Afghanistan vs West Indies 1st T20I 2026 turned out to be a thrilling showcase of spin bowling mastery and resilient batting. In a match that had cricket fans on the edge of their seats, Afghanistan delivered a commanding performance to defeat West Indies by 38 runs at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. This victory not only gave Afghanistan a 1-0 lead in the three-match series but also sent a strong message ahead of the T20 World Cup 2026 in India. Ibrahim Zadran’s unbeaten 87 and Darwish Rasooli’s explosive 84 formed the backbone of Afghanistan’s innings, while their spinners choked West Indies’ chase.
This game was more than just a series opener. It highlighted Afghanistan’s growing prowess in T20 cricket, especially on pitches that assist spin. West Indies, missing some key players, struggled against the turning ball, exposing vulnerabilities they’ll need to address quickly. As we dive deeper into this match, we’ll break down every key moment, from the toss to the final ball.
For cricket enthusiasts following niche updates on IPL Star, this report brings you all the details sourced from reliable online resources like ESPNcricinfo and Cricbuzz. Let’s explore how Afghanistan turned early trouble into a dominant win.
This structure ensures you get a comprehensive view. Whether you’re a die-hard Afghanistan fan or a West Indies supporter analyzing what went wrong, there’s something here for everyone.
Match Preview, Toss and Pitch Report
The buildup to Afghanistan vs West Indies 1st T20I 2026 was electric. This series, hosted in the UAE, served as crucial preparation for both teams ahead of the T20 World Cup 2026 in India. Afghanistan came in with momentum, having whitewashed Zimbabwe 3-0 in a recent T20I series. Their spin attack, led by Rashid Khan, was expected to thrive on subcontinent-like conditions.
West Indies, on the other hand, arrived with an inexperienced squad. Several senior players were rested or unavailable, putting pressure on stand-ins like debutant Quentin Sampson. The Windies had shown flashes of brilliance in recent outings but struggled against quality spin, a weakness exposed in past tours.
The match was set at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, a venue known for its balanced pitches but with a tendency to slow down as the game progresses. Historical data shows an average first-innings score of around 160 in T20Is here, with spinners claiming over 40% of wickets in recent games.
According to ESPNcricinfo, teams batting first have won 55% of matches at this ground.
Rashid Khan won the toss for Afghanistan and elected to bat first. “With our bowling unit, runs on the board give us the best chance,” he said post-toss. This decision aligned with Afghanistan’s strategy to post a total and let their spinners defend it. West Indies captain Brandon King would have preferred to chase, but he remained optimistic about his team’s adaptability.
The pitch report confirmed expectations: a dry surface with grip for slower bowlers. Early moisture might help seamers, but as the dew set in during the second innings, batting second could have advantages. However, Afghanistan’s confidence in their spinners tipped the scales.
Team line-ups were as follows:
Afghanistan XI: Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk), Ibrahim Zadran, Sediqullah Atal, Darwish Rasooli, Mohammad Nabi, Azmatullah Omarzai, Gulbadin Naib, Rashid Khan (c), Noor Ahmad, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Ziaur Rahman Sharifi.
West Indies XI: Brandon King (c), Evin Lewis, Johnson Charles (wk), Amir Jangoo, Shimron Hetmyer, Quentin Sampson, Matthew Forde, Gudakesh Motie, Khary Pierre, Shamar Joseph, Jayden Seales.
No major surprises, though Ziaur Rahman Sharifi’s inclusion marked his T20I comeback after seven years. Could West Indies’ inexperience cost them against Afghanistan’s spin web? The stage was set for an intriguing battle.
Afghanistan Innings: Early Scare and the Zadran-Rasooli Rescue Act
Afghanistan’s innings started on a disastrous note in the Afghanistan vs West Indies 1st T20I 2026. The very first ball saw Rahmanullah Gurbaz run out for a duck after a sharp direct hit from Gudakesh Motie at the non-striker’s end. Gurbaz, known for his explosive starts, was caught short while backing up too far.
Things worsened quickly. Sediqullah Atal, promoted up the order, edged a short ball from Jayden Seales straight to Brandon King at first slip. King pulled off a stunning one-handed catch, leaving Afghanistan reeling at 19/2 in the third over. The early wickets put immense pressure on the middle order.
Enter Ibrahim Zadran and Darwish Rasooli. The duo began cautiously, respecting the new-ball movement from Seales and Matthew Forde. Zadran focused on straight-bat shots, driving anything full through the covers. Rasooli, more aggressive, used cross-batted strokes to rotate the strike.
By the end of the Powerplay (overs 0.1-6), Afghanistan had recovered to 51/2. It wasn’t explosive, but it was steady. Zadran had 23 off 15, showing composure. Rasooli contributed 24, including a boundary off Khary Pierre.
The rebuild continued into the middle overs. In over 7, Zadran flicked Shamar Joseph for four, signaling intent. Rasooli pulled Forde for a six, easing the pressure. They reached 50 runs for the third wicket in 34 balls, a mix of singles and boundaries.
At drinks (10 overs), Afghanistan were 81/2. Zadran was on 42, Rasooli on 34. The partnership had stabilized the innings, but acceleration was needed. Post-drinks, Zadran reached his fifty off 37 balls with a straight six off Pierre – his fourth consecutive T20I half-century.
The pair exploited loose balls. In over 12, Rasooli swept Motie for four, taking Afghanistan past 100. Their chemistry was evident: Zadran anchored, Rasooli attacked. This phase turned the game, setting up a strong finish.
Key moments in the first 10 overs:
- Over 0.1: Gurbaz run out – a nightmare start.
- Over 2.2: Atal caught – West Indies on top.
- Over 5.4: Afghanistan reach 50 – first milestone.
- Over 10: Drinks – solid recovery.
This early scare tested Afghanistan’s depth, but Zadran and Rasooli’s resilience proved crucial.
The 162-Run Stand: How Zadran and Rasooli Powered Afghanistan to 181
The middle overs belonged to Ibrahim Zadran and Darwish Rasooli in Afghanistan vs West Indies 1st T20I 2026. From 19/2, they forged a record-breaking 162-run third-wicket partnership off 106 balls – Afghanistan’s highest for any wicket in T20Is against West Indies.
Zadran’s innings was a masterclass in controlled aggression. He scored 87* off 56 balls, with 8 fours and 3 sixes, at a strike rate of 155.36. His straight drives were textbook, punishing anything on the stumps. Rasooli complemented him perfectly, scoring 84 off 59 (8 fours, 2 sixes) at 142.37. Rasooli favored the leg side, smashing Pierre for 4-6-4 in the 15th over.
The stand accelerated after drinks. Afghanistan reached 100 in 12.3 overs, with Rasooli hitting his fifty off 36 balls. They added 50 in 34 balls, 100 in 74, and 150 in 101 – relentless scoring.
Death overs (17-20) saw carnage. In over 18, Motie dropped Rasooli at long-on off Seales. Lewis then shelled Zadran at deep midwicket. Over 19 brought another drop: Hetmyer at long-off off Joseph. These fielding errors cost West Indies 30-40 runs.
Rasooli holed out on the last ball to Forde, but the damage was done. Afghanistan posted 181/3 – 20 more than targeted, as Zadran revealed later.
| Afghanistan Batting Scorecard | Dismissal | Runs | Balls | 4s | 6s | SR |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk) | run out (Motie) | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0.00 |
| Ibrahim Zadran | not out | 87 | 56 | 8 | 3 | 155.36 |
| Sediqullah Atal | c King b Seales | 2 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 50.00 |
| Darwish Rasooli | c Hetmyer b Forde | 84 | 59 | 8 | 2 | 142.37 |
| Extras | (w 8) | 8 | – | – | – | – |
| Total | 181/3 (20 overs) | – | – | – | – | 9.05 RR |
Fall of Wickets: 0/1 (0.1), 19/2 (2.2), 181/3 (19.6).
This partnership wasn’t just about runs; it was about momentum. Zadran and Rasooli backed their natural games, as Rasooli said: “The plan was to take it deep and play shots later.”
Their stand turned a shaky start into a formidable total.
West Indies Bowling: Expensive and Error-Prone
West Indies’ bowling in Afghanistan vs West Indies 1st T20I 2026 was a mix of promise and pitfalls. They started strong but faltered in the middle and death, leaking runs due to poor lines and fielding lapses.
Jayden Seales was the pick, with 1-30 in 4 overs (econ 7.50). He dismissed Atal early and used cutters effectively. Matthew Forde took 1-51 (econ 12.80), expensive but got Rasooli on the last ball.
Khary Pierre went for 0-42 (econ 10.50), hammered by Rasooli. Shamar Joseph was wicketless at 0-40 (econ 10.00). Gudakesh Motie was economical with 0-18 (econ 4.50), but his drop in over 18 hurt.
The fielding was sloppy. Three drops in overs 18-19 – Motie, Lewis, Hetmyer – allowed Zadran and Rasooli to add extras. As per Cricbuzz analysis, these errors inflated Afghanistan’s total by at least 25 runs.
| West Indies Bowling Figures | Overs | Maidens | Runs | Wickets | Economy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jayden Seales | 4 | 0 | 30 | 1 | 7.50 |
| Matthew Forde | 4 | 0 | 51 | 1 | 12.80 |
| Khary Pierre | 4 | 0 | 42 | 0 | 10.50 |
| Shamar Joseph | 4 | 0 | 40 | 0 | 10.00 |
| Gudakesh Motie | 4 | 0 | 18 | 0 | 4.50 |
West Indies needed consistency. Their bowlers showed glimpses but couldn’t sustain pressure, leading to a chase that proved too steep.
West Indies Chase: Powerplay Struggles
West Indies’ chase in Afghanistan vs West Indies 1st T20I 2026 began promisingly but unraveled in the Powerplay. Chasing 182, they needed a solid start, but Afghanistan’s bowlers had other plans.
Mujeeb Ur Rahman struck in his first over, bowling Brandon King through the gate for 4. The ball spun sharply, signaling trouble on the grippy pitch. Evin Lewis followed, caught by Rasooli off Ziaur Rahman Sharifi for 4.
Johnson Charles provided resistance with 27 off 16 (3 fours, 2 sixes). He smashed Ziaur for 16 in four balls, but Mujeeb trapped him lbw soon after. At the end of Powerplay (45/3), West Indies were in disarray.
Over-by-over highlights:
- Over 0.4: King bowled – early blow.
- Over 4.5: Lewis caught – pressure mounts.
- Over 5.2: Charles lbw – review lost.
The spinners’ accuracy left batters guessing. Amir Jangoo (3) and Shimron Hetmyer (3) fell cheaply to Rashid, compounding woes. By drinks (57/5), the chase was slipping away.
This Powerplay collapse – from 38/1 to 45/3 – set a negative tone. Afghanistan’s bowlers exploited the surface perfectly.
Rashid Khan’s Masterclass and the Final Collapse
The middle overs sealed West Indies’ fate in Afghanistan vs West Indies 1st T20I 2026. Rashid Khan’s spell of 4-0-19-2 was the highlight, with 15 dot balls. He dismissed Hetmyer (caught slog-sweeping) and Jangoo (lbw to a skiddy delivery).
Noor Ahmad chipped in with 2-34, bowling Forde and Motie. Ziaur Rahman Sharifi returned for 3-36, removing Sampson (30), Pierre, and Lewis earlier. Sampson’s debut knock included two sixes off Rashid, a bright spot for West Indies.
Late cameos from Forde (25) and Motie (28) added 37, but it was too late. West Indies finished at 143/9, 38 short.
| West Indies Batting Scorecard | Dismissal | Runs | Balls | 4s | 6s | SR |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brandon King (c) | b Mujeeb | 4 | 4 | 1 | 0 | 100.00 |
| Evin Lewis | c Rasooli b Ziaur | 4 | 11 | 0 | 0 | 36.36 |
| Johnson Charles (wk) | lbw b Mujeeb | 27 | 16 | 3 | 2 | 168.75 |
| Amir Jangoo | lbw b Rashid | 3 | 9 | 0 | 0 | 33.33 |
| Shimron Hetmyer | c Rasooli b Rashid | 3 | 7 | 0 | 0 | 42.86 |
| Quentin Sampson | c Gurbaz b Ziaur | 30 | 24 | 2 | 2 | 125.00 |
| Matthew Forde | c Rasooli b Noor | 25 | 21 | 2 | 1 | 119.05 |
| Gudakesh Motie | b Noor | 28 | 15 | 2 | 2 | 186.67 |
| Khary Pierre | lbw b Ziaur | 3 | 6 | 0 | 0 | 50.00 |
| Shamar Joseph | not out | 4 | 5 | 0 | 0 | 80.00 |
| Jayden Seales | not out | 3 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 150.00 |
| Extras | (lb 2, w 7) | 9 | – | – | – | – |
| Total | 143/9 (20 overs) | – | – | – | – | 7.15 RR |
Fall of Wickets: 5/1, 38/2, 42/3, 47/4, 50/5, 95/6, 132/7, 133/8, 140/9.
| Afghanistan Bowling Figures | Overs | Maidens | Runs | Wickets | Economy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mujeeb Ur Rahman | 4 | 0 | 29 | 2 | 7.25 |
| Azmatullah Omarzai | 3 | 0 | 12 | 0 | 4.00 |
| Ziaur Rahman Sharifi | 4 | 0 | 36 | 3 | 9.00 |
| Rashid Khan (c) | 4 | 0 | 19 | 2 | 4.75 |
| Mohammad Nabi | 1 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 2.00 |
| Noor Ahmad | 3 | 0 | 34 | 2 | 11.33 |
| Gulbadin Naib | 1 | 0 | 9 | 0 | 9.00 |
Rashid’s variations were unplayable.
As Hindustan Times noted, his quick trajectory prevented big hits.
Player Performances and Statistical Deep Dive
Darwish Rasooli earned Player of the Match for his 84, but several stars shone in Afghanistan vs West Indies 1st T20I 2026.
Zadran’s 87* was his career-best, marking consistency. Rasooli’s knock was industrious, with 63% runs from boundaries. Rashid’s 2-19 included 15 dots – economy under 5.
Stats breakdown:
| Phase | Afghanistan Runs/Wkts | West Indies Runs/Wkts |
|---|---|---|
| Powerplay (1-6) | 51/2 | 45/3 |
| Middle Overs (7-15) | 86/0 | 65/3 |
| Death Overs (16-20) | 44/1 | 33/3 |
Boundaries: Afghanistan 16 fours, 5 sixes (94 boundary runs); West Indies 10 fours, 7 sixes (82).
Dot balls: Afghanistan 28%; West Indies 50% – spin dominance clear.
Historical note: This was Afghanistan’s fourth straight T20I win, per Sportskeeda. Zadran’s four consecutive fifties is a national record.
Post-Match Reactions: What the Captains and POTM Said
Post-match, reactions highlighted Afghanistan’s edge.
Darwish Rasooli (POTM): “The plan was simple – take it deep with Ibrahim and play our shots later. I backed myself for big shots.”
Rashid Khan: “Runs on the board let our spinners do their best. We’re proud and ready for the World Cup.”
Brandon King: “Disappointing, but glimpses of good cricket. We need to improve against spin for the subcontinent.”
These quotes, from ESPNcricinfo, show Afghanistan’s confidence and West Indies’ introspection.
Series Outlook and T20 World Cup Implications
Afghanistan’s win in Afghanistan vs West Indies 1st T20I 2026 gives them momentum for the series. With two games left in Dubai, they can seal it early. Their spin suits Indian World Cup pitches.
West Indies must fix spin issues. Missing stars hurt, but Sampson’s debut offers hope. As Business Standard analyzed, this series is vital prep.
Broader: Afghanistan’s rise (wins vs Pakistan, Zimbabwe) makes them contenders. West Indies need urgency.
Conclusion: Afghanistan Send Strong World Cup Message
Afghanistan vs West Indies 1st T20I 2026 was a statement win. From 19/2 to 181/3, then restricting West Indies to 143/9 – pure dominance. Key takeaways: Spin rules, partnerships win games, fielding matters.
For IPL Star readers, this recap captures the excitement. Share your thoughts in comments – who impressed you most? Follow for second T20I updates. ESPNcricinfo Scorecard.
FAQs: Afghanistan vs West Indies 1st T20I 2026
1. Who won Afghanistan vs West Indies 1st T20I 2026?
Afghanistan won the Afghanistan vs West Indies 1st T20I 2026 by 38 runs. They posted 181/3, powered by an unbeaten 87 from Ibrahim Zadran and 84 from Darwish Rasooli, before restricting West Indies to 143/9 at Dubai International Cricket Stadium.
2. What was the final score in AFG vs WI 1st T20I 2026?
Afghanistan scored 181/3 in 20 overs. West Indies were bowled out for 143/9 in reply, handing Afghanistan a commanding 38-run victory and a 1-0 series lead.
3. Who was Player of the Match in Afghanistan vs West Indies 1st T20I 2026?
Darwish Rasooli was named Player of the Match for his explosive 84 off 59 balls (8 fours, 2 sixes). His 162-run third-wicket partnership with Ibrahim Zadran rescued Afghanistan from 19/2 and set up the total.
4. How did Ibrahim Zadran and Darwish Rasooli perform in the 1st T20I 2026?
Ibrahim Zadran scored an unbeaten 87 off 56 balls (8 fours, 3 sixes), his fourth consecutive T20I fifty. Darwish Rasooli made 84 off 59. Their 162-run stand – Afghanistan’s highest partnership against West Indies in T20Is – turned the innings around.
5. What were Rashid Khan’s bowling figures in Afghanistan vs West Indies 1st T20I 2026?
Rashid Khan delivered a masterful 4-0-19-2, including 15 dot balls. He dismissed Shimron Hetmyer and Amir Jangoo, maintaining an economy of 4.75 on a spin-friendly Dubai pitch.
6. Why did Afghanistan elect to bat first after winning the toss in AFG vs WI 1st T20I 2026?
Captain Rashid Khan chose to bat first to post a total and let Afghanistan’s world-class spinners defend on a slow, grippy Dubai surface. The strategy worked perfectly as spin dominated the West Indies chase.
7. What was the key partnership in Afghanistan vs West Indies 1st T20I 2026?
Afghanistan vs West Indies 1st T20I 2026 The 162-run third-wicket partnership between Ibrahim Zadran (87*) and Darwish Rasooli (84) off 106 balls was the match-defining stand. It lifted Afghanistan from an early 19/2 collapse to a competitive 181/3.
8. How did West Indies fare in the Powerplay during their chase?
Afghanistan vs West Indies 1st T20I 2026 West Indies struggled badly, slumping to 45/3 in the Powerplay. Mujeeb Ur Rahman took 2 early wickets (Brandon King and Johnson Charles), while Ziaur Rahman Sharifi removed Evin Lewis, exposing their vulnerability to spin.
9. Where was Afghanistan vs West Indies 1st T20I 2026 played?
Afghanistan vs West Indies 1st T20I 2026 The match was played at Dubai International Cricket Stadium, UAE. The dry, spin-assisting pitch played a major role in Afghanistan’s dominance.
10. What are the T20 World Cup 2026 implications of Afghanistan’s win over West Indies?
Afghanistan vs West Indies 1st T20I 2026 Afghanistan’s clinical performance on spin-friendly conditions signals strong preparation for the 2026 T20 World Cup in India. West Indies’ struggles against spin highlight areas they must address before the tournament.
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