Predicted Playing XI of Afghanistan in Quarter Final 2 of Asian Games 2026 against India

Afghanistan will face India in the second quarter-final of the men’s cricket competition at the Asian Games 2026 on Monday, September 28. The match will be played at Korogi Sports Park in Nisshin and is scheduled to begin at 2:00 PM local time, or 10:30 AM IST. The winner will advance to the semi-finals of the competition.

Afghanistan qualified for the knockout stage after finishing second in Group A. They began their campaign with an impressive 48-run victory over Japan but suffered a five-wicket defeat against Nepal in their second game. The final group fixture between Nepal and Japan was washed out, confirming Afghanistan’s place in the last eight.

The challenge now becomes considerably tougher, with a strong India side led by Shreyas Iyer awaiting them. Afghanistan are unlikely to make too many changes to their combination, although the team management could consider bringing back Ismat Alam after he missed the Nepal game.

Here is the predicted Afghanistan playing XI for Quarter Final 2 against India:

1. Mohammad Akram

Mohammad Akram is likely to retain his place at the top of the order. The right-handed batter was Afghanistan’s top scorer in their opening match against Japan, making 34 off 29 balls with two fours and two sixes.

However, he struggled against Nepal, scoring only two runs. Against India’s quality bowling attack, Akram will need to provide Afghanistan with a more assured start.

2. Hassan Eisakhil

Hassan Eisakhail could continue as Akram’s opening partner. The youngster was dismissed cheaply in both group matches, but Afghanistan’s squad is heavily focused on developing emerging talent, and the team could continue backing him in the knockout stage.

He will have to negotiate India’s new-ball attack carefully before looking to accelerate.

3. Karim Janat

Karim Janat brings valuable experience and all-round ability to the Afghanistan lineup. He scored 21 against Japan but managed only nine against Nepal.

His ability to contribute with both bat and ball gives captain Darwish Rasooli an additional tactical option, which could be particularly important against India’s deep batting lineup.

4. Darwish Rasooli (C)

Captain Darwish Rasooli is expected to occupy the No. 4 position. Rasooli played a crucial role in Afghanistan’s victory over Japan, scoring 29 off 27 deliveries.

However, he was dismissed for a first-ball duck against Nepal. The captain will need to lead from the front against India, particularly because Afghanistan’s middle order could come under considerable pressure.

5. Najibullah Zadran

Najibullah Zadran remains one of the most experienced players in this Afghanistan squad. He has played 199 international matches and is one of only a handful of senior players selected for the Asian Games.

He scored seven against Japan before making 30 off 40 balls against Nepal. His experience in high-pressure T20 cricket could make him an important middle-order presence against India.

6. Mohammad Ishaq (WK)

Mohammad Ishaq should retain the wicketkeeping role. He scored an unbeaten 25 off 17 balls against Japan, including two fours and a six, demonstrating his ability to provide late acceleration.

Although he managed only seven against Nepal, his attacking ability and work behind the stumps make him a strong candidate to continue in the XI.

7. Ismat Alam

Ismat Alam could return to the playing XI after being rested for Afghanistan’s second group game. The all-rounder was one of the standout performers in the 2026 Shpageeza Cricket League, scoring 294 runs at a strike rate of 168 and taking nine wickets.

He played against Japan but scored only three. Nevertheless, his ability to contribute in both departments could be particularly valuable against India.

8. Nangeyalia Kharote

Nangeyalia Kharote is expected to be Afghanistan’s primary spin-bowling option. The left-arm spinner has been identified as a key member of the team’s bowling attack for the Asian Games.

He bowled effectively against Japan and also made a useful 17 not out from 15 balls against Nepal. His ability to control the middle overs could be crucial against India’s aggressive batters.

9. Arab Gul Momand

Arab Gul Momand should retain his place after producing an outstanding performance against Japan. The leg-spinner claimed four wickets for just eight runs, helping Afghanistan bowl Japan out for 81.

His variations could make him an important weapon against India’s middle order, particularly if the pitch offers assistance to spin.

10. Abdollah Ahmadzai

Abdollah Ahmadzai is likely to continue as one of Afghanistan’s pace options. He played both group matches and took two wickets for 13 runs against Japan.

His ability to provide breakthroughs with the new ball could be important against India’s powerful opening combination.

11. Faridoon Dawoodzai

Faridoon Dawoodzai could complete Afghanistan’s playing XI. The right-arm seamer has featured in both group-stage games and gives Rasooli another pace option.

His role will be particularly important at the death, where India possess several dangerous hitters capable of changing the game within a few deliveries.

Predicted Playing XI of Afghanistan

Mohammad Akram, Hassan Eisakhail, Karim Janat, Darwish Rasooli ©, Najibullah Zadran, Mohammad Ishaq (WK), Ismat Alam, Nangeyalia Kharote, Arab Gul Momand, Abdollah Ahmadzai, Faridoon Dawoodzai

The final playing XI will be confirmed at the toss.

Disclaimer: This Exclusive News is based on the author’s understanding, analysis, and instinct. As you review this information, consider the points mentioned and form your own conclusions.

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