India vs Afghanistan 3rd T20I: 3-0 Clean Sweep on India’s Mind, Afghanistan Look to Finish on a High

Article Written by Chetan Pandey

Cricket Analyst & Sports Journalist

India and Afghanistan will meet for the third and final T20I at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi on September 17, with the series already decided in India’s favour. After winning the opening two matches by seven wickets, India have taken an unassailable 2-0 lead and will now look to complete a 3-0 series sweep. Afghanistan, meanwhile, will be aiming to produce a stronger performance and finish the series with a victory.

The second T20I once again highlighted the difference in batting momentum between the two sides. Afghanistan posted 159/8 after being asked to bat first, but India chased down the target in only 14.5 overs, finishing on 163/3. Sanju Samson provided the headline performance with a sensational 57 from 22 balls, while Abhishek Sharma contributed 39 from 19 balls. Ishan Kishan then completed the chase with an unbeaten 38. 

Sanju Samson Answers With the Bat

Sanju Samson entered the second T20I under pressure following a difficult opening game, but the Indian wicketkeeper-batter responded emphatically. His 22-ball 57 included seven fours and four sixes and gave India the perfect platform during the chase. His aggressive approach, particularly during the Powerplay, changed the momentum of the contest very quickly.

Samson’s innings also came alongside another attacking contribution from Abhishek Sharma. The opening pair added 88 runs and helped India reach 82 without loss at the end of the Powerplay. The performance demonstrated the value of India’s aggressive opening strategy in the shortest format.

For the third T20I, attention will again be on the opening combination. Abhishek has already produced an 82-run innings in the first match of the series, followed by 39 in the second, while Samson responded with his explosive half-century. Their ability to provide another fast start could once again shape the match.

India’s Bowling Unit Provides the Platform

India’s batting has received plenty of attention, but their bowling has also played an important role in both victories.

In the second T20I, Nitish Kumar Reddy produced an impressive spell of 3/24, while Arshdeep Singh claimed two wickets. Jasprit Bumrah, Ravi Bishnoi and Axar Patel also contributed with wickets as Afghanistan struggled to maintain momentum through the middle overs. 

Afghanistan reached 159 largely because of late resistance from Mohammad Nabi and Rashid Khan. The experienced pair added 48 runs and helped Afghanistan recover from a difficult position. Ibrahim Zadran also top-scored with 37. However, India’s bowlers repeatedly broke partnerships and prevented Afghanistan from reaching a more challenging total. 

The third match gives India another opportunity to assess their bowling combinations ahead of future international assignments. With the series already secured, the team management could also consider how different players fit into the wider T20I plans.

Afghanistan Need a Complete Batting Performance

For Afghanistan, the third T20I represents an opportunity to change the narrative of the series.

The Afghan batting unit has shown flashes of competitiveness, but consistent contributions from the top order have been missing. Ibrahim Zadran made 37 in the second game, while Rashid Khan and Mohammad Nabi provided late runs. However, losing wickets during the middle overs once again restricted Afghanistan’s scoring rate. 

Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Ibrahim Zadran, Darwish Rasooli and Azmatullah Omarzai will be important to Afghanistan’s plans. The team will need its top order to spend more time at the crease if it wants to put India under genuine pressure.

Rashid Khan remains another major factor. He was Afghanistan’s only wicket-taker in the second T20I, finishing with 3/36. His experience and ability to change a game with both ball and bat make him one of Afghanistan’s key players heading into the final match. 

A Chance for India to Finish Strong

With the series already in the bag, India’s immediate objective is clear: finish the home series unbeaten and carry the momentum forward.

The first two matches have showcased different aspects of India’s T20 game. Abhishek Sharma produced a spectacular 82 in the opener, while the second match belonged to Sanju Samson. India’s bowling attack has also remained effective, restricting Afghanistan to manageable totals in both games. 

The final match could therefore become an interesting examination of India’s squad depth and tactical approach. The team may look at combinations while still maintaining its competitive intensity.

For Afghanistan, the challenge is equally straightforward. They need stronger performances in the Powerplay, better partnerships through the middle overs and greater efficiency with the ball against India’s aggressive top order.

The Final Battle in Delhi

The third T20I may not decide the series winner, but it still carries significance for both teams. India have an opportunity to complete a 3-0 sweep, while Afghanistan will be determined to avoid a clean sweep and leave Delhi with a victory.

The biggest contest could once again be between India’s aggressive opening batting and Afghanistan’s spin options. Rashid Khan will be expected to lead the challenge with the ball, while Samson and Abhishek will look to put Afghanistan under pressure from the beginning.

After two convincing victories, India enter the final game with confidence.

 Afghanistan, however, have the chance to respond and finish the series strongly.

India have already won the series. On September 17, the question will be whether the hosts can complete a 3-0 sweep or whether Afghanistan can produce one final fight in Delhi.