Afghanistan outclass West Indies: Zadran & Rasooli lead 38-run T20I victory

Afghanistan hand West Indies 38-run defeat in Dubai T20I opener.

Afghanistan gave West Indies a reality check ahead of the T20 World Cup 2026, defeating them by 38 runs in the first T20I on Monday, January 19, at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. On a spin-friendly Dubai track, Ibrahim Zadran’s unbeaten 87 off 56 balls and Darwish Rasooli’s 84 off 59 propelled Afghanistan to a formidable 181 for 3.

Chasing 182, West Indies were stifled by Afghanistan’s disciplined spin trio of Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Rashid Khan, and Noor Ahmad, who shared six wickets and maintained relentless pressure throughout the innings.

Afghanistan started shakily, losing Rahmanullah Gurbaz on the first ball run out by Gukesh Motie’s direct hit, followed soon after by Sediqullah Atal, who edged a short ball to a brilliant one-handed catch by Brandon King at first slip. At 19 for 2, Zadran and Rasooli rebuilt the innings with a monumental 162-run partnership off 106 balls, steering Afghanistan to a competitive total. Jayden Seales (1/30) was the only West Indies bowler to maintain control, while Matthew Forde conceded 51 runs for his lone wicket in four overs.

West Indies’ reply faltered early as openers Brandon King (4) and Evin Lewis (4) fell cheaply. By the time Mujeeb (2/29) and Rashid (2/19) had spun their webs, the visitors were struggling at 50 for 5. Quenton Sampson (30) and Forde (25) briefly steadied the innings with a 45-run sixth-wicket stand, but Ziaur Rahman Sharifi (3/36) and Noor Ahmad (2/34) ensured the partnership never threatened the target.

Restricted to 143 for 9 in 20 overs, West Indies succumbed to a comprehensive 38-run defeat. Darwish Rasooli was named Player of the Match for his 84-run effort. The two sides will meet again in the second T20I on Wednesday, January 21, at the same venue.