The first ODI of India’s three-match series against Afghanistan begins in Dharamsala at the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium, but persistent rain disrupts the build-up. Multiple reports say heavy showers have delayed the toss, with the BCCI confirming the delay due to ongoing rain. Weather forecasts for Dharamsala indicate a continued risk of rain and thunderstorms, with some reports also mentioning an orange alert and a potential hail threat. The match is scheduled to start at 1:30 PM IST, and the eventual start time is expected to depend on conditions on the ground and the venue’s ability to drain water. Times of India reports that a cut-off time for a shortened 20-over contest is set for 6:32 pm, reflecting the likelihood that play could be reduced if rain persists. Cricket coverage also notes India’s squad context for the opener: Virat Kohli and Hardik Pandya are ruled out due to injuries, while Rohit Sharma returns after passing his fitness test. The outcome of the contest could be affected by a moisture-affected pitch and any interruption, with DLS mentioned as a possibility if overs are reduced.
Rain delays toss for India vs Afghanistan 1st ODI in Dharamsala
The first ODI of India’s three-match series against Afghanistan begins in Dharamsala at the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium, but persistent rain disrupts the build-up. Multiple reports sa...
- Persistent rain in Dharamsala delays the toss for the India vs Afghanistan 1st ODI at HPCA Stadium.
- Match start timing depends on drainage and improving weather conditions; play may be affected if rain continues.
- Weather forecasts point to rain and thunderstorms, with reports also citing an orange alert and possible hail risk.
- Times of India reports a 6:32 pm cut-off for a 20-over contest if the match is reduced.
- India’s XI includes Rohit Sharma’s return after he clears a fitness test; Virat Kohli and Hardik Pandya are out due to injuries.
Dharamshala, June 13: The first ODI between India and Afghanistan at the HPCA Stadium in Dharamshala has been reduced to a 25-overs-per-side match due to rain. After winning the toss, India captain Shubman Gill chose to bowl first under cloudy conditions. The rain finally stopped, allowing the ground staff to remove the covers and prepare the field for play.Since it’s raining outside, Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill, Shreyas Iyer and the other players are playing cricket inside the dressing room and having fun.❤️ pic.twitter.com/K5z1PEeqIx— ⁴⁵ (@rushiii_12) June 13, 2026 The shortened match will be played under modified ODI regulations. In a 25-over contest, the mandatory Powerplay has been reduced from 10 overs to five overs. Bowlers will also have a maximum quota of five overs each instead of the usual 10 overs in a full 50-over game. India have handed out two debuts for the match, adding extra excitement to the contest.IND vs AFG 1st ODI: Rain In Dharamshala Delays Toss In Series OpenerIf rain interrupts play again during the second innings, the Duckworth-Lewis-Stern (DLS) method will be used to determine the result, provided both teams have completed at least 20 overs. If the second innings is stopped before the 20-over mark, the match will be declared a No Result.The HPCA Stadium's modern sub-air drainage system helped dry the outfield quickly after the rain and weather forecasts suggest a lower chance of further showers as the evening progresses.
2 months agoPersistent rain continues to disrupt the first ODI between India and Afghanistan in Dharamshala, with overs already being lost and the cut-off time for a 20-over contest set at 6:32 pm. The toss remains delayed as players wait for conditions to improve, with weather forecasts offering hope of clearer skies later in the evening.
2 months agoPersistent rain has delayed the toss for the India vs Afghanistan 1st ODI at Dharamshala. Get the latest HPCA Stadium weather reports and revised match timings.
2 months agoDharamshala: The toss for the opening ODI between India and Afghanistan has been delayed due to persistent rain at the HPCA Stadium, the BCCI confirmed in an update on X. Update from Dharamshala Toss for the 1️⃣st #INDvAFG ODI has been delayed due to rain. Stay tuned for more updates ▶️ https://t.co/lCuohEZYAl#TeamIndia | @IDFCFIRSTBank pic.twitter.com/cMPZs6Kj8r— BCCI (@BCCI) June 13, 2026 Rain dominates buildupThe buildup to the match has been dominated by rain, with the picturesque town witnessing rain over the past two days and again on the eve of the match. As per weather forecast website Accuweather, there is more rain in store till 4:30pm, with conditions expected to improve later in the evening.Welcome to the live coverage of the 1st ODI match between India and Afghanistan .https://t.co/lCuohEZYAl #TeamIndia #INDvAFG #1stODI @IDFCfirstbank— BCCI (@BCCI) June 13, 2026 However, the eventual start timing of the match will depend on the drainage capacity of the venue once rain goes away. The three-match series holds vital importance in India’s road to the 2027 Men’s ODI World Cup, to be played in South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia.India squad changesShubman Gill-led India are without Virat Kohli and Hardik Pandya, who have been ruled out due to hamstring and leg injuries respectively. Former skipper and veteran opener Rohit Sharma, however, cleared his fitness test at the BCCI Centre of Excellence (CoE) in Bengaluru and is set to open alongside Gill.Huge Blow For Team India! Star Player Hardik Pandya Ruled Out Of Afghanistan ODI Series: Reports India bowling coach Morne Morkel had said in the pre-match press conference that the team management is prepared to experiment for the number three position in this series in Kohli’s absence, with KL Rahul, Yashasvi Jaiswal and Ishan Kishan all in contention.Pitch and record contextThe conditions in Dharamshala have always been expected to aid fast bowlers with the new ball, thus making the toss a crucial factor. With rain around and a possibility of a truncated game, it makes the toss even more decisive considering the moisture pitch will have.Former New Zealand Skipper Kane Williamson Retires From International Cricket, Brings Curtain Down On Glittering Career Three of the five ODIs played in Dharamshala during the 2023 Men’s ODI World Cup were won by teams batting first. India have a 3-0 record in ODI meetings against Afghanistan, while one game – in 2018 Asia Cup - ended in a tie.(Except for the headline, this article has not been edited by FPJ's editorial team and is auto-generated from an agency feed.)
2 months agoIndia vs Afghanistan 1st ODI LIVE Score: Heavy rains delayed the toss of the first ODI between India and Afghanistan in Dharamsala on Saturday.
2 months agoIndia vs Afghanistan 1st ODI LIVE Score: India will take on Afghanistan in the first ODI of the three-match series at the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium in Dharamsala on Saturday.
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