin attack has the capability of reversing matches swiftly particularly on surfaces with slower speeds. Should Gurbaz as well as Ibrahim Zadran provide a strong start, they could force India further into the game.
Fans looking on the internet for laser247 login updates prior to the game will closely monitor the team’s combinations and tossing conditions to see what’s happening, since Lucknow often rewards strategic choices.
Prediction
India have the edge due to their superior balance and current form. Afghanistan’s prospects depend on their top-performing team and spin department, which is putting in outstanding performance.
Predicted Winner: India
However in the event that Rashid Khan finds rhythm and Gurbaz is able to deliver another great innings, Afghanistan could create a major surprise.
Discussions in the cricket community about laser247 pro highlight this match to be one of the more interesting ODI matches this month due to the stark contrast between India’s depth of batting and Afghanistan’s world-class spin capabilities.
When is IND vs AFG 2nd ODI?
The game will be played on 17 June 2026..
Where is IND vs AFG 2nd ODI being played?
The game will take place at the Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium, Lucknow.
Who won the first ODI?
India beat Afghanistan 7 wickets to none in the opener of the ODI.
Who are the key players in IND vs AFG?
Shubman Gill, KL Rahul, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Rashid Khan, Hardik Pandya, and Azmatullah Omarzai are among the key players.
What is India’s biggest strength in this match?
India’s depth of batting and its well-balanced bowling attack are the reason they are favored.
What is Afghanistan’s biggest weapon?
The spin attack of Afghanistan directed by Rashid Khan remains their strongest asset.