India will look to take an unassailable 2-0 lead when they face Afghanistan in the second T20I of the three-match series at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi on Tuesday, September 15. However, the weather could have a say in how the contest unfolds.
India made a dominant start to the series on Sunday, beating Afghanistan by seven wickets in the opening T20I at the same venue. Afghanistan posted 156/8 after being put in to bat, with Arshdeep Singh leading India’s bowling attack with three wickets.
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The chase turned into a one-sided affair as India’s batters attacked the Afghanistan bowling from the outset. Abhishek Sharma produced the standout performance, smashing 82 off only 32 deliveries. His explosive innings featured seven sixes and seven fours and helped India reach the target with seven wickets and plenty of deliveries to spare.
With India leading 1-0, the second match presents Afghanistan with an opportunity to fight back. But the possibility of rain remains one of the talking points ahead of Tuesday’s fixture.
Delhi weather forecast for India vs Afghanistan 2nd T20I
According to the weather forecast cited by Outlook, New Delhi could see a 55 per cent chance of precipitation during the day on Tuesday. The rain threat is considerably lower at night, with the probability dropping to around seven per cent.
The forecast also suggests largely favourable conditions around the evening, when the T20I is scheduled to take place. Cloud cover is expected to be low, at around five per cent, which could provide clearer conditions for the players.
While the relatively low nighttime rain probability is encouraging, any afternoon showers could still leave the ground conditions under pressure if they are heavy enough or continue close to match time.
The Arun Jaitley Stadium has already hosted the opening match of the series, meaning both teams are familiar with the playing conditions. India will hope the weather stays clear so they can build on their commanding opening performance.
India hold overwhelming head-to-head advantage
India also enter the second T20I with a significant historical advantage over Afghanistan. The two teams have faced each other 10 times in T20Is, with India winning nine matches. Afghanistan are yet to register a victory against India in the format, while one match ended without a result.
That record gives India another psychological edge, although Afghanistan will be hoping to produce a much-improved performance after their defeat in the series opener.
For India, the focus will be on completing another clinical performance and sealing the series with a match to spare. A
