Afghanistan beat West Indies by 38 runs in the first T20I
Afghanistan posted 181/3, led by Ibrahim Zadran (87)* and Darwish Rasooli (84)
West Indies were restricted to 143/9, falling 38 runs short
Afghanistan ook on West Indies in the the opening match of their three-game T20I series, at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Monday (January 19, 2026).
Afghanistan set the tone in the opening game of the three-match T20I series in Dubai by posting a commanding 181 for 3 after winning the toss and electing to bat.
The backbone of their innings was a superb partnership between Ibrahim Zadran and Darwish Rasooli, the duo eased the Afghan recovery after early setbacks and put on a big stand that set up a challenging total for the visitors. Zadran remained unbeaten on a hard-fought 87, while Rasooli scored a valuable 84, helping Afghanistan build momentum through the middle and late overs.
Chasing 182, West Indies struggled to find consistency as regular wickets kept them on the back foot throughout their innings. Brandon King and Evin Lewis provided brief starts, but the Windies batting unit couldn’t form any meaningful partnerships against disciplined Afghan bowling. Quentin Sampson showed intent with a useful 30 on debut, but frequent dismissals stalled the chase and kept pressure mounting.
In the end, West Indies were restricted to 143 for 9 in their 20 overs, falling 38 runs short of the target as Afghanistan secured a comprehensive victory. The result gave Afghanistan an early lead in the series, highlighting their all-round performance with both bat and ball ahead of the upcoming fixtures.
Afghanistan Vs West Indies, 1st T20I: Toss Update
Afghanistan won the toss and elected to bat first against West Indies.
Afghanistan Vs West Indies, 1st T20I: Playing XIs
Afghanistan: Ibrahim Zadran, Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk), Sediqullah Atal, Darwish Rasooli, Mohammad Nabi, Azmatullah Omarzai, Gulbadin Naib, Rashid Khan (c), Noor Ahmad, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Ziaur Rahman Sharifi
West Indies: Brandon King (c), Evin Lewis, Johnson Charles (wk), Amir Jangoo, Shimron Hetmyer, Quentin Sampson, Matthew Forde, Gudakesh Motie, Shamar Joseph, Khary Pierre, Jayden Seales
Afghanistan Vs West Indies, 1st T20I: Live Streaming Info
Where will the Afghanistan vs West Indies, 1st T20I be telecast and live streamed?
The Afghanistan vs West Indies, 1st T20I will be live streamed on the FanCode app and website in India. It will not be telecast on any TV channel in the country.
Afghanistan Vs West Indies, 1st T20I: Squads
Afghanistan: Sediqullah Atal, Ibrahim Zadran, Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk), Gulbadin Naib, Darwish Rasooli, Azmatullah Omarzai, Mohammad Nabi, Shahidullah Kamal, Mohammad Ishaq, Rashid Khan (c), Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Ziaur Rahman Sharifi, Noor Ahmad, Abdullah Ahmadzai
West Indies: Evin Lewis, Alick Athanaze, Brandon King (c), Shimron Hetmyer, Johnson Charles (wk), Keacy Carty, Justin Greaves, Quentin Sampson, Gudakesh Motie, Amir Jangoo, Matthew Forde, Jayden Seales, Shamar Springer, Khary Pierre, Ramon Simmonds, Shamar Joseph
