Afghanistan vs West Indies Highlights, 1st T20I | Jan 19: Rasooli and Zadran Power Afghans to Comprehensive Victory

AFG vs WI 1st T20I Afghanistan vs West Indies Match Highlights saw Afghanistan post 181/3 at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium before restricting West Indies to 143/9 in their 20 overs. The result gave Afghanistan a 38-run victory in the opening T20I of the series, giving them an early lead in the three-match set.

Afghanistan elected to bat first on a pitch offering good bounce and pace, a surface that allowed their top order to settle quickly. While Rahmanullah Gurbaz fell without scoring, Sediqullah Atal’s brief cameo and a substantial 84 from Darwish Rasooli, supported by an unbeaten 87 from Ibrahim Zadran, provided a solid platform. Extras contributed modestly with eight runs, reflecting disciplined batting execution.

The West Indies attack had moments of control, notably Jayden Seales’ early breakthrough and Matthew Forde conceding runs at 12.75 per over, but Afghanistan capitalized on gaps in line and length. Mujeeb Ur Rahman and Rashid Khan provided tidy overs that prevented sustained scoring, keeping West Indies’ run rate under check during the middle overs.

West Indies’ chase never fully gathered momentum. Early dismissals of Brandon King and Evin Lewis left the team reeling at 50/5 within ten overs. While Johnson Charles and Quentin Sampson attempted counter-attacking innings, tight bowling from Ziaur Rahman and Noor Ahmad ensured the middle-order resistance could not shift the momentum significantly. Late hitting from Gudakesh Motie provided fleeting acceleration but fell short of the target.

Tactically, Afghanistan’s use of their spin and pace resources in tandem, particularly deploying Rashid Khan and Mujeeb Ur Rahman during key phases, effectively stifled the West Indies middle order. The visiting side lacked partnerships of substance, leaving them unable to challenge the total despite brief flurries of scoring.

Toss Winner

Afghanistan, having won the toss, decided to take first strike with the bat.

Key Moment

West Indies’ early powerplay collapse, losing five wickets for just 50 runs in the first ten overs, decisively swung the match in Afghanistan’s favour.

Star Performer / MVP

Darwish Rasooli defined the match with 84 runs from 59 balls and three catches, anchoring Afghanistan’s innings while contributing in the field.

AFG vs WI Match Summary

AFG vs WI Playing XI

Afghanistan: Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Ibrahim Zadran, Sediqullah Atal, Darwish Rasooli, Mohammad Nabi, Azmatullah Omarzai, Gulbadin Naib, Rashid Khan, Noor Ahmad, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Ziaur Rahman

West Indies: Brandon King, Evin Lewis, Johnson Charles, Amir Jangoo, Shimron Hetmyer, Quentin Sampson, Matthew Forde, Gudakesh Motie, Khary Pierre, Shamar Joseph, Jayden Seales