Photo via Hindustan Times

IND vs AFG LIVE Score, 1st T20I 2026: Sooryavanshi dropped, Bumrah back as India opt to field in Arun Jaitley stadium

India chose to bowl after winning the toss in the opening T20I against Afghanistan at New Delhi's Arun Jaitley Stadium, serving as key preparation for the Asian Games within this three-game bilateral clash. Under the leadership of Shreyas Iyer, the hosts omitted 15-year-old talent Vaibhav Sooryavanshi from the starting lineup amidst top-order competition with Abhishek Sharma and Sanju Samson, alongside fitness questions regarding Ishan Kishan.

Meanwhile, Jasprit Bumrah returned to the side following time away with an injury.

Ibrahim Zadran guided the designated home team Afghanistan into the contest, relying on their potent spin bowling against an opponent that retains an unblemished record against them. Given the ball straight away by Iyer, Bumrah endured an errant beginning to his spell when a delivery slipped down leg beyond Samson to gift five wides, establishing the opening runs for the visitors.

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