Series So Far: Afghanistan’s Dominance Sets the Stage for Thrilling Sequel
Afghanistan vs West Indies 2nd T20I preview kicks off with high stakes as the Blue Tigers look to seal the series after a commanding 38-run victory in the opener. Played on January 19, 2026, at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Afghanistan posted a formidable 181/3, thanks to unbeaten knocks from Ibrahim Zadran (87 off 56) and Darwish Rasooli (84 off 45). Their 162-run partnership for the third wicket turned the game, exploiting a pitch that slowed down later. West Indies, chasing, crumbled to 143/9 under the spin web of Rashid Khan (3/18) and Noor Ahmad (2/20). This win extended Afghanistan’s unbeaten T20I streak to six, showcasing their maturity in subcontinental-like conditions.
For West Indies, the loss highlighted vulnerabilities. Missing stars like Andre Russell and Nicholas Pooran (due to SA20 commitments), their batting faltered against spin, with only Shimron Hetmyer (32) and Evin Lewis (28) showing resistance. The series, part of both teams’ buildup to the 2026 T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka, tests depth. Afghanistan, already naming their World Cup squad with Rashid as captain, aim for confidence. West Indies, yet to finalize theirs, need auditions from youngsters like Shamar Joseph and Amir Jangoo.
Why is this match pivotal? A win for Afghanistan seals the three-match series 2-0, boosting morale. For West Indies, it’s do-or-die to force a decider on January 22. Dubai’s dew-heavy evenings favor chasing, adding tactical intrigue. Fans wonder: Can West Indies’ power hitters rebound, or will Afghanistan’s spinners dominate again? This Afghanistan vs West Indies 2nd T20I preview explores every angle, from venue stats to player form, helping cricket enthusiasts gear up for an edge-of-the-seat encounter.
Afghanistan’s rise in T20 cricket is inspiring. From associates to top-10 regulars, they’ve beaten powerhouses like England and Pakistan in recent World Cups. Their spin arsenal—Rashid, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Noor Ahmad—thrives in UAE, where they’ve played “home” games. West Indies, two-time T20 World Cup champions (2012, 2016), are in transition. Post-2024 World Cup exit, they’re blending youth with experience, but injuries and league absences hurt.
The first game’s narrative: Afghanistan recovered from 19/2 to post 181, with Zadran’s anchor role and Rasooli’s aggression. West Indies’ bowlers, led by Jayden Seales (2/36), started well but leaked runs later. In reply, early wickets derailed them, exposing middle-order fragility. As we delve deeper in this Afghanistan vs West Indies 2nd T20I preview, expect similar conditions, but West Indies might tweak their XI for more spin resistance.
What makes this series unique? Neutral UAE venue levels the field, mimicking World Cup pitches. Both teams eye momentum—Afghanistan for redemption after 2024 semis miss, West Indies to reclaim glory. Stay tuned as we break down match details next.
Match Details and Broadcast Information
The second clash in the Afghanistan v West Indies in UAE 2026 series promises fireworks. Here’s everything you need to know:
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Series | Afghanistan v West Indies in UAE, 2026 (3-match T20I series) |
| Match | 2nd T20I |
| Date | January 21, 2026 |
| Time | 6:30 PM Local (UAE), 2:30 PM GMT, 8:00 PM IST |
| Toss Time | 6:00 PM Local (UAE), 7:30 PM IST |
| Venue | Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai |
| Umpires | Akbar Ali (UAE), Shiju Sam (UAE) |
| Third Umpire | Aasif Iqbal (UAE) |
| Match Referee | Graeme Labrooy (Sri Lanka) |
| Series Status | Afghanistan lead 1-0 |
Broadcast reaches global audiences. In India, stream live on FanCode app/website (subscription needed). No TV broadcast there, but Caribbean fans catch it on Flow Sports. Globally, ICC.tv or regional partners like Willow TV (USA) may air it. For live scores, ESPNcricinfo and Cricbuzz offer ball-by-ball updates.
Tickets? Available via Q-Tickets.com or venue box office. Prices start at AED 50 for general, up to AED 200 for premium. Book early—series draws crowds from UAE’s expat community.
This night game under lights amplifies dew’s role, as explored later. With Afghanistan’s momentum, West Indies face pressure. Next, venue insights.
Dubai International Cricket Stadium – Venue Guide
Dubai International Cricket Stadium, nicknamed “Ring of Fire” for its floodlights, is a modern marvel. Opened in 2009, it seats 25,000 and hosts UAE’s “home” internationals, plus leagues like ILT20 and IPL phases.
| Venue Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| City | Dubai, United Arab Emirates |
| Capacity | 25,000 |
| Ends | Emirates Road End, Dubai Sports City End |
| Hosts To | United Arab Emirates, neutral bilateral series |
| First T20I | Pakistan vs Australia, 2009 |
| Dimensions | Boundary ~65-70m straight, ~60m square |
Atmosphere? Electric during big games, with diverse crowds cheering. Facilities include VIP boxes, fan zones. For players, flat outfield aids fielding; lighting ensures no shadows.
Historical significance: Site of iconic moments like India’s 2022 Asia Cup win over Afghanistan (212/2, highest T20I chase here). UAE’s desert climate influences play—hot days, cooler nights. In this series, all matches at Dubai ensure consistency.
Dubai International Stadium T20I Stats and Records
Dubai favors balanced contests, but data shows chasing edges out. Here’s a tabular breakdown:
| Statistic | T20I Data | Overall T20 Data (incl. leagues) |
|---|---|---|
| Matches Played | 28 | 278 |
| Wins Batting First | 12 (43%) | 120 (43%) |
| Wins Batting Second | 15 (54%) | 152 (55%) |
| Ties/No Result | 1 | 6 |
| Average 1st Innings Score | 144 | 158 |
| Average 2nd Innings Score | 130 | 143 |
| Highest Total | 212/2 (IND vs AFG, 2022) | 236/6 (ILT20 match) |
| Lowest Total | 55 (WI vs ENG, 2021) | 59 (ILT20 low) |
| Highest Chase | 212/2 (IND vs AFG) | 219/2 (ILT20) |
| Best Bowling | 5/14 (Akeal Hosein, WI vs UGA, 2022) | 6/16 (various leagues) |
Key trends: Spinners average 7.5 economy vs pacers’ 8.2. Powerplay scores ~45/1, death overs decisive. In 1st T20I, Afghanistan’s 181/3 was above average, WI’s 143/9 below. Venue suits Afghanistan’s spin-heavy attack. Memorable game: 2019 AFG vs WI series here, Afghanistan won 2-1.
Dubai Pitch Report for AFG vs WI 2nd T20I
Pitch at Dubai starts batsman-friendly—hard, true bounce for seamers in powerplay. By middle overs, it grips, aiding spinners. In 1st T20I, early wickets fell to pace, but spin dominated later.
Expected for Jan 21: Similar balanced surface. Curators prepare fresh strip; expect 160-180 par. Batters thrive if set, but rash shots punished. Afghanistan exploited this with patient building; West Indies rushed.
Historical: In ILT20 2025, averages hovered 155. Spinners took 45% wickets. For this match, dew will make second innings easier—teams target 170+ batting first.
Dew Factor and Its Tactical Impact
Dew in Dubai evenings is game-changer. Forms post-sunset, making ball slippery—bowlers struggle with grip, especially spinners. In 1st T20I, dew aided WI chase early but not enough.
Impact: 60% wins chasing in night T20s here. Teams bowl variations, use cutters. Captains field extra fielder for mishits.
Toss Prediction and Strategic Implications
Toss winner likely bowls first (80% in recent Dubai nights). Dew favors chasing; stats show 55% chase wins. Rashid might chase; King too. Loss of toss? Bat big, defend with spin.
Weather Forecast – Dubai, January 21, 2026
Pleasant winter: Partly cloudy, high 23-25°C, low 16-18°C. Humidity 50-60%, wind 10-20 km/h. Rain chance 0-5%—full game expected. Cooler temps suit pacers early.
From NCM UAE: Light southeasterly winds, no interruptions.
Full Squads – Afghanistan and West Indies
Afghanistan’s squad blends experience, youth:
| Player | Role |
|---|---|
| Rashid Khan (c) | Bowling Allrounder |
| Ibrahim Zadran (vc) | Opening Batter |
| Abdollah Ahmadzai | Bowler |
| Azmatullah Omarzai | Allrounder |
| Darwish Rasooli | Top-order Batter |
| Fazalhaq Farooqi | Bowler |
| Gulbadin Naib | Batting Allrounder |
| Mohammad Ishaq | Wicketkeeper Batter |
| Mohammad Nabi | Allrounder |
| Mujeeb Ur Rahman | Bowler |
| Noor Ahmad | Bowler |
| Rahmanullah Gurbaz | Wicketkeeper Batter |
| Sediqullah Atal | Opening Batter |
| Shahidullah | Batting Allrounder |
| Ziaur Rahman | Bowler |
West Indies’ transitional group:
| Player | Role |
|---|---|
| Brandon King (c) | Top-order Batter |
| Alick Athanaze | Top-order Batter |
| Keacy Carty | Batter |
| Johnson Charles | Wicketkeeper Batter |
| Matthew Forde | Bowler |
| Justin Greaves | Allrounder |
| Shimron Hetmyer | Middle-order Batter |
| Amir Jangoo | Wicketkeeper Batter |
| Shamar Joseph | Bowler |
| Evin Lewis | Opening Batter |
| Gudakesh Motie | Bowler |
| Khary Pierre | Allrounder |
| Quentin Sampson | Batter |
| Jayden Seales | Bowler |
| Ramon Simmonds | Bowler |
| Shamar Springer | Allrounder |
No changes reported post-1st T20I.
Probable Playing XI and Team Combination Analysis
Afghanistan likely unchanged—spin quartet key.
Probable 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
- Fazalhaq Farooqi / Ziaur Rahman
Balance: 5 batters, 4 spinners, 2 pacers. Depth to 8, spin for middle overs.
West Indies may add spin resistance, perhaps drop Sampson for Greaves.
Probable West Indies XI:
- Brandon King (c)
- Evin Lewis
- Johnson Charles (wk)
- Shimron Hetmyer
- Alick Athanaze / Amir Jangoo
- Quentin Sampson / Justin Greaves
- Khary Pierre
- Gudakesh Motie
- Matthew Forde
- Shamar Joseph
- Jayden Seales
Balance: Power top-order, pace focus. Weak vs spin—need Hetmyer to anchor.
Afghanistan’s combo superior in conditions; WI rely on powerplay blasts.
Key Players to Watch – Afghanistan
Rashid Khan: Captain, legspin wizard. In 1st T20I, 3/18. UAE record: 50+ wickets. His googlies dismantle middles. Recent: 13 wickets in 8 T20Is @5.17 econ. World Cup prep starts here.
Ibrahim Zadran: Vice-captain, opener. 87* in opener—highest T20I score. Anchors with 49.29 avg last 9 games. Technique suits slow pitches; partnerships key.
Rahmanullah Gurbaz: Explosive keeper-batter. 278 runs last 9 @148 SR. Powerplay aggressor; if starts, scores big. Recent form dip, but potential match-winner.
Mohammad Nabi: Veteran allrounder. Offspin, finishing. 1/20 in 1st. Experience in UAE invaluable.
Azmatullah Omarzai: Seam allrounder. Pace variations, handy bat. Contributes in phases.
Mujeeb Ur Rahman: Mystery spinner. 13 wickets last 7 @7.16 econ. Early breakthroughs.
Key Players to Watch – West Indies
Brandon King: Captain, opener. Stabilizes top. 28 in 1st; needs big score.
Shimron Hetmyer: Middle-order firepower. 32 in opener. Aggressive vs spin; World Cup spot chase.
Evin Lewis: Opener. 28 in 1st. Powerplay specialist; boundaries flow.
Gudakesh Motie: Left-arm spinner. Economy control; wickets in middle.
Matthew Forde: Pacer. 5 wickets recent @7.21 econ. Variations key.
Jayden Seales: Fast bowler. 7 wickets last 6. Early swing.
AFG vs WI Head-to-Head Record in T20Is
Closely fought:
| Matches | AFG Wins | WI Wins | Ties/NR |
|---|---|---|---|
| 9 | 4 | 5 | 0 |
Last 5:
| Date | Result |
|---|---|
| Jan 19, 2026 | AFG won by 38 runs |
| Jun 18, 2024 | WI won by 104 runs |
| Nov 17, 2019 | AFG won by 29 runs |
| Nov 16, 2019 | AFG won by 41 runs |
| Nov 14, 2019 | WI won by 30 runs |
AFG edge recent; strong in UAE.
For more stats ESPN Cricinfo.
Recent Team Form and Momentum
Afghanistan: WWWWW (last 5). Streak includes Zimbabwe sweep.
West Indies: LLLNR L (last 5). Struggles vs NZ.
AFG momentum high; WI need spark.
Key Individual Battles to Watch
Rashid vs Hetmyer: Spin vs power.
Farooqi vs King: Pace vs technique.
Gurbaz vs Seales: Opener vs new-ball.
These define outcomes.
Tactical Breakdown – Strengths, Weaknesses, and Strategies
SWOT for AFG: Strengths—spin, form; Weaknesses—top-order fragility; Opportunities—seal series; Threats—WI power.
WI: Strengths—batting depth; Weaknesses—spin vulnerability; Opportunities—rebound; Threats—dew.
Strategies: AFG spin middle; WI attack powerplay.
Afghanistan vs West Indies 2nd T20I Match Prediction
Afghanistan favorites (70% win chance). Spin suits pitch; form edge. Predict AFG win by 20-30 runs or 5-7 wickets.
Series implications: AFG confidence boost; WI World Cup rethink.
Don’t miss this clash—cricket at its thrilling best!
FAQs for Afghanistan vs West Indies 2nd T20I Preview
1. When and where is the Afghanistan vs West Indies 2nd T20I 2026 being played? The AFG vs WI 2nd T20I 2026 is scheduled for January 21, 2026, at 6:30 PM local time (8:00 PM IST) at Dubai International Cricket Stadium. Afghanistan lead the three-match UAE T20I series 1-0 after their 38-run win in the opener.
2. What is the series status ahead of the Afghanistan vs West Indies 2nd T20I preview? Afghanistan hold a 1-0 lead in the UAE T20 series 2026. A win in this Dubai T20I preview match would seal the series for Rashid Khan’s side, while West Indies need victory to force a decider on January 22.
3. What does the Dubai International Stadium pitch report suggest for the AFG vs WI 2nd T20I? The Dubai International Stadium pitch report indicates a balanced surface that starts batsman-friendly but slows down, assisting spinners in the middle and death overs. Expect scores around 160–180, with heavy evening dew favoring teams chasing.
4. Who are the probable playing XI for AFG vs WI 2nd T20I 2026? Probable 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, Fazalhaq Farooqi. Probable West Indies XI: Brandon King (c), Evin Lewis, Johnson Charles (wk), Shimron Hetmyer, Alick Athanaze, Justin Greaves/Khary Pierre, Gudakesh Motie, Matthew Forde, Shamar Joseph, Jayden Seales.
5. Which players to watch in the Afghanistan vs West Indies 2nd T20I preview? Afghanistan vs West Indies 2nd T20I Key players to watch AFG vs WI include Rashid Khan (spin wizard, 3/18 in 1st T20I), Ibrahim Zadran (87* in opener), Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Shimron Hetmyer (middle-order firepower), Evin Lewis, and Gudakesh Motie.
6. What is the AFG vs WI head-to-head record in T20Is? Afghanistan vs West Indies 2nd T20I In 9 T20I encounters, West Indies lead 5–4. However, Afghanistan have won 3 of the last 5, including the series opener on January 19, 2026, by 38 runs.
7. Where can I watch the live streaming of AFG vs WI 2nd T20I 2026? Afghanistan vs West Indies 2nd T20I In India, the match streams exclusively on FanCode (subscription required). Global viewers can check ICC.tv, Flow Sports (Caribbean), or Willow TV (USA). Live scores available on ESPNcricinfo and Cricbuzz.
8. How does dew factor impact the Dubai T20I preview for Afghanistan vs West Indies? Afghanistan vs West Indies 2nd T20I Heavy evening dew at Dubai makes the ball slippery, reducing spin effectiveness and favoring chasing teams. Historical data shows ~60% success rate for teams batting second in night games at this venue.
9. What is the weather forecast for the Afghanistan vs West Indies 2nd T20I on January 21, 2026? Afghanistan vs West Indies 2nd T20I Pleasant conditions expected: 23–25°C, 50–60% humidity, light winds, and 0–5% chance of rain. No interruptions anticipated, with cooler temperatures aiding pacers early.
10. Who is favored to win in this Afghanistan vs West Indies 2nd T20I preview and prediction? Afghanistan vs West Indies 2nd T20I Afghanistan are strong favorites (70% likelihood) due to superior spin attack, current form, and pitch suitability. Expected outcome: Afghanistan win by 20–30 runs or 5–7 wickets if chasing.