Afghanistan vs West Indies, 1st T20I – January 19, 2026, Dubai International Cricket Stadium.
Afghanistan vs West Indies, 1st T20I — 19 January 2026, Dubai International Cricket Stadium.
Afghanistan Innings: A Masterclass in Stability and Aggression
Afghanistan started cautiously but lost early wickets after winning the toss and opting to bat first. Rahmanullah Gurbaz was run out for a first-ball duck, beaten by a sharp direct hit at the non-striker's end, and Sediqullah Atal fell cheaply soon after, punching a short delivery straight to Brandon King at first slip. This brought Ibrahim Zadran and Darwish Rasooli together with the score reading just 19 for 2.
The duo then forged a monumental 162-run partnership for the third wicket — a record stand for Afghanistan in T20 Internationals — turning the innings around completely. Zadran, the vice-captain and consistently reliable top-order batter, remained unbeaten on 87 off 56 balls (including 8 fours and 3 sixes), striking at 155.36. It was his fourth consecutive T20I half-century, built largely on a straight bat against anything full and on the stumps, with the odd calculated big hit mixed in.
Rasooli matched him stroke for stroke, favouring cross-batted strokes to keep the scoreboard moving, and finished on 84 off 59 balls (8 fours, 2 sixes) at a strike rate of 142.37. His innings featured powerful pulls and lofts, particularly against the spin of Khary Pierre, and he later added three sharp catches in the field to cap off an outstanding all-round display. This partnership not only set up a competitive total but also rewrote the record books for Afghanistan's middle-order consistency and impact.
Extras contributed around 8 runs, mostly in wides, and the innings closed at an imposing 181 for 3. West Indies' bowlers, led by Jayden Seales (1-30 off four overs) and Matthew Forde (1-51 off four overs), leaked runs throughout, with Gudakesh Motie the most economical of the attack, conceding just 18 from his four overs — though by the time he was introduced, the damage had largely already been done.
West Indies Innings: Spin Woes and Collapse
Chasing a stiff target of 182, West Indies' innings started poorly as they lost quick wickets inside the powerplay, slipping to 45 for 3 early on as Afghanistan's spinners, Mujeeb Ur Rahman and Ziaur Rahman Sharifi, made early inroads.
Quentin Sampson top-scored with a lively 30 off 24 balls on T20I debut, including a memorable over in which he struck consecutive sixes, while Gudakesh Motie chipped in with a brisk 28 off 15 further down the order. However, Afghanistan's spin attack largely dominated proceedings: Ziaur Rahman Sharifi finished with 3 for 36 from his four overs, Rashid Khan claimed 2 for 19, and Noor Ahmad shared in a combined haul of six wickets alongside Mujeeb Ur Rahman and Rashid, with Mujeeb's mystery spin adding constant pressure throughout the middle overs.
The middle order collapsed under this sustained pressure, with sharp catching from Rasooli in the deep proving crucial to breaking key partnerships. West Indies ultimately finished at 143 for 9, falling 38 runs short of Afghanistan's total in a comprehensive and well-controlled Afghan victory.
Key Performances and Awards
Player of the Match: Darwish Rasooli (84 off 59 & 3 catches) — his all-round contribution with both bat and ball in hand proved match-defining.
Cricinfo's MVP: Ibrahim Zadran (108.92 points) — recognised for his unbeaten 87 and overall impact on the contest.
The 162-run stand between Zadran and Rasooli stands as the highest third-wicket partnership for Afghanistan in T20 Internationals.
Afghanistan's spinners claimed six wickets between them, underlining their edge on a surface that assisted slower bowlers throughout.
Head-to-Head Context
Prior to this match, West Indies held a narrow 5-3 lead in the overall T20I head-to-head between the two sides. This victory helped level the playing field and gave Afghanistan a timely confidence boost just weeks ahead of the T20 World Cup.
Implications for the Series
Afghanistan's win set up an intriguing series, with West Indies needing to find quick answers to Afghanistan's spin threat in the remaining two fixtures. As it turned out, this opening victory proved decisive: Afghanistan went on to claim the three-match series 2-1, with Darwish Rasooli's outstanding form throughout continuing to see him named Player of the Series. The contest served as crucial preparation for both sides ahead of the 2026 T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka.
Afghanistan's continued rise, driven by talents like Zadran, Rasooli and captain Rashid Khan, continues to inspire, while West Indies were left to regroup and address their vulnerabilities against high-quality spin bowling before the global tournament got underway.
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In a thrilling display of skill and resilience, Afghanistan claimed a commanding victory, setting the tone for an exciting series in Dubai.Afghanistan Innings: A Masterclass in Stability and Aggression.
Afghanistan started cautiously but lost early wickets.
Rahmanullah Gurbaz was run out for a duck on the first ball, and Sediqullah Atal fell cheaply for 2. This brought Ibrahim Zadran and Darwish Rasooli together at 4/2.
The duo forged a monumental 162-run partnership for the third wicket – a record for Afghanistan in T20Is – turning the innings around. Zadran, the vice-captain and consistent top-order batter, remained unbeaten on 87 off 56 balls (8 fours, 3 sixes), striking at 155.36. His knock was a blend of elegant drives and calculated big hits.
Rasooli matched him stroke for stroke, scoring 84 off 59 balls (8 fours, 2 sixes), striking at 142.37. His innings included powerful pulls and lofts, and he also took 3 catches in the field later. This partnership not only set up a competitive total but also broke records for consistency and impact.
Extras contributed 8 (mostly wides), and the innings ended at 181/3. West Indies' bowlers, led by Jayden Seales (1/30 in 4 overs) and Matthew Forde (1/51 in 4 overs), leaked runs as the spinners were absent or ineffective.
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West Indies Innings: Spin Woes and Collapse
West Indies' chase started poorly, losing quick wickets in the powerplay. They reached 45/3 early, with spinners like Mujeeb Ur Rahman and Ziaur Rahman Sharifi striking.
Quentin Sampson top-scored with 30 off 24, while Gudakesh Motie contributed a quick 28 off 15. However, Afghanistan's spinners dominated: Ziaur Rahman Sharifi (3/36 in 4 overs), Rashid Khan (2/19 in 4 overs), and Noor Ahmad shared six wickets. Mujeeb added pressure with his mystery spin.
The middle order collapsed, with catches from Rasooli proving crucial (he took three in the deep). West Indies finished at 143/9, well short of the target.
Key Performances and AwardsPlayer of the Match: Darwish Rasooli (84 off 59 & 3 catches) – His all-round contribution was match-defining.
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Cricinfo's MVP: Ibrahim Zadran (108.92 points) – For his unbeaten 87 and impact.
The 162-run stand between Zadran and Rasooli was the highest third-wicket partnership for Afghanistan in T20Is.
Afghanistan's spinners claimed 6 wickets, highlighting their edge on turning tracks.
Head-to-Head Context
Prior to this match, West Indies led the T20I head-to-head 5-3 (including a big win in the 2024 T20 World Cup). This victory leveled the playing field and boosted Afghanistan's confidence.
Implications for the Series
Afghanistan's win sets up an intriguing second T20I, with West Indies needing to counter the spin threat. The series is crucial preparation for both teams ahead of the 2026 T20 World Cup.
Afghanistan's rise, driven by talents like Zadran, Rasooli, and Rashid Khan, continues to inspire, while West Indies must regroup.
In a thrilling display of skill and resilience, Afghanistan claimed a commanding victory, setting the tone for an exciting series in Dubai.Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1. Who won the 1st T20I between Afghanistan and West Indies? Afghanistan won by 38 runs, posting 181 for 3 before restricting West Indies to 143 for 9 at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium.
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Q2. Who was named Player of the Match? Darwish Rasooli was named Player of the Match for his 84 off 59 balls, plus three catches in the field.
Q3. What made the Zadran-Rasooli partnership so significant? Their 162-run stand for the third wicket is the highest third-wicket partnership for Afghanistan in T20I history, rescuing the innings after two early wickets.
Q4. Who were the standout bowlers for Afghanistan? Ziaur Rahman Sharifi (3-36) was the pick of the bowlers, with Rashid Khan (2-19), Mujeeb Ur Rahman and Noor Ahmad also among the wickets as Afghanistan's spinners dominated.
Q5. What was the outcome of the full series? Afghanistan went on to win the three-match T20I series 2-1, with Darwish Rasooli named Player of the Series for his consistent all-round performances.
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