West Indies vs Afghanistan Highlights, 3rd T20I | Jan 22: West Indies Defend 151 to Beat Afghanistan by 15 Runs; Afghanistan Win Series 2-1

WI vs AFG 3rd Afghanistan v West Indies T20I Highlights

West Indies secured a 15-run victory over Afghanistan in the third T20I at Dubai International Cricket Stadium, defending 151 on a surface that rewarded discipline through the middle overs. The result closed the series with Afghanistan taking it 2–1 despite West Indies’ late resurgence. The match hinged on controlled bowling after the halfway mark, following a competitive but imperfect batting effort.

West Indies batted first after Afghanistan opted to field, and the pitch played true early before slowing marginally as the innings progressed. Brandon King anchored the top order with 47 from 35 balls, providing stability while wickets fell at regular intervals. Johnson Charles and Keacy Carty were unable to convert starts, and the innings threatened to drift during the middle phase as Rashid Khan’s four overs cost just 13 runs and removed two key batters.

The middle-order acceleration came in flashes rather than a sustained surge. Shimron Hetmyer struck two sixes in a brief cameo, but it was Matthew Forde’s late counterattack that lifted the total to a defendable 151/7. Forde’s 27 from 11 balls, combined with Shamar Springer’s finishing contribution, ensured West Indies crossed the 150 mark after being 103/5 in the 16th over.

Afghanistan’s chase began with authority through Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Ibrahim Zadran, who added 72 for the first wicket and controlled the powerplay without loss. Gurbaz’s 71 off 58 balls anchored the pursuit, but the scoring rate dipped once the field spread and West Indies introduced pace-off options. The middle overs brought a clear shift as boundaries dried up and pressure accumulated.

The decisive phase came between overs 16 and 19. With Afghanistan at 114/4 and the chase intact, Shamar Springer produced a decisive spell that dismantled the lower order. Gurbaz’s dismissal at 18.1 overs was followed immediately by Rashid Khan and Shahidullah falling in successive deliveries, collapsing the chase beyond recovery. Afghanistan closed on 136/8, falling short despite a promising platform.

Toss Winner

Afghanistan elected to bowl after winning the toss.

Key Moment

Shamar Springer’s four-wicket spell, including the rapid dismissals of Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Rashid Khan, and Shahidullah between overs 18.1 and 18.3, decisively swung the match as Afghanistan slipped from 127/5 to 127/7.

Star Performer / MVP

Shamar Springer earned Player of the Match honors for his 4/20 from four overs, applying decisive control in the death phase and breaking Afghanistan’s chase.

West Indies vs Afghanistan Match Summary

WI vs AFG Playing XI

West Indies:

Brandon King, Johnson Charles, Keacy Carty, Justin Greaves, Shimron Hetmyer, Quentin Sampson, Matthew Forde, Shamar Springer, Gudakesh Motie, Khary Pierre, Ramon Simmonds

Afghanistan:

Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Ibrahim Zadran, Sediqullah Atal, Darwish Rasooli, Mohammad Nabi, Gulbadin Naib, Rashid Khan, Shahidullah, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Abdollah Ahmadzai, Ziaur Rahman