AFG vs WI 2026: Afghanistan vs West Indies Highlights & Result – 1st T20I

Published - 19 Jan 2026, 23:35 IST | Updated - 20 Jan 2026, 00:09 IST

Afghanistan began their T20I series against West Indies with a clinical 38-run victory in the first match at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on January 19, as they went 1-0 up.

Opting to bat first, Afghanistan recovered from an early blow when Rahmanullah Gurbaz was run out for a first-ball duck. Following this, a rebuilding act from Ibrahim Zadran and Darwish Rasooli. On a two-paced surface, the duo paced their innings brilliantly. Zadran anchored the innings with an unbeaten 87 off 56 balls, while Rasooli played the aggressor’s role, smashing 84 from 59 deliveries. Their third-wicket partnership powered Afghanistan to 181/3.

In reply, the West Indies never settled in the chase of 182. Early wickets put them immediately on the back foot, with Mujeeb Ur Rahman picking two wickets inside the powerplay. Rashid Khan then ran through the middle overs, exposing the Windies’ middle order.

Quentin Sampson showed some promise with a 30, while late cameos from Matthew Forde and Gudakesh Motie. Afghanistan’s spinners shared the damage, with Ziaur Rahman picking up three wickets and Rashid, Mujeeb, and Noor Ahmad chipping in with two apiece.

Darwish Rasooli produced a brilliant innings that guided Afghanistan to a commanding win. Walking in early after the fall of wickets, Rasooli absorbed pressure during the middle overs before shifting gears at the death. His 84 off 59 balls featured eight boundaries and two sixes.

Ziaur Rahman played a crucial role in dismantling the West Indies’ chase with a three-wicket haul. He struck at crucial moments to break partnerships and keep the pressure firmly on the batters. Ziaur finished with figures of 3 for 36, removing Evin Lewis, Quentin Sampson, and Khary Pierre, each dismissal denting the visitors’ hopes.

Darwish Rasooli was named Player of the Match for his knock of 84 runs against the West Indies in the first T20Is at Dubai. The right-hand batter played in the opening fixture, forging a crucial partnership with Ibrahim Zadran, which powered Afghanistan to a commanding total.

Afghanistan will take on the West Indies in the second T20I of the three-match series on Wednesday, January 21, in Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai.