In an exhilarating matchup on January 19, 2026, the Afghanistan national cricket team took on the West Indies cricket team in the first of a three-match T20I series. This series is a pivotal build-up for both teams ahead of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup in February. The opening match, held at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, showcased the strategic prowess and resilience of the Afghan side, which ultimately secured a commanding 38-run victory over the West Indies.
Led by the masterful Rashid Khan, Afghanistan began the series with a confident batting performance. The team opted to bat first and posted a competitive total of 181 runs for the loss of 3 wickets in 20 overs. This formidable score was primarily driven by a 162-run partnership between Ibrahim Zadran and Darwish Rasooli, who anchored the innings with a steady flow of runs, setting a challenging target for the West Indies.
In response, the West Indies struggled to maintain momentum, and their batting lineup crumbled under the pressure of Afghanistan's disciplined bowling attack. The Windies were reduced to 50/5 in their chase, with only a handful of batsmen, including Quentin Samson, Matthew Forde, and Gudakesh Motie, offering any semblance of resistance. Despite their efforts, the team could only muster 143 runs, falling 38 runs short of the target.
The Afghanistan bowling unit, spearheaded by Rashid Khan, played a crucial role in restricting the West Indies' scoring. The bowlers maintained a tight line and length, making it difficult for the West Indies batsmen to score freely. This performance underscored Afghanistan's determination to maintain their winning streak in the T20 format, showcasing their readiness for the upcoming T20 World Cup.
With this victory, Afghanistan has taken a 1-0 lead in the series and will look to maintain their momentum in the upcoming matches. The series serves as a crucial opportunity for both teams to fine-tune their strategies and build confidence ahead of the global tournament. The next encounter is highly anticipated, as it will further test the mettle of both teams on the cricketing stage.
