India vs Afghanistan, 1st T20I, Weather Forecast and Pitch Report of Punjab Cricket Association IS Bindra Stadium, Mohali

The first T20I in a three-match series between India and Afghanistan takes place at the Punjab Cricket Association IS Bindra Stadium in Mohali on Thursday, January 11.

Fans are waiting with bated breath for this encounter as India's regular skipper Rohit Sharma is back to the T20I circuit after a 14-month hiatus. Afghanistan also have some talented cricketers in their ranks, who have all the ingredients to cause a monumental surface on Indian soil. Both teams would look to put their best foot forward and start on a positive note in the first T20I. However, it is important to keep a tab on the weather forecast as many games in recent times have been marred with rain.

Thankfully, the weather Gods are expected to be kind on Thursday. There is no chance of rain as per the weather forecast from AccuWeather. Both teams are set to be greeted by a chilly winter evening. While the temperature is expected to be around 13 degrees Celsius when the match starts, it could drop to 9 by the time it concludes. Humidity, during the match hours, could be in the range of 55-70%. It is winter time in India and dew could play a huge role in the game. Both teams have quality spinners in their arsenal and they could be in for some tough time.

Punjab Cricket Association IS Bindra Stadium Pitch Report:

The Punjab Cricket Association IS Bindra Stadium generally provides good batting surfaces. Seam bowlers can get some help with the new ball, under the lights. There would be some respite for the bowlers as the square boundaries are quite huge at the venue.

In the last T20I game that was played at this venue, in September 2022, Australia chased down a 209-run target against India with four wickets and as many balls to spare. The average first-innings score is 183, accentuating why the PCA Stadium is considered one of the finest batting surfaces in the country. Four T20Is have been won by chasing teams, while two have been won by teams batting first.