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An underpowered West Indies were no match for Afghanistan as they were beaten in the three-T20I series opener by 38 runs at Dubai International Cricket Stadium on January 19. Ibrahim Zadran, Darwish Rasooli starred with 80s, followed by a clinical bowling display by Rashid Khan-led side. Brandon King conceded his first defeat as a T20I captain while Afghanistan start their T20 World Cup 2026 preparations with a bang.
Zadran-Rasooli help Afghanistan post fighting total
Rashid won the toss and opted to bat first. Rahmanullah Gurbaz was run out for a golden duck by Gudakesh Motie. Sediqullah Atal failed to make a mark and fell to Jayden Seales for a single-digit score. Zadran and Rasooli used the fielding restrictions to find boundaries after two early blows. Afghanistan were 51/2 after powerplay overs. In the 13th over, Zadran completed his fifty from 37 balls, fourth consecutive in T20Is. In the next over, Rasooli reached the fifty-run mark from 36 deliveries.
West Indies did not do themselves a favour by dropping catches as the Afghan duo piled on runs. In the final over, Zadran hit a couple of sixes. The partnership was broken on the final ball of the innings. Rasooli lost his wicket to Matthew Forde, but not before scoring 84 runs from 59 balls, featuring eight fours and two sixes. Zadran remained unbeaten for 87 off 56 balls, featuring eight fours and three sixes. The two batters shared a 162-run partnership for the third wicket. This is the fourth-highest partnership for any wicket against West Indies in T2OIs.
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Lack of application against spin costs West Indies
Skipper King could not make an impact as he was knocked over by Mujeeb Ur Rahman in the first over of the run chase. In the fifth over, Johnson Charles hit Ziaur Rahman Sharif for a six and two fours to push the scoring rate. Sharifi made a comeback by dismissing Evin Lewis who managed to score just four runs from 11 balls. In the next over, Mujeeb got rid of Charles as well. He scored 27 runs from 16 balls. West Indies were 45/3 after powerplay overs.
Rashid introduced himself into the attack and got the wicket of Shimron Hetmyer. Amir Jangoo failed to make the most of a reprieve in the form of a missed stumping chance. He was trapped in front of the wickets by Rashid. Quentin Sampson and Forde tried to revive the run chase. In the 14th over, Sampson hit Rashid for two sixes. Sharifi returned and got the breakthrough. Sampson went for the slog but got caught behind for a 24-ball 30.
In the last five overs, West Indies needed 80 runs. Motie tried his best to keep up. He hit Noor Ahmad for two consecutive sixes but the required run rate was too high. In the 18th over, Ahmad struck twice to dismiss both Forde and Motie. Forde scored 25 runs from 21 balls whereas Motie contributed with a 15-ball 28. In the final over, Sharifi dismissed Khary Pierre. West Indies managed to post 143/9 and lost the match by 38 runs.
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