Afghanistan vs West Indies 3rd T20I 2026 is set to be a thrilling showdown at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. With Afghanistan already leading 2-0 after dominant wins in the first two games, Rashid Khan’s side is on the brink of a historic clean sweep. West Indies, under Brandon King, are desperate to avoid a whitewash and salvage some pride ahead of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026. This match isn’t just about the result—it’s about momentum, individual brilliance, and how these teams adapt to UAE conditions.
Imagine the electric atmosphere in Dubai as Afghanistan’s spin wizards like Rashid Khan and Mujeeb Ur Rahman weave their magic against West Indies’ power-hitters. Will Evin Lewis or Shimron Hetmyer finally fire for the visitors? Or will Ibrahim Zadran and Darwish Rasooli continue their batting masterclass? Afghanistan’s rise in T20 cricket has been nothing short of inspiring, turning from underdogs to favorites in series like this. Their clinical performances in the first two matches—winning by 38 runs and then 39 runs—show a team in peak form, blending aggressive batting with world-class spin.
West Indies, once T20 kings, are in a rebuild phase. Losses to New Zealand recently highlight their struggles, but with talents like Shamar Joseph and Gudakesh Motie, they have the tools to bounce back. This decider could define their confidence moving forward. As a cricket fan, aren’t you excited to see if Afghanistan can make it 3-0? Let’s break it down step by step, from match basics to deep dives into stats and strategies.
This preview draws from reliable sources like ESPNcricinfo, Cricbuzz, and recent match reports to give you the most accurate insights. Whether you’re a die-hard Afghan supporter or rooting for a Windies comeback, this guide has everything you need.
AFG vs WI 3rd T20I 2026: Match Details and Schedule
The Afghanistan vs West Indies 3rd T20I 2026 kicks off today, January 22, 2026, at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. This is the final game of the three-match T20I series, part of West Indies’ tour of UAE. Afghanistan have already clinched the series with convincing victories: 143/9 chased down West Indies’ target in the first, and 189/4 leading to a 39-run win in the second.
- Date: January 22, 2026
- Time: 6:30 PM Local (UAE), 2:30 PM GMT, 8:00 PM IST
- Venue: Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai, UAE
- Series Status: Afghanistan lead 2-0
- Toss Time: 6:00 PM Local (expected, based on previous games)
For Indian viewers, live streaming is available on FanCode (subscription-based). No TV broadcast in India, but global options include Willow TV in the USA/Caribbean and Sky Sports in the UK. Tickets can be purchased via Q-Tickets, the official partner, with prices starting from AED 20 for general admission. The stadium’s 25,000 capacity often fills up for high-stakes games like this.
Why does this match matter? For Afghanistan, a 3-0 win boosts their T20I rankings and confidence before the 2026 T20 World Cup. West Indies need a win to test their young squad and avoid morale dips. Which side are you backing in this crucial decider? (Image: Aerial view of Dubai International Cricket Stadium during a night match – perfect for visualizing the “Ring of Fire” lights.)
This series was announced by the Afghanistan Cricket Board in November 2025, highlighting their growing bilateral ties with West Indies. It’s a neutral venue setup, but Afghanistan treat UAE as home turf, having played numerous “home” series here.
Dubai International Cricket Stadium: Complete Venue Guide and T20I Records
The Dubai International Cricket Stadium, nicknamed the “Ring of Fire” for its circular floodlights, is a modern marvel in UAE cricket. Opened in 2009, it hosts the UAE national team and events like the ILT20 league. With a capacity of 25,000, it features ends named Emirates Road End and Dubai Sports City End. The stadium’s design ensures excellent viewing from all angles, and its lights make night games spectacular.
This venue has seen iconic moments, from India’s 212/2 against Afghanistan in 2024 to West Indies’ lowest T20I total of 55 against England in 2021. It’s batsman-friendly early but assists spinners later, suiting Afghanistan perfectly.
Here’s a comprehensive look at T20I stats at Dubai (updated to early 2026):
| Statistic | Value |
|---|---|
| Matches Played | 106 |
| Matches Won Batting First | 45 |
| Matches Won Batting Second | 59 |
| Ties/No Results | 2 |
| Highest Team Total | 212/2 (India vs Afghanistan, 2024) |
| Lowest Team Total | 55/10 (West Indies vs England, 2021) |
| Highest Individual Score | 132* (KL Rahul, IPL 2020 – note: includes T20s) |
| Best Bowling Figures | 5/4 (Ravi Bishnoi, vs Zimbabwe, 2022) |
| Average 1st Innings Score | 141 |
| Average 2nd Innings Score | 124 |
| Highest Successful Chase | 184/8 (Sri Lanka vs Bangladesh, 2022) |
From recent ILT20 2025-26 games, scores have trended higher, with averages around 166 in 2025. Chasing teams win 55% of matches due to dew. Afghanistan’s recent win here (189/4) shows high scores are possible.
Notable past matches: In the 2024 T20 World Cup warm-up, Afghanistan beat West Indies by 56 runs. The venue favors disciplined bowling, as seen in Desert Vipers’ 46-run win over MI Emirates in ILT20 2026.
What makes Dubai special? Its flat pitches encourage big hits, but the large outfield (average boundary 70m) rewards running. For this game, expect spinners to dominate middle overs. Have you attended a match here? The vibe is unmatched! (Image: Rashid Khan celebrating a wicket at Dubai – epitomizing Afghanistan’s spin strength.)
Dubai Pitch Report 2026: Surface Analysis, Dew Factor, and Toss Impact
The Dubai pitch for Afghanistan vs West Indies 3rd T20I 2026 is expected to be batsman-friendly with good bounce initially. Based on the first two games, it starts true but grips for spinners as the match progresses. In the second T20I, Afghanistan posted 189/4, with pacers struggling later due to dew.
Key characteristics:
- Bounce and Pace: Good carry for openers, favoring stroke-makers like Rahmanullah Gurbaz.
- Spin Assistance: Middle overs see turn, ideal for Rashid (economy 4.93) and Mujeeb (6.91).
- Dew Factor: Significant in January evenings. Humidity rises, making the ball slippery—chasing sides have won 59 of 106 T20Is here. Dew could neutralize West Indies’ pacers like Jayden Seales.
- Average Scores: 1st innings ~170 (recent trend); powerplay 40-50, death overs high-scoring.
Toss Prediction: Captains almost always bowl first. Rashid Khan likely fields if he wins; dew gives chasers a 55% edge. Favorable for: Spinners in first innings, power-hitters in second.
If West Indies bat first, aim for 160+; Afghanistan chasing? Comfortable. Conditions suit AFG’s balanced attack.
Dubai Weather Forecast for AFG vs WI 3rd T20I – January 22, 2026
Weather plays a big role in UAE cricket. For January 22, 2026, expect fair to partly cloudy skies with no rain. Temperatures: High 21°C during day, dropping to 17°C by match start (6:30 PM local), low 13°C later.
- Humidity: 38-60%, enhancing dew.
- Wind: 22 km/h northwesterly, could aid swing early.
- Chance of Rain: 0%.
- Impact: Dew will make second innings easier for batters, harder for bowlers—key reason for bowling first.
Historical January patterns: Cool, dry, with occasional mist. Full 40 overs expected. Stay tuned for updates from NCM UAE.
Afghanistan and West Indies Squads: Full List and Team Strengths
Afghanistan’s squad blends experience with youth, led by Rashid Khan. Their spin depth is unmatched: Rashid, Mujeeb, Noor, Nabi. Batting relies on openers like Gurbaz and Zadran, with all-rounders adding balance.
Afghanistan Squad:
| 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 (wk) | Wicketkeeper Batter |
| Mohammad Nabi | Allrounder |
| Mujeeb Ur Rahman | Bowler |
| Noor Ahmad | Bowler |
| Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk) | Wicketkeeper Batter |
| Sediqullah Atal | Opening Batter |
| Shahidullah | Batting Allrounder |
| Ziaur Rahman | Bowler |
Strengths: World-class spin (top-ranked), aggressive batting (Zadran’s 51.71 avg), depth. Weaknesses: Occasional top-order collapses.
West Indies’ squad features emerging talents under King. Explosive openers like Lewis, but spin vulnerability exposed.
West Indies Squad:
| Player | Role |
|---|---|
| Brandon King (c) | Top-order Batter |
| Alick Athanaze | Top-order Batter |
| Keacy Carty | Batter |
| Johnson Charles (wk) | Wicketkeeper Batter |
| Matthew Forde | Bowler |
| Justin Greaves | Allrounder |
| Shimron Hetmyer | Middle-order Batter |
| Amir Jangoo (wk) | 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 |
Strengths: Power-hitting (Hetmyer, Lewis), pace (Joseph, Seales). Concerns: Inconsistent form, weak against spin.
Comparison: AFG’s spin trumps WI’s pace; batting edges to AFG due to form. Will WI’s auditions for World Cup pay off? (Image: Afghanistan squad huddle – showcasing team unity.)
AFG vs WI 3rd T20I Probable Playing 11: Predicted Lineups and Selection Insights
Afghanistan likely stick with winners; West Indies may tweak for pride.
Afghanistan Probable XI:
- Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk)
- Ibrahim Zadran
- Sediqullah Atal
- Darwish Rasooli
- Azmatullah Omarzai
- Mohammad Nabi
- Gulbadin Naib
- Rashid Khan (c)
- Noor Ahmad
- Mujeeb Ur Rahman
- Fazalhaq Farooqi
Reasoning: Unchanged after dominance. Atal’s 53 in second game secures spot; spin trio intact for Dubai pitch.
West Indies Probable XI:
- Brandon King (c)
- Evin Lewis
- Alick Athanaze
- Shimron Hetmyer
- Johnson Charles (wk)
- Shamar Springer
- Justin Greaves
- Gudakesh Motie
- Matthew Forde
- Shamar Joseph
- Jayden Seales
Changes: Possible inclusion of Pierre for spin; Hetmyer needs to fire. Balance: 6 batters, 5 bowlers.
Tactics: AFG focus on spin; WI on pace early. Will WI drop underperformers like Carty?
Top Batters to Watch in Afghanistan vs West Indies 3rd T20I 2026
Ibrahim Zadran (AFG)
Zadran’s form is red-hot: 362 runs in 9 T20s (avg 51.71, SR 126.57). In series: 109 runs avg 109. Anchor role suits him; vs WI, 161 runs avg 32.20. Expect him to set platform.
Darwish Rasooli (AFG)
Star of series: 68 in second (back-to-back 50s), 290 runs in 10 T20s (SR 136.79). Aggressive middle-order; could exploit WI pacers.
Rahmanullah Gurbaz (AFG)
Explosive opener; powerplay threat. Recent starts promising; big score due.
Alick Athanaze (WI)
197 runs in 9 T20s (SR 123.89). Needs breakthrough; top-order stability key.
Brandon King (WI)
Captain’s burden: 99 runs in 7 T20s. Must lead; vs spin, crucial.
Shimron Hetmyer (WI)
Middle-order firepower; past big knocks vs AFG. Can he turn tide?
Bold stats highlight potential: Can these batters deliver under pressure? (Image: Ibrahim Zadran batting – Afghanistan’s reliable opener.)
Best Bowlers to Watch: Spin vs Pace Battle in Dubai
Mujeeb Ur Rahman (AFG)
17 wickets in 8 T20s (econ 6.91). Mystery spin lethal on Dubai; WI struggle against him.
Rashid Khan (AFG)
12 wickets in 8 (econ 4.93). World’s best; landmark series possible.
Noor Ahmad (AFG)
Young gun; grip on pitch. Trio could dismantle WI middle-order.
Matthew Forde (WI)
7 wickets in 6 (econ 7.04). Emerging pacer; early swing key.
Jayden Seales (WI)
7 wickets in 6 (econ 9.83). Pace option; death overs vital.
Gudakesh Motie (WI)
Spin hope; must counter AFG batters.
Match-ups: Rashid vs Hetmyer—fireworks!
Key All-rounders and X-Factor Players
Azmatullah Omarzai (AFG)
Dual threat: 26* cameo in second; batting + pace. X-factor in death.
Mohammad Nabi (AFG)
Veteran: Experience, off-spin, finishing. Invaluable.
Gulbadin Naib (AFG)
Batting allrounder; handy overs.
Shamar Springer (WI)
Allrounder; potential impact.
Justin Greaves (WI)
Balance provider; needs to step up.
These players could swing the game—watch for their contributions.
Afghanistan vs West Indies T20I Head-to-Head Records and History
Afghanistan vs West Indies 3rd T20I 2026 AFG vs WI rivalry is even: 10 matches, 5 wins each. Recent tilt to AFG (4 of last 5).
Last 10 Encounters:
| Date | Winner | Margin | Venue |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan 21, 2026 | AFG | 39 runs | Dubai |
| Jan 19, 2026 | AFG | 38 runs | Dubai |
| Jun 18, 2024 | WI | 104 runs | Gros Islet |
| Nov 17, 2019 | AFG | 29 runs | Lucknow |
| Nov 16, 2019 | AFG | 41 runs | Lucknow |
| Nov 14, 2019 | WI | 30 runs | Lucknow |
| Jun 5, 2017 | WI | 72 runs | Basseterre |
| Jun 4, 2017 | WI | 110 runs | Basseterre |
| Mar 27, 2016 | AFG | 6 runs | Nagpur |
| Nov 29, 2015 | AFG | 17 runs | Nagpur (warm-up) |
Trends: AFG dominate in Asia/UAE; WI in Caribbean. Highest total: WI 218/4 (2024). Evolution: AFG’s growth evident.
Recent Team Form and Momentum Analysis
Afghanistan (Last 5 T20Is): W W W W W
Unbeaten streak: Wins over WI (twice), Qatar, Zimbabwe. Momentum high; spin firing, batting consistent.
West Indies (Last 5 T20Is): L L NR L L
Struggles: Losses to NZ, AFG. Form dip; batting collapses.
AFG’s strengths: Adaptability, depth. WI’s weaknesses: Spin vulnerability, inconsistency.
Afghanistan vs West Indies 3rd T20I 2026: Match Prediction and Key Battles
Afghanistan vs West Indies 3rd T20I 2026 Prediction: Afghanistan win (70% probability). Likely: AFG post 170-180 or chase easily. Key battles: Rashid vs Lewis, Mujeeb vs Hetmyer.
Scenario: WI bat first 150-160; AFG chase in 18 overs. Or AFG first, defend with spin.
Final Thoughts
Afghanistan vs West Indies 3rd T20I 2026 promises excitement. AFG’s form makes them favorites for a clean sweep, boosting World Cup prep. WI fight for pride. Share your predictions in comments—let’s discuss!
FAQs: Afghanistan vs West Indies 3rd T20I 2026
1. When and where is the Afghanistan vs West Indies 3rd T20I 2026 being played? The Afghanistan vs West Indies 3rd T20I 2026 is scheduled for January 22, 2026, at 6:30 PM local time (2:30 PM GMT, 8:00 PM IST) at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai, UAE. This decisive match concludes the three-match T20I series with Afghanistan leading 2-0.
2. What is the current series status in the AFG vs WI T20I series UAE 2026? Afghanistan hold an unassailable 2-0 lead after winning the first T20I by 38 runs and the second by 39 runs. The Afghanistan vs West Indies 3rd T20I 2026 offers AFG the chance to complete a clean sweep while West Indies fight to avoid a whitewash and salvage pride.
3. What is the Dubai International Stadium pitch report 2026 for T20Is? The Dubai pitch in January 2026 is batsman-friendly with consistent bounce early on, but it slows and assists spinners in the middle and death overs. Afghanistan vs West Indies 3rd T20I 2026 Dew is a major factor in evening games, giving chasing teams a historical 55% win advantage. Recent averages show first-innings scores around 170.
4. Who are the key batters to watch in Afghanistan vs West Indies 3rd T20I 2026? Afghanistan vs West Indies 3rd T20I 2026 Standout batters include Ibrahim Zadran (AFG) with a 51.71 average in recent T20Is, Darwish Rasooli (AFG) riding back-to-back fifties, Rahmanullah Gurbaz (AFG) for powerplay aggression, and West Indies’ Shimron Hetmyer, Brandon King, and Alick Athanaze who need big scores to counter Afghanistan’s bowling.
5. Who are the best bowlers to watch in the AFG vs WI 3rd T20I Dubai 2026? Afghanistan vs West Indies 3rd T20I 2026 Afghanistan’s spin trio dominates: Rashid Khan (economy 4.93), Mujeeb Ur Rahman (17 wickets in 8 games), and Noor Ahmad. For West Indies, Matthew Forde, Jayden Seales, and Gudakesh Motie offer pace and spin threats, but they face tough Dubai conditions.
6. What is the probable playing XI for Afghanistan in the 3rd T20I 2026? Afghanistan vs West Indies 3rd T20I 2026 Afghanistan’s predicted XI (likely unchanged): 1. Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk), 2. Ibrahim Zadran, 3. Sediqullah Atal, 4. Darwish Rasooli, 5. Azmatullah Omarzai, 6. Mohammad Nabi, 7. Gulbadin Naib, 8. Rashid Khan (c), 9. Noor Ahmad, 10. Mujeeb Ur Rahman, 11. Fazalhaq Farooqi.
7. What is the probable playing XI for West Indies in the Dubai T20I 2026? Afghanistan vs West Indies 3rd T20I 2026 West Indies’ predicted XI: 1. Brandon King (c), 2. Evin Lewis, 3. Alick Athanaze, 4. Shimron Hetmyer, 5. Johnson Charles (wk), 6. Shamar Springer, 7. Justin Greaves, 8. Gudakesh Motie, 9. Matthew Forde, 10. Shamar Joseph, 11. Jayden Seales.
8. What is the head-to-head record between Afghanistan and West Indies in T20Is? Afghanistan vs West Indies 3rd T20I 2026 In 10 T20I encounters, both teams have 5 wins each. Afghanistan have dominated recent matches, winning 4 of the last 5, including the ongoing series’ first two games in Dubai.
9. What is the weather forecast for Afghanistan vs West Indies 3rd T20I in Dubai? Expect clear skies on January 22, 2026, with temperatures 17–21°C, humidity 38–60% (increasing dew), light wind, and 0% chance of rain. Afghanistan vs West Indies 3rd T20I 2026 Conditions favor a full uninterrupted match, with dew benefiting the chasing side.
10. Who is likely to win the Afghanistan vs West Indies 3rd T20I 2026? Afghanistan are strong favorites (70% probability) to complete the clean sweep, powered by superior form, world-class spin bowling, and familiarity with Dubai conditions. Afghanistan vs West Indies 3rd T20I 2026 West Indies need explosive batting performances to cause an upset.